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, as of August 2025, is around 8,141. This figure reflects an increase of 1,046 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,095. The change was inferred from ABS estimates showing an resident population of 7,934 as of June 2024 and an additional 358 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 875 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lawnton's growth rate of 14.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area average (8.5%) and the national average, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. This growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 54.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, which were released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends predict exceptional growth for Lawnton, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas nationally by 2041. The area is expected to increase by 4,217 persons by that year, reflecting a total increase of 49.3% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

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 annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, totaling 514 approvals from FY-21 to FY-25 and 3 so far in FY-26. Each year, an average of 2.3 new residents per dwelling has been recorded over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), indicating strong demand for housing that supports property values. The average construction cost value of new homes is $333,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options for buyers.

This year, there have been $7.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Lawnton has 168% more construction activity per person, indicating robust developer interest in the area and ample choice for buyers. The new building activity consists of 87% detached houses and 13% medium and high-density housing, preserving Lawnton's low-density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 85 people per dwelling approval, Lawnton exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts project an increase of 4,010 residents by 2041 in Lawnton.

Development is keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 28 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway Upgrades, The Country Club Hotel & Entertainment Complex (Strathpine), Brisbane Metro Northern Extension, and Strathpine Major Regional Activity Centre Master Plan. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis reveals Lawnton recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Lawnton has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services.

The unemployment rate in Lawnton was 10.9% as of an unspecified past year. Employment growth over the previous year was estimated at 5.2%. As of June 2025, there were 3,965 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 6.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Lawnton is similar to Greater Brisbane's rate of 64.5%.

Major employment areas for residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have a limited presence, with only 5.3% of employment compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 5.2%, while the labour force grew by 7.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points during this period. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and employment growth was 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lawnton's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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 compare to Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes for Lawnton as of March 2025 would be approximately $60,451 and $65,866 respectively. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Lawnton rank modestly, between the 35th and 48th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 34.9% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area, where 33.3% fall into the same income 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, was 72.4% houses and 27.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 78.9% houses and 21.2% 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, below Brisbane metro's $1,625. Median weekly rent in Lawnton was $340, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Lawnton's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,602 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $340 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 31.5%, comprising 27.5% lone person households and 4.0% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, 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 Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 30.9%. Educational participation is high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.1% in primary, 7.8% in secondary, and 4.0% in tertiary education.

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

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

Lawnton has 51 active public transport stops operating. These are a mix of train and bus services, which together provide 31 individual routes. Each week, these routes facilitate 1,963 passenger trips.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 189 meters to the nearest stop. Daily service frequency averages 280 trips across all routes, equating to approximately 38 weekly trips per 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. The private health cover rate stands at approximately 49%, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.9% and 9.3% of residents respectively. About 63.6% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the Greater Brisbane average of 63.8%. Lawnton has 14.2% of its population aged 65 and over (1,154 people), slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.6%. Health outcomes among seniors require additional attention due to specific challenges faced by this age cohort.

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 found to be below average, with 87.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia. 80.4% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 46.5%.

The 'Other' category made up 0.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.9%. Ancestry-wise, the top three groups were English (28.7%), Australian (28.0%), and Scottish (7.9%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Maori at 1.3% in Lawnton versus 1.4% regionally, Samoan at 0.7% versus 0.9%, and German at 4.5% versus 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 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Lawnton has a higher concentration of 0-4 residents at 7.0%, but fewer 55-64 year-olds at 9.0%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the 35-44 age group grew from 14.3% to 15.5% of Lawnton's population, while the 65-74 cohort declined from 8.2% to 7.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Lawnton, with the 45-54 age group projected to grow by 71%, adding 695 residents to reach a total of 1,676.