Chermside West
Statistical Area - sa2

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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stood at approximately 7,010 by November 2025. This figure represents a rise of 399 individuals, marking a 6.0% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,611. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,008 recorded by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 8 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,061 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Chermside West's growth rate of 6.0% since census places it within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.3%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch employs 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 using 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilized. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a growth trajectory just below the median of statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, Chermside West is expected to grow by 754 persons, recording a total gain of 10.7% over the 17-year period based on the latest 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 FY21 to FY25, around 62 homes were approved, with another 8 approved so far in FY26. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 4.8 people per year over these five years, indicating substantial demand outstripping supply.

This has likely led to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new properties constructed at an average expected cost of $411,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $1.1 million, reflecting a predominantly residential focus in the area. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Chermside West has significantly less development activity, at 57.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, it is lower still, which could reflect market maturity or possible development constraints.

All new construction in the area over this period was comprised of detached houses, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 636 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Chermside West will gain around 752 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified twelve projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include The Rise Chermside West, Brisbane Metro Extension - Northern Transitway, Fifth Avenue, and Chermside Westfield Expansion & Redevelopment (Stage 2).

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 highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, significantly lower than the national average.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 10.6%. As of June 2025, 4,063 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate stands at 1.3% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is comparable to Greater Brisbane at 67.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Notably, health care & social assistance has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Manufacturing, however, has limited presence at 4.0% compared to 6.4% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 10.6%, while labour force also grew by 10.6%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 2.8%. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4% and labour force expand by 4.0%, with a decrease in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chermside West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Chermside West's median income among taxpayers was $57,504 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $68,950 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Chermside West's median income will be approximately $65,549 and the average will be around $78,596, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Chermside West cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 33.9% of the population (2,376 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the region where 33.3% are in the same category. A significant 31.7% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.5% of income and strong earnings rank residents within the 80th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it 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 such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Brisbane metropolitan area's figures of 67.2% houses and 32.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chermside West stood at 36.7%, with mortgaged properties at 37.6% and rented dwellings at 25.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,058, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure for Chermside West was $455, compared to Brisbane metro's $390. Nationally, Chermside West's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,058 against Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national average 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% among residents aged 15+, exceeding Queensland's average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, 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, including 9.1% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education. The area has two schools serving a total of 1,798 students: Craigslea State High School and Craigslea State School. It demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1071. Educational provision is conventional, split between one primary and one secondary institution. The area functions as an education hub with a high ratio of school places to residents at 25.7 per 100, significantly above the regional average of 16.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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 deemed good, with residents on average located 204 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 259 trips across all routes, which amounts 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 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%, asthma impacts 7.1%, while 70.1% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.1%. The area has 16.6% (1160 people) aged 65 and over, with seniors' health outcomes above average, similar to the general population's profile.

Chermside West 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 West's population, born overseas, is 26.4%, higher than most local markets. 19.2% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Chermside West at 54.1%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 52.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.2%), Australian (23.8%), and Irish (9.6%). Notably, Samoan representation is higher at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 0.4%. Indian representation is also higher at 3.9%, versus 2.1% regionally, and Maori is at 0.8% against a regional average of 0.6%.

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

Chermside West's median age is nearly 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and slightly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Chermside West has a higher proportion of residents aged 85 and above (3.1%) but fewer individuals aged 25-34 (12.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, the population aged 15-24 grew from 12.6% to 13.9%, while the 55-64 age group declined from 11.0% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Chermside West's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 25%, adding 221 residents to reach a total of 1,103. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are projected to decrease in number.