Chermside West

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

Chermside West's population was around 7,010 as of November 2025. This is an increase of 399 people from the 6,611 reported in the 2021 Census, reflecting a growth rate of 6.0%. The change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,008 in June 2024 and the addition of 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,061 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Chermside West's growth rate since the census is within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's 7.3%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, 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 the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a growth of 754 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of 10.7% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Chermside West according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Chermside West has seen approximately 12 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 62 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 4.8 people have moved to the area each year for each dwelling built during this period.

This supply lagging behind demand typically results in increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new properties is around $411,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. Commercial approvals registered this financial year totaled $1.1 million, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Chermside West has significantly less development activity, with 57.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

The area's new construction has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining its traditional suburban character focused on family homes. There are approximately 636 people per dwelling approval in Chermside West, reflecting an established market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the location is forecasted to gain around 752 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 12 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are Brisbane Metro Extension - Northern Transitway, Fifth Avenue, The Rise Chermside West, and Chermside Westfield Expansion & Redevelopment (Stage 2). The following list details those projects considered most 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.

Chermside West ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Chermside West has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2025.

There was an estimated employment growth of 10.6% over the past year. As of that date, 4,146 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 0.9% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 67.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area had particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Manufacturing had limited presence with 4.0% employment compared to 6.4% regionally. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 10.6% while labour force increased by 10.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points in Chermside West. In Greater Brisbane, employment grew by 3.8%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points during this period. As of 25-Nov, QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chermside West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Chermside West SA2 had incomes above national averages according to AreaSearch's ATO data aggregation for financial year 2022. Its median income was $57,504 and average income stood at $68,950, compared to Greater Brisbane's figures of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. By September 2025, adjusted for a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $65,549 (median) and $78,596 (average). The 2021 Census showed Chermside West's household, family, and personal incomes clustered around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income analysis revealed that 33.9% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a significant 31.7% earning above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounted for 13.5% of income, while strong earnings placed residents in the 79th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking was in the 7th decile.

Chermside West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Chermside West's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.5% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. Brisbane metro had 67.2% houses and 32.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chermside West was at 36.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.6% and rented ones at 25.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, lower than Brisbane metro's $2,100. The median weekly rent was $455, higher than Brisbane metro's $390. Nationally, Chermside West's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Chermside West features high concentrations of family households and group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 77.6% of all households, including 36.6% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.4%, with lone person households at 18.6% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.4.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 33.0%, surpassing the Queensland average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 20.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Chermside West has 32 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together facilitate 1,816 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 204 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 259 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 56 weekly trips per individual stop.

Chermside West's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Chermside West residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~3764 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 56%.

Mental health issues affect 8.2%, while asthma impacts 7.1%. Around 70.1% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.1%. As of 2021, 16.6% (~1160 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's profile.

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

Chermside West had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 26.4% of its residents born overseas and 19.2% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Chermside West, accounting for 54.1%, compared to 52.2% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (24.2%), Australian (23.8%), and Irish (9.6%).

Notably, Samoan, Indian, and Italian ethnicities had higher representations in Chermside West than in the broader region: Samoan at 0.7% versus 0.4%, Indian at 3.9% versus 2.1%, and Italian at 4.4% versus 4.0%.

Chermside West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Chermside West's median age is 37 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and close to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Chermside West has a higher percentage of residents aged 85 and above (3.1%) but fewer residents aged 25 to 34 (12.9%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.6% to 13.9%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 11.0% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Chermside West's age profile. The 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 25%, adding 221 residents to reach a total of 1,103. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.