Lawnton
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Lawnton's population was approximately 8,206 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 1,111 people, or 15.7%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,095. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 7,934 in June 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 384 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 882 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lawnton's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (8.7%) and the national average, making it a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied when utilised. Future population trends predict exceptional growth placing Lawnton in the top 10 percent of statistical areas nationally by 2041. The area is expected to increase by 4,217 persons over this period, reflecting an overall increase of 48.1%.

The level of residential development activity in Lawnton was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Lawnton has received approximately 102 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 514 homes. As of FY-26, 47 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated 2.3 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value for new homes is $219,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options.

This financial year, Lawnton has registered $7.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Lawnton has 168% more building activity per person, offering ample choice for buyers and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist of 87% detached dwellings and 13% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Lawnton's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 85 people moving in per dwelling approval, Lawnton exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate that Lawnton will add approximately 3,945 residents by 2041.

Construction pace is keeping up with projected growth, but increasing population may lead to growing competition among buyers.

Lawnton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones are Gateway to Bruce Upgrade (G2BU), Strathpine Major Regional Activity Centre Master Plan, Vale Townhomes, and Moreton Bay Central (The Mill) - Knowledge and Innovation Precinct. The following list details those 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 analysis reveals Lawnton recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Lawnton has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate was 10.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.2%.

As of June 2025, there are 3,965 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 6.8%, above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with a notable concentration in construction at 1.2 times the regional average. Professional & technical employment is limited at 5.3%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12 months ending June 2025, Lawnton's employment increased by 5.2% while the labour force grew by 7.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 4.4%, labour force grew by 4.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Lawnton's employment could grow by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Lawnton's current employment mix.

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

Lawnton's median income among taxpayers was $54,114 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $58,962 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Greater Brisbane, which were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $61,685 as of September 2025, with average income estimated at $67,211 during the same period. Census data shows Lawnton's incomes rank modestly, between the 35th and 48th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The largest income bracket comprises 34.9% of residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, which is consistent with broader area trends showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Lawnton, with only 81.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 32nd percentile.

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

Lawnton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.4% houses and 27.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 72.4% houses and 27.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lawnton stood at 20.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.7% and rented ones at 39.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,602, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,625. Median weekly rent was $340, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Lawnton's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Lawnton features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.5% of all households, including 27.9% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 16.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.5%, with lone person households at 27.5% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Lawnton fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.3%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (30.9%). Educational participation is high at 28.8%, including primary education (10.1%), secondary education (7.8%), and tertiary education (4.0%).

Lawnton's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,059 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 975) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents are 13.0, below the regional average of 20.8, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Lawnton has 51 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 31 unique routes, collectively facilitating 1,963 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 189 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 280 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lawnton is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Lawnton faces significant health challenges with a higher prevalence of common conditions compared to averages. Mental health issues affect 11.9% and asthma impacts 9.3% of residents.

Only 49% have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%. While 63.6% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Brisbane's 63.8%, seniors aged 65 and over require more attention due to their health outcomes. There are 1,163 such residents in Lawnton, comprising 14.2% of the population, compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.6%.

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

Lawnton's cultural diversity was below average, with 87.7% citizens, 80.4% born in Australia, and 91.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 46.5%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.9%.

Top ancestry groups were English (28.7%), Australian (28.0%), and Scottish (7.9%). Maori (1.3% vs regional 1.4%) and Samoan (0.7% vs 0.9%) were notably overrepresented, while German was slightly higher at 4.5% compared to the region's 4.4%.

Lawnton's population is younger than the national pattern

Lawnton's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, and somewhat younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Lawnton has a higher proportion of residents aged 0-4 (7.0%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.0%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.3% to 15.5% of Lawnton's population. Conversely, the 65-74 age group has decreased from 8.2% to 7.1%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecasted for Lawnton. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 70%, adding 687 residents and reaching a total of 1,676.