Lockyer Valley - East

Population growth drivers in Lockyer Valley - East are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Lockyer Valley - East's population was around 24,008 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 2,800 people (13.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,208. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 23,498 in June 2024 and an additional 494 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 32 persons per square kilometer. Lockyer Valley - East's growth rate exceeded both national (8.9%) and state averages, marking it as a region leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. By 2041, the area is projected to increase by 6,217 persons, reflecting a total gain of 23.8% over the 17 years.

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

Lockyer Valley - East has averaged approximately 185 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 929 homes. As of FY-26, 88 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 2.5 new residents per dwelling built has been gained since FY-21 to FY-25, indicating solid demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $308,000.

In the current financial year, there have been $717.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Lockyer Valley - East maintains similar construction rates per person, consistent with broader area market balance. Detached houses comprise 94.0% of new building activity and townhouses or apartments make up the remaining 6.0%, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location has approximately 156 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Lockyer Valley - East to add 5,707 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Lockyer Valley - East has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

"Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects potentially affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Plainland Crossing - Endeavour Way Industrial Development, Plainland Crossing, Plainland Crossing (Residential), and Faith Lutheran College, Plainland - New Administration and Teaching Buildings.".

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.

The employment landscape in Lockyer Valley - East shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Lockyer Valley - East has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4%.

As of September 2025, 10,689 residents were employed, but its unemployment rate was higher at 4.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation was lower at 54.2% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area had a significant specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 10.0 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employed only 4.2% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparisons. In the past year, employment increased by 4.4%, while the labour force grew by 3.4%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Brisbane, where employment rose by 3.8% and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from QLD up to 25-Nov showed employment had contracted slightly by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lockyer Valley - East's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, the Lockyer Valley - East SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $48,405 with the average level standing at $55,231. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $55,645 and $70,520 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $55,177 (median) and $62,958 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Lockyer Valley - East all fall between the 15th and 30th percentiles nationally. The largest segment comprises 34.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (8,162 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 31st percentile nationally.

Lockyer Valley - East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Lockyer Valley - East, as per the latest Census, 97.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 2.4% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Brisbane metro's 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lockyer Valley - East stood at 33.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.4% and rented ones at 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,473, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,517. The median weekly rent was $315 compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Lockyer Valley - East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,473 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Lockyer Valley - East features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 74.5% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 21.2% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.8%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (32.8%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, comprising primary education (11.4%), secondary education (9.5%), and tertiary education (3.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows ten active stops in Lockyer Valley - East, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route collectively offering 72 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited with residents typically 6274 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages ten trips per day across all routes, equating to about seven weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Lockyer Valley - East faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering around 11,427 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (10.9%). Conversely, 59.4% report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 60.9%. In this area, 19.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (4,662 people), which is lower than Greater Brisbane's 21.8%. Seniors' health outcomes present challenges similar to those in the general population.

Lockyer Valley - East is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Lockyer Valley - East had a below average cultural diversity, with 89.0% of its population being citizens, 87.7% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 53.9% of people, compared to 54.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.5%), English (30.4%), and German (8.6%).

Notably, New Zealanders made up 0.9%, Australian Aboriginals 3.7%, and Dutch 1.3%, showing some divergences from regional averages of 0.7%, 3.2%, and 1.3% respectively.

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

The median age of Lockyer Valley - East is 41, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Lockyer Valley - East at 14.0%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 10.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.6% to 6.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 12.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Lockyer Valley - East's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 1,127 people (70%) from 1,613 to 2,741. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.