Browns Plains

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 is approximately 9,548 as of November 2025. From the 2021 Census to June 2024, the population increased by 1,387 people (17.0%), reaching an estimated resident population of 9,212. This increase is attributed to an additional 207 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density as of November 2025 is approximately 1,302 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Browns Plains' growth rate of 17.0% since the 2021 census surpassed both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 41.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. According to population projections, Browns Plains is forecasted to experience significant growth, increasing by 2,505 persons to reach a total of 12,053 by 2041. This reflects an overall increase of 22.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Browns Plains among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Browns Plains averaged approximately 77 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 389 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 6 approved so far in FY26. On average, around 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed each year between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost of new homes was $262,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $66.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Browns Plains shows roughly half the construction activity per person while ranking among the 83rd percentile nationally. The area's new building activity consists of approximately 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, representing a shift from the existing housing stock, which is currently 82.0% houses. This trend suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

The location has about 139 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Browns Plains is expected to gain 2,169 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Browns Plains has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to affect the area. Notable 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 manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate in the area was 5.2% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3% over the past year.

As of that date, 4,472 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 1.2% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Browns Plains was significantly lower at 58.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment among residents was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors. The area showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 3.4% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicated a higher than normal level of local employment opportunities as of the Census. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.3% while labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.6 percentage points in Browns Plains. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a drop of 0.5 percentage points in its unemployment rate. State-level data from QLD as of 25-Nov showed employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Browns Plains's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Browns Plains SA2 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, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,483 (median) and $64,995 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Browns Plains ranks modestly in household, family, and personal incomes, between the 28th and 33rd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 37.9% of locals (3,618 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to the surrounding region where 33.3% occupy this category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.4% of income remaining after housing costs, 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' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.5% houses and 18.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 89.2% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Browns Plains was at 18.2%, with the rest either mortgaged (34.8%) or rented (47.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,600. Median weekly rent was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Browns Plains' mortgage repayments were lower at $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 comprise 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 account for 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 prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (28.7%). Educational participation is high, with 34.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (13.2%), secondary (10.6%), and tertiary (3.8%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.2% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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 operating within its boundaries. These stops are serviced by a mix of buses along 17 individual routes. The total number of weekly passenger trips provided is 2,645.

Transport accessibility in the area is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 398 meters from their nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages around 377 trips per day across all routes, which 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's 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 is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,611 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.1 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 70.1% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 10.1% of residents aged 65 and over (962 people), which is lower than the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention than those for the broader population.

Browns Plains was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Browns Plains has a significant 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 predominant religion in Browns Plains, accounting for 41.7% of the population. Islam, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 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%). Notably, Maori (3.4%) and Samoan (2.6%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 3.2% and 3.0%, respectively. New Zealand-born residents also make up a slightly smaller percentage in Browns Plains at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 1.5%.

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

Browns Plains's median age is 32 years, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Browns Plains has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (2.9%). Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 15-24 grew from 13.7% to 15.4%, while the 25-34 age group decreased from 15.3% to 14.1%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Browns Plains's age profile. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to grow steadily, increasing by 491 people (46%) from 1,073 to 1,565. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group is projected to grow modestly by 0% (3 people).