Caboolture - West

Population growth drivers in Caboolture - West are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Caboolture - West's population was approximately 14,557 as of February 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 2,392 people from the 2021 Census total of 12,165, indicating a growth rate of 19.7%. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,299 in June 2024 and an additional 662 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 592 persons per square kilometer. Caboolture - West's growth rate exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages between 2021 and February 2026, driven primarily by interstate migration contributing approximately 82.8% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts where necessary. By 2041, Caboolture - West is projected to experience a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas, growing by 4,361 persons from the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall gain of 28.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Caboolture West has seen approximately 164 new home approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25, around 821 homes were approved, with an additional 60 approved in FY26 as of now. Each dwelling built over these years has attracted an average of 2.8 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $267,000, aligning with regional patterns. This financial year, $7.8 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Caboolture West maintains similar development levels per person, reflecting a balanced market consistent with the broader area and suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. The new building activity comprises 82% detached houses and 18% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 101 people per dwelling approval, Caboolture West exhibits growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 4,103 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Caboolture - West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of 40 such projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable among these are the D'Aguilar Highway Upgrade (Bellmere Section), Waraba Priority Development Area in Caboolture West Growth Area, Caboolture River Parklands Development, and Moreton Bay Regional Council's Caboolture Hub. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Caboolture - West has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Caboolture West has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 6.7% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 11.1%.

As of that date, 6,261 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Caboolture West lags behind Greater Brisbane at 58.3% compared to 70.7%. Census responses indicate that only 10.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area has a notably high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 5.1 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services have limited presence with only 3.5% of employment compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Many residents appear to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 11.1%, while labour force grew by 6.7%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 3.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and a smaller decrease in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that Caboolture West's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The Caboolture - West SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $47,832 and an average of $54,264 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was below the national average, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,572 (median) and $59,642 (average). Census data showed that household, family and personal incomes in Caboolture - West fell between the 14th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicated that the largest segment comprised 30.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,468 residents), similar to the surrounding region where 33.3% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile.

Caboolture - West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Caboolture - West's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.3% houses and 16.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caboolture - West was 25.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.4% and rented ones at 33.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,560, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $300, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Caboolture - West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Caboolture - West has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 68.7% of all households, including 27.9% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.3%, with lone person households at 27.7% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

Educational outcomes in Caboolture - West fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 11.9%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (33.6%). Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.2% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Caboolture - West has 55 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 80 individual routes, collectively providing 2,442 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited with residents typically located 637 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 348 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Caboolture - West is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Caboolture - West faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~6,812 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.1% and 10.7% of residents respectively. However, 58.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 20.2% of the population (2,946 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

Caboolture - West ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Caboolture-West had a cultural diversity below average, with 87.0% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home, totalling 83.1%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 46.9%. The 'Other' category comprised 0.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 1.3%.

Ancestry-wise, English (31.0%) and Australian (29.1%) were the top groups, with Irish at 7.1%. Notable differences included Maori at 1.0% (vs regional 1.1%), Samoan at 0.5% (vs 0.9%), and German at 4.7% (vs 4.2%).

Caboolture - West's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Caboolture - West is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and close to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Caboolture - West has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (7.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.6%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.5% to 12.7%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 10.9%. By 2041, Caboolture - West's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 59%, adding 676 people and reaching a total of 1,816 from the current 1,139. The 0-4 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 6%, with an increase of 55 residents.