Chermside

Chermside lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Chermside's population is around 13,102 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,676 people (14.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,426 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,506 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 573 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,864 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Chermside's 14.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.1%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 61.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 4,872 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 32.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Chermside has recorded around 123 residential properties granted approval annually, with 615 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 72 so far in FY-26. At an average of 2.3 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $415,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. There have also been $52.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Chermside shows 147.0% higher development activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. New development consists of 10.0% standalone homes and 90.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 138 people per dwelling approval, Chermside shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Chermside will gain 4,276 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Chermside has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 22 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Prince Charles Hospital Expansion, Chermside Westfield Expansion & Redevelopment (Stage 2), Brisbane Metro - Northern Busway Extension (Roma Street to Carseldine), and 705-707 Hamilton Road Development, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 Chermside remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Chermside has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 6.4%, and 11.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,788 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.3% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (74.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, education & training shows lower representation at 5.9% versus the regional average of 9.4%. With 1.4 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 11.1% and the labour force increased by 9.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Chermside. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Chermside's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Chermside SA2 is just below the national average, with the median assessed at $56,033 while the average income stands at $65,603. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $61,586 (median) and $72,104 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 58th percentile ($844 weekly), while household income sits at the 30th percentile. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.8% of residents (4,428 people), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 21st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Chermside features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Chermside, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 21.4% houses and 78.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Chermside lagged that of Brisbane metro, at 15.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (17.7%) or rented (66.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Brisbane metro average at $1,690, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $370, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Chermside's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Chermside features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 50.5% of all households, comprising 13.7% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 49.5%, with lone person households at 41.8% and group households comprising 7.6% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Chermside exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (34.7% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the QLD average of 25.7% and the Australian average (30.4%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 24.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (20.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in tertiary education, 6.3% in primary education, and 4.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 67 active transport stops operating within Chermside, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 25 individual routes, collectively providing 3,957 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 145 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 71%, with 12% by bus and 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 17.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 565 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 59 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Chermside is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Chermside, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,799 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.0% and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 66.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,592 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Chermside 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

Chermside scores highly on cultural diversity, with 28.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 36.1% born overseas. The main religion in Chermside is Christianity, which makes up 45.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 5.6% of the population, compared to 2.2% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Chermside are English, comprising 23.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 13.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 3.3% of Chermside (vs 1.2% regionally), Korean at 1.1% (vs 0.5%) and New Zealand at 1.0% (vs 1.0%).

Chermside's population is younger than the national pattern

Chermside's median age of 36 years stands equal to Greater Brisbane's 36, though somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 21.7% compared to Greater Brisbane, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 7.1%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 7.3% to 8.8% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort increased from 9.7% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 23.5% to 21.7% and the 85+ group dropped from 4.6% to 3.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Chermside. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 780 people (78%) from 994 to 1,775. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 7% (38 people).