Ipswich - East
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Ipswich - East's population is 18,946 as of Aug 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 971 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 17,975. The change is inferred from ABS data: estimated resident population was 18,923 in June 2024 and there were 17 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1,650 persons per square kilometer, above national averages according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.5% of population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 using 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 with 2022 data. Future population growth is projected above median statistical areas nationally by 2041, with the area expected to expand by 3,957 persons, a gain of 20.8% over 17 years based on latest numbers.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ipswich - East recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Ipswich - East has recorded approximately 38 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, showing 190 homes over the past five financial years between FY21 and FY25, with three approvals so far in FY26. On average, 1.4 new residents were recorded per dwelling constructed each year over these five financial years. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost value of $485,000.

In the current financial year, $6.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Ipswich - East has significantly less development activity, being 83.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This activity remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 35.0% detached dwellings and 65.0% medium to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 84.0% houses. The location has approximately 276 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Population forecasts indicate Ipswich - East will gain 3,934 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Ipswich - East has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones include Mary and Williams Streets Intersection Upgrade, Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (SuperGrid), Emerald Hill Estate Brassall, and East Ipswich Train Station Upgrade.

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

Employment drivers in Ipswich - East are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Ipswich East has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 6.8%.

Over the past year, it saw an employment growth of 0.6%. As of June 2025, 8,641 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Ipswich East lags behind Greater Brisbane at 55.2%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area specializes in manufacturing with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 4.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6% while labour force increased by 0.2%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% during the same period. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%. The state's unemployment rate is 4.2%, favourable to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ipswich East's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Ipswich - East was $51,155 and average income was $56,488. This is below national averages of median $55,645 and average $70,520 in Greater Brisbane. By March 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $57,145 and average $63,103 based on an 11.71% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census reveals incomes in Ipswich - East fall between the 18th and 25th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows 29.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 18th percentile.

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

Ipswich East's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Brisbane metro had 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ipswich East stood at 27.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.7% and rented ones at 40.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,323, below Brisbane metro's $1,517. Median weekly rent in Ipswich East was $290, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

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

Family households account for 63.2% of all households, including 22.5% couples with children, 22.6% couples without children, and 16.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 16.4%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 29.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education. As of the latest data, Ipswich - East's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,686 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 955) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes three primary schools and one K-12 school. However, limited local school capacity (8.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 18.0) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 98 active transport stops operating within Ipswich - East. These include a mix of train and bus services. The stops are serviced by 53 individual routes, collectively providing 2,472 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 215 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 353 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ipswich - East is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Ipswich East faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% (~9,094 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (13.1%) and asthma (10.6%). Conversely, 57.0% reported having no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 62.2%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.3% (3,654 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.3%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's health profile.

Ipswich - East ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ipswich-East, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index below the national average. Its population was predominantly Australian-born with 88.5%, born in Australia at 86.3%, and English speakers at home at 94.2%. Christianity was the major religion, accounting for 49.9% of Ipswich-East's residents, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 49.5%.

Top ancestral groups were English (29.4%), Australian (28.2%), and Irish (8.8%). Notable differences existed in German ancestry at 6.4%, Samoan at 0.9%, and Maori at 0.8%, all similar to regional percentages.

Ipswich - East's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Ipswich - East is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and close to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Ipswich - East has a larger proportion of residents aged 55-64 (12.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.4%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 5.9% to 6.4%, while the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 12.8% to 11.6%. By 2041, Ipswich - East's age composition is projected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 75 to 84 is expected to grow by 78%, reaching 2,165 from 1,214. This growth will be driven by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 57% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0 to 4 and 25 to 34.