Inala - Richlands
Statistical Area - sa2

Inala - Richlands lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Inala-Richlands' population is approximately 21,774 as of August 2025. This shows an increase of 1,883 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 19,891. The growth was inferred from ABS estimates: 21,363 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 2,003 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Inala-Richlands' 9.5% growth since the Census exceeds the national average (8.6%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 61.3%.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Future trends forecast a significant population increase by 2041: an expected expansion of 6,784 persons, reflecting a total increase of 29.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Inala - Richlands among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Inala-Richlands has averaged approximately 84 new dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, indicating 422 homes over the past five financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), with 16 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 3.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built, suggesting demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $322,000, below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $139.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Inala-Richlands maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprises 58% standalone homes and 42% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 75% houses. This suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options.

The location has approximately 278 people per dwelling approval, suggesting potential for growth. Looking ahead, Inala-Richlands is projected to grow by 6,373 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Inala - Richlands has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include Kane Constructions Social Housing at Tallow Street, Inala; proposed Coles Shopping Centre on Progress Road; redevelopment of the former Masters Store retail centre; and Coin Tree Close Estate. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment conditions in Inala - Richlands face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Inala-Richlands has a skilled labour force with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 10.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6%.

As of June 2025, 8,073 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 6.5%, higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was 50.0%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing had a notable concentration with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 4.5% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.6% alongside labour force growth of 0.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Comparatively, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4%. State-level data from Sep-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs) with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, favourable to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Inala-Richlands' employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Inala-Richlands has a median taxpayer income of $45,228 and an average income of $50,136 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520. As of March 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $50,524 and the average income $56,007, considering Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Inala-Richlands fall between the 4th and 11th percentiles nationally. The data shows that 29.7% of residents (6,466 people) earn within the $800 - $1,499 bracket, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Inala-Richlands, with only 78.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Inala - Richlands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Inala - Richlands, as evaluated at the Census 2016, comprised 74.7% houses and 25.3% other dwellings. In Brisbane metro, it was 80.2% houses and 19.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Inala - Richlands was 17.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.9% and rented at 60.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,376, below Brisbane metro's $1,630. The median weekly rent was $300, compared to Brisbane metro's $355. Nationally, Inala - Richlands' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially lower at $375.

Inala - Richlands features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.1% of all households, including 29.5% couples with children, 16.5% couples without children, and 22.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 4.9%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

Inala - Richlands faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.2%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 29.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 20.8%. Educational participation is high, with 35.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.1% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary education.

The three schools in Inala - Richlands have a combined enrollment of 1,055 students. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity is limited locally at 4.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.3, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

The analysis shows that there are 110 active public transport stops serving the Inala-Richlands area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. There are 34 individual routes operating in total, providing 2,665 weekly passenger trips collectively.

The accessibility to these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 187 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 380 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Inala - Richlands's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows relatively positive health outcomes for Inala - Richlands residents, with a low prevalence of common health conditions among the general population compared to national averages. The prevalence is higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low in the area, with approximately 46% of the total population (~10,059 people) having it, compared to 49.5% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.7% and 7.3% of residents respectively. A total of 73.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.1% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 12.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,743 people), which is lower than the 13.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting challenges compared to the broader population.

Inala - Richlands is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Inala-Richlands is among the most culturally diverse areas in Australia, with 49.5% of its population born overseas and 56.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Inala-Richlands is Christianity, comprising 44.1% of its population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 12.9%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 8.7%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Other (21.3%), Vietnamese (20.5%), and English (15.0%). Notably, Samoan representation is higher than the regional average at 3.6% versus 2.7%, Maori is slightly lower at 1.1% versus 1.2%, and Australian Aboriginal is substantially higher at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 2.4%.

Inala - Richlands hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Inala-Richlands has a median age of 31 years, which is younger than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Inala-Richlands has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (16.3%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.8%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 65-74 age group has grown from 6.5% to 7.6% of the population, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 16.4% to 15.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Inala-Richlands' age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 65-74 age cohort projected to increase considerably, expanding by 1,000 people (60%) from 1,654 to 2,655.