Eight Mile Plains

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

Eight Mile Plains' population was approximately 16,648 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,462 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,186 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,541 in June 2024 and an additional 227 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,167 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Eight Mile Plains' growth rate of 9.6% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average of 8.9%, indicating it as a region with notable growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.8% to the overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian statistical areas. Eight Mile Plains is expected to grow by 2,556 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 14.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Eight Mile Plains recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Eight Mile Plains averaged approximately 56 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 284 homes. As of FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.8 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $295,000.

In FY-26, $34.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Eight Mile Plains has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 27th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (84.0%) and townhouses or apartments (16.0%), preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers despite increasing density pressures. At around 718 people per approval, Eight Mile Plains shows a mature, established area with future projections indicating an addition of 2,449 residents by 2041.

Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Eight Mile Plains has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 58 projects that could affect the region. Notable projects include Retirement Village & Medical Centre at 161 Underwood Road, The Collective Residences, Eight Mile Plains Gateway Neighbourhood Plan, and 18 MacGregor Street Mixed-Use Development. Below is a list of those likely to be 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Eight Mile Plains ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Eight Mile Plains has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%.

Employment stability in the area has been relative over the past year. As of September 2025, 9,076 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is 0.9% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Eight Mile Plains is broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

The area has a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food services, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has limited presence with 6.7% employment compared to 9.0% regionally. The ratio of 0.8 workers for each resident indicates local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, while labour force increased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8% and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points over the same period. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Eight Mile Plains's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The Eight Mile Plains SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,099 and an average income of $57,395 in the financial year 2022, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are below Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520 for the same period. By September 2025, estimates based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income will be approximately $52,548 and the average income will be around $65,425. Census data indicates that household income ranks at the 62nd percentile ($1,942 weekly) and personal income is at the 44th percentile in Eight Mile Plains SA2. In terms of income distribution, 34.8% of the population (5,793 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is consistent with the broader trend across the surrounding region showing 33.3% in the same category. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Eight Mile Plains displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Eight Mile Plains' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 65.2% houses and 34.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 74.0% houses and 26.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eight Mile Plains stood at 32.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented ones at 35.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,831, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent in Eight Mile Plains was $420, matching Brisbane metro's figure but higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Eight Mile Plains' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863.

Eight Mile Plains features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.5% of all households, including 39.6% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.5%, with lone person households at 18.1% and group households making up 5.5%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

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

Educational attainment in Eight Mile Plains is notably high, with 43.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationwide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational pathways account for 24.4% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 13.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.9% in tertiary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 47 active transport stops within Eight Mile Plains, with a mix of buses serving these locations. These stops are covered by 21 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,189 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically situated 226 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 312 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 46 weekly trips per individual stop.

Eight Mile Plains's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Eight Mile Plains shows excellent health outcomes, notably in younger age groups with low prevalence of common conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 48% (around 8,040 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 52.4%. Nationally, it averages 55.3%.

Common medical issues are asthma and mental health problems, affecting 5.2% and 5.2%, respectively. About 78.5% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 75.7%. The area has 16.0% seniors (around 2,660 people), more than Greater Brisbane's 14.3%. While senior health outcomes are above average, they require additional attention compared to the broader population.

Eight Mile Plains is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Eight Mile Plains has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 58.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 55.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Eight Mile Plains, making up 38.9% of the population. However, there is an overrepresentation of Other religions, comprising 4.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's average of 2.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese at 24.0%, Other at 15.5%, and English at 14.3%. Notably, Korean (5.1%), Indian (6.8%), and Serbian (0.6%) ethnicities have higher representation in Eight Mile Plains compared to the regional averages of 2.6%, 4.5%, and 0.4% respectively.

Eight Mile Plains's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Eight Mile Plains has a median age of 36 years, which is equal to Greater Brisbane's median age but younger than the national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years is strongly represented at 17.7%, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage. Conversely, the 0-4 age cohort is less prevalent at 4.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.2% to 5.2% of the population, while the 0 to 4 age cohort has decreased from 6.0% to 4.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Eight Mile Plains. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 732 people (an 84% rise) from 869 to 1,602. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.