Browns Plains
Statistical Area - sa2

Browns Plains lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Browns Plains' population was 8,161 as of the 2021 Census. By Nov 2025, it had increased to around 9,548, a rise of 1,387 people (17.0%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 1,302 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Browns Plains' growth exceeded both national (8.9%) and state averages, driven primarily by interstate migration contributing approximately 41.2% of overall gains. For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data for SA2 areas up to 2032, then Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections post-2032.

By 2041, Browns Plains' population is forecast to increase by 2,505 persons, reflecting a total rise of 22.7% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Browns Plains was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Browns Plains has averaged approximately 77 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25389 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, around 2.9 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $262,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $66.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Browns Plains shows about half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 84th percentile of areas assessed nationally. In terms of dwelling types, 33.0% are detached dwellings while 67.0% are medium and high-density housing, reflecting a shift towards denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This trend differs from the area's existing housing stock, which is currently 82.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles driving demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

The location has approximately 139 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market with population forecasts expecting Browns Plains to gain 2,169 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Browns Plains has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Grand Plaza Browns Plains - Amenities Refurbishment, The Avenues at Browns Plains, Grand Plaza Shopping Centre Refurbishment, and Browns Plains Central. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Browns Plains remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Browns Plains has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 5.7% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 4,491 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Browns Plains is lower at 58.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors. The area has a particularly strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 3.4% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicates higher local employment opportunities than usual. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 5.7% while labour force grew by 4.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a drop in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025, national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Browns Plains' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Browns Plains had a median taxpayer income of $51,305 and an average income of $57,018. Nationally, the median was $55,645 and the average was $70,520. By September 2025, estimates suggest these figures will be approximately $58,483 (median) and $64,995 (average), based on a 13.99% increase since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data ranks Browns Plains incomes modestly, between the 28th and 33rd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The earnings profile shows that 37.9% of locals (3,618 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the surrounding region where 33.3% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability is severe, with only 80.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile.

Browns Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Browns Plains' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.5% houses and 18.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Compared to Brisbane metro's 81.7% houses and 18.3% other dwellings, Browns Plains had a slightly lower proportion of houses. Home ownership in Browns Plains was at 18.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.8% and rented ones at 47.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,600. The median weekly rent figure for Browns Plains was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Browns Plains' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Browns Plains features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households make up 75.6% of all households, including 33.8% couples with children, 21.2% couples without children, and 19.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 20.3% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0.

Browns Plains faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.6%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 28.7%. Educational participation is high, with 34.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 13.2% in primary, 10.6% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education. The four schools in Browns Plains have a combined enrollment of 2,157 students. Educational provision is conventional, with one primary and three secondary institutions. The area serves as an education hub, offering 22.6 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 11.7, attracting students from nearby communities. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Browns Plains has 27 active public transport stops. All are bus stops. These stops are served by 17 different routes.

Together, they facilitate 2,645 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 398 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 377 trips per day across all routes. This equates to approximately 97 weekly trips per individual stop.

Browns Plains's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Browns Plains' health metrics are close to national benchmarks. The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover rate is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 4,611 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 9.1 and 8.6% of residents respectively. About 70.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. As of 2021, 10.1% of Browns Plains' residents are aged 65 and over (around 962 people), which is lower than the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

Browns Plains is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Browns Plains has a high level of cultural diversity, with 31.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.3% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Browns Plains, making up 41.7% of the population. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 9.5% of Browns Plains' population versus 5.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.9%), Australian (20.4%), and Other (18.8%). Notable divergences exist in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maori is overrepresented at 3.4%, Samoan at 2.6%, and New Zealand at 1.2%.

Browns Plains hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Browns Plains's median age in 2021 was 32 years, which is lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and significantly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Browns Plains had a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (2.9%). Between 2021 and now, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 13.7% to 15.4%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 15.3% to 14.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Browns Plains's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 491 people (46%), from 1,073 to 1,565. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age cohort is expected to remain relatively stable, with a modest growth of 0% (3 people).