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 was around 24,008 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This represented an increase of 2,800 people from the 2021 Census figure of 21,208, reflecting a growth rate of 13.2%. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 23,498 in June 2024 and an additional 494 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 32 persons per square kilometer. Lockyer Valley - East's growth rate exceeded both national (8.9%) and state averages, indicating it as a region leader for growth during this period. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.9% to overall population gains, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive influences.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections were used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings consistent with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, Lockyer Valley - East is expected to expand by 6,217 persons based on the latest population numbers, reflecting a total growth rate of 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 over the past five financial years, totalling 929 homes. As of FY-26, 70 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.5 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $308,000.

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

With around 156 people per dwelling approval, Lockyer Valley - East exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate that Lockyer Valley - East will gain approximately 5,707 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear 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 to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives 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.

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 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% as of June 2025.

This is 1.1% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in the area was 54.2%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a significant employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 10 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, at 4.2% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, while labour force grew by 0.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Lockyer Valley - East 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 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Lockyer Valley - East are approximately $55,177 (median) and $62,958 (average) as of September 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 earn between $1,500 - 2,999 (8,162 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 latest Census data shows 97.6% houses and 2.4% other dwellings, compared to Brisbane metro's 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lockyer Valley - East was 33.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.4% and rented ones at 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,473, below Brisbane metro's $1,517. Weekly rent was $315, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Lockyer Valley - East's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian 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 account for 74.5% of all households, consisting of 29.6% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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, which is 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%).

There are 13 schools serving 3,749 students, with 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 residential needs at 15.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 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

Lockyer Valley - East has ten operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route collectively offering 72 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically living 6274 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages ten trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Lockyer Valley - East faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions.

Only approximately 48% (~11,427 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (10.9%). Conversely, 59.4% of residents declare no medical ailments, compared to 60.9% in Greater Brisbane. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.4% (4,662 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 21.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of 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 showed below-average cultural diversity, with 89.0% citizens, 87.7% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 53.9%, compared to 54.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.5%), English (30.4%), and German (8.6%).

Notable differences included New Zealanders at 0.9% (vs regional 0.7%), Australian Aboriginal at 3.7% (vs 3.2%), and Dutch at 1.3% (vs 1.3%).

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%, while the 25-34 age group is 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%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Lockyer Valley - East's age profile will significantly evolve. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 1,127 people (70%), increasing from 1,613 to 2,741. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to decrease in number.