Capalaba
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Capalaba reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Capalaba's population is around 19,206 as of August 2025. This reflects an increase of 952 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,254 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,128 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,016 persons per square kilometer. Capalaba's growth rate of 5.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.6%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 52.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Projected demographic shifts indicate a decline in overall population by 7 persons by 2041, but growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 829 people.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Capalaba when compared nationally

Capalaba has averaged approximately 63 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows 317 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with 10 approvals recorded so far in FY26. On average, one new resident per year has been associated with each dwelling constructed during these years, suggesting that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties is $404,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year, $22.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Capalaba maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. However, this activity is below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 47.0% detached dwellings and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 78.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. Capalaba has approximately 237 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a low-density market.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, the area should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Capalaba has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Key projects include the Capalaba Town Centre Revitalisation Project, planned for completion in 2023; Brisbane Metro Expansion to Capalaba, scheduled from 2024 to 2026; and Daveson Road Social and Affordable Housing project, set to commence in late 2022. Other projects likely to be relevant are listed below.

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

The employment environment in Capalaba shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Capalaba has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% as of June 2025, which is 0.2% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year. As of June 2025, there are 10,935 residents employed in Capalaba, with workforce participation at par with Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Major industries for residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly prominent, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 5.7% of Capalaba's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment in Capalaba increased by 4.4%, while the labour force grew by 4.3%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, accompanied by a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. As of Sep-25, Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and employment grew by 0.26%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest a potential future demand within Capalaba. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years, it is projected to grow by 13.7%. Applying these industry-specific projections to Capalaba's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Capalaba had a median income among taxpayers of $55,478 during financial year 2022. The average income level stood at $64,351 in the same period. Nationally, the median was $55,645 and the average was $70,520 for Greater Brisbane. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,974 (median) and $71,887 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Capalaba ranked modestly, between the 49th and 50th percentiles. Income brackets showed that 36.0% of Capalaba's population (6,914 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which was similar to the broader area where this cohort represented 33.3%. High housing costs consumed 16.0% of income in Capalaba. Despite this, disposable income remained at the 50th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

Capalaba's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 77.5% houses and 22.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 85.0% houses and 15.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Capalaba was 30.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.8% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Capalaba was $1,785, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Capalaba was $383, compared to Brisbane metro's $405. Nationally, Capalaba's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Capalaba has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.3% of all households, including 31.6% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.7%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in Capalaba aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 18.6%, substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (30.6%).

Educational participation is high at 26.8%, including 9.6% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education. Capalaba's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,678 students as of the latest data. The schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1010) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary and 1 K-12 school. School places per 100 residents stand at 8.7, below the regional average of 13.2, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Capalaba has 120 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together facilitate 1,379 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically residing approximately 226 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, across all routes, there are 197 trips per day, translating to roughly 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Capalaba is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Capalaba faces significant health challenges, with notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~9,967 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Brisbane's 55.1%.

Mental health issues impact 9.7% of residents, while asthma affects 8.6%. Approximately 65.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Greater Brisbane. As of the latest data (2016), 19.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,743 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Capalaba was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Capalaba's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed above-average cultural diversity with 10.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 22.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 50.9%. The 'Other' category was slightly overrepresented at 1.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.8%.

Regarding ancestry, the top groups were English (30.2%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, Maori (1.4%) and New Zealand (1.0%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Capalaba compared to regional averages of 1.2% each, while German was marginally higher at 4.4%.

Capalaba's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Capalaba was 39 years as of a certain date, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and close to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Capalaba had a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (10.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.8%). Between the censuses of 2021 and an earlier date, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 increased from 5.1% to 6.5%. During this period, the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 decreased from 13.2% to 11.8%, and those aged 55 to 64 dropped from 13.2% to 12.1%. By a certain date in 2041, Capalaba's age composition is expected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 57%, reaching 1,975 from 1,256. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are expected to comprise 90% of the population increase. Conversely, population declines are projected for residents aged 15-24 and those aged 55-64.