Lockyer Valley - East
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Lockyer Valley - East's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 24,005 by August 2025. This figure represents a growth of 2,797 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,208. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 23,498 in June 2024 and an additional 494 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 32 persons per square kilometer. Lockyer Valley - East's growth rate of 13.2% since the 2021 Census exceeded both national (8.6%) and state averages, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.9% to Lockyer Valley - East's population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are adopted. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of statistical areas nationwide, with Lockyer Valley - East expected to expand by 6,217 persons to reach an estimated total of approximately 30,222 by 2041, marking a growth of about 23.8% over the 17-year period.

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. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 929 dwellings approved over the past five financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, and an additional 19 recorded so far in FY-26. On average, around 2.5 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five financial years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $431,000, which aligns with regional trends.

There have also been $717.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Lockyer Valley - East maintains similar construction rates per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. Recent construction comprises 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 156 people per dwelling approval, Lockyer Valley - East shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate that Lockyer Valley - East will gain approximately 5,710 residents by 2041. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Lockyer Valley - East has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that could impact the region. Notable projects include Plainland Crossing, Plainland Crossing - Endeavour Way Industrial Development, Plainland Crossing (Residential), and Faith Lutheran College, Plainland - New Administration and Teaching Buildings. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis reveals Lockyer Valley - East recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Lockyer Valley - East has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 5.2% in June 2025.

As of this date, 10,432 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 54.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share ten times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 4.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 0.4% alongside labour force growth of 0.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lockyer Valley - East's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows income in Lockyer Valley - East is below national average. Median income is $48,405 and average income stands at $55,231. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $54,073 (median) and $61,699 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 31st percentile ($1,425 weekly), while personal income sits at the 15th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 34.0% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band (8,161 individuals). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 31st percentile.

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

Lockyer Valley - East's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 97.6% houses and 2.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lockyer Valley - East was 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 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Lockyer Valley - East was $315, compared to Brisbane metro's $300 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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%. 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common (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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 32.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 11.4% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education. The area has 13 schools serving 3,749 students, with Lockyer Valley - East demonstrating typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 962) and balanced educational opportunities. The schools include 10 primary, 2 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds regional norms (15.6 places per 100 residents vs 12.6), indicating the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

The Lockyer Valley - East region has ten active public transport stops currently in operation. These stops offer mixed bus services. A single route serves these stops, facilitating 72 weekly passenger trips in total.

The accessibility of transport is limited, with residents typically residing at a distance of 6274 meters from the nearest stop. On average, service frequency stands at ten trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly seven weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lockyer Valley - East is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Lockyer Valley - East, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% (around 11,426 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Common medical conditions include arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (10.9%). Around 59.4% claim no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 60.9%. The area has 19.4% seniors aged 65 and over (4,661 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 21.8%. Senior health outcomes reflect general population's health profile, presenting some challenges.

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, surveyed in 2016, had a below-average cultural diversity with 89.0% citizens, 87.7% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 53.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 54.9%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.5%), English (30.4%), and German (8.6%).

Notably, New Zealanders made up 0.9% (regional average: 0.7%), Australians of Aboriginal descent were 3.7% (regional average: 3.2%), and Dutch individuals constituted 1.3% (equal to regional average).

Lockyer Valley - East's median age exceeds 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%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average. Conversely, the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented locally at 10.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.6% to 6.7% of the population, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 12.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Lockyer Valley - East's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 1,127 people (70%), increasing from 1,613 to 2,741. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to decrease in number.