Capalaba

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 was around 19,206 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 18,254 people, marking a growth of 952 individuals (5.2%). The change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 19,128 in June 2024 and the addition of 121 validated new addresses since the census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,016 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages observed across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Capalaba's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.6%), positioning it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.2% of the 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 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, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. According to projected demographic shifts, the area's population is expected to decline by 7 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 829 people.

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

Capalaba averaged approximately 63 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 317 homes. As of FY26, 20 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to about one new resident per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. The average construction value for these dwellings is $323,000.

In this financial year, $22.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Capalaba's construction rates are similar to Greater Brisbane on a per person basis, indicating market stability aligned with regional trends but lower than national averages, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints. New developments comprise 47% standalone homes and 53% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 78% houses) may indicate decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles preferences. With around 237 people per dwelling approval, Capalaba exhibits low-density characteristics. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Capalaba may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Capalaba may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Capalaba has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include the Capalaba Town Centre Revitalisation Project, Brisbane Metro Expansion to Capalaba, Daveson Road Social and Affordable Housing initiative, and Birkdale Community Precinct including Redland Whitewater Centre. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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The labour market in Capalaba shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Capalaba has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2025.

Employment grew by an estimated 6.1% over the past year. As of that date, 11,096 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is 0.5% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4%. Workforce participation was in line with Greater Brisbane's figure of 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among Capalaba residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, at 5.7% 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 September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.1%, while the labour force grew by 5.7%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.8% over the same period. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% between November 2024 and November 2025, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Capalaba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though these figures are illustrative extrapolations and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Capalaba SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $55,478 and an average of $64,351 in financial year 2022, according to AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data. Nationally, this is approximately average. In Greater Brisbane, the median was $55,645 and the average was $70,520. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median of $63,239 and an average of $73,354, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 income data shows Capalaba's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 49th and 49th percentiles. The $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominates with 36.0% of residents (6,914 people), consistent with broader trends in the surrounding region at 33.3%. Housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile. Capalaba's SEIFA income ranking places 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, consisted of 77.5% houses and 22.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 85.0% houses and 15.1% other dwellings. Capalaba's home ownership rate 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 $1,950. The 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 comprise 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's university qualification rate is 18.6%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 30.6%. Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.6% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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, all of which are bus routes. There are 21 different routes serving these stops, together offering 1,379 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Capalaba is rated as good, with residents on average being located 226 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 197 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 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), compared to 55.1% across Greater Brisbane.

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

In terms of cultural diversity, Capalaba records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Capalaba's cultural diversity was above average, with 10.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 22.8% born overseas. Christianity dominated religiously, comprising 50.9%. Other religions were overrepresented at 1.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.8%.

Ancestral wise, English (30.2%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (8.2%) were the top groups. Notably, Maori (1.4% vs 1.2%), New Zealand (1.0% vs 1.2%), and German (4.4% vs 4.3%) had higher representations than regional averages.

Capalaba's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Capalaba as of 2021 was 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years but close to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Capalaba had a greater proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.9%) and fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.8%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 5.1% to 6.5%, while the proportion of those aged 25 to 34 decreased from 13.2% to 11.8%. The share of residents aged 55 to 64 also dropped, from 13.2% to 12.1%. By 2041, Capalaba's age composition is projected to change significantly. The number of people aged 75 to 84 is expected to grow by 57%, reaching 1,975 from 1,256. This growth will be driven primarily by the aging population, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 90% of the projected increase. Conversely, declines are projected for the populations aged 15 to 24 and 55 to 64.