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 was around 19,206 as of November 2025, reflecting an increase of 952 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 18,254. This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 19,128 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since then. The population density was 1,016 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages across assessed locations by AreaSearch. Capalaba's growth rate of 5.2% exceeded the SA3 area's 4.6%, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.2% of overall population gains recently. 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilised. Projections indicate a decline of 7 persons by 2041 but growth across specific age cohorts, led by the 75 to 84 age group with an increase of 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, 16 approvals have been recorded. On average, one new resident per year per dwelling constructed has been seen between FY21 and FY25, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction value of these dwellings is $323,000.

In FY26, $22.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Capalaba maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. However, this rate is lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of 47% standalone homes and 53% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse housing options. Capalaba has around 237 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low-density area.

With 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 39thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact the local area. Key projects 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 most likely to be 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.

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%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%. As of June 2025, 10,935 residents were employed, with workforce participation matching Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Capalaba shows strong specialization in construction, 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 worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6 as of the Census, indicating above-norm local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4% and labour force grew by 4.3%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.9%. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4%, labour force expansion of 4.0%, and a fall in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points to 3.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these 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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Capalaba's median income among taxpayers was $55,478, with an average of $64,351. Nationally, the median was $55,645 and the average was $70,520. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $63,239 (median) and $73,354 (average), 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 50th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 36.0% of residents (6,914 people), consistent with surrounding region trends showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile. The area'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), compared to Brisbane metro's 85.0% houses and 15.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Capalaba stood at 30.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.8% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment 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 lower at $1,785 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $383 compared to 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 has university qualification rates of 18.6%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1010) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary schools and 1 K-12 school. School places per 100 residents (8.7) are below the regional average (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, 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 the transport system is rated as good, with residents on average being located 226 meters from their nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 197 trips across all routes, which equates to about 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%. A total of 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.

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 shows higher-than-average cultural diversity, with 10.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 22.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Capalaba, accounting for 50.9%. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 1.1%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (30.2%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (8.2%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Maori is overrepresented at 1.4% compared to the regional average of 1.2%, New Zealand at 1.0% versus 1.2%, and German at 4.4% against 4.3%.

Capalaba's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Capalaba as of 39 years exceeds Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and is close to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Capalaba has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.8%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.1% to 6.5% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 13.2% to 11.8%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 13.2% to 12.1%. By 2041, Capalaba's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 57%, reaching 1,975 people from the current 1,256. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 90% of the population growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age groups.