Lowood

Population growth drivers in Lowood are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Lowood's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 15,382. This figure reflects an increase of 1,185 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,197. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,256 in June 2024 and an additional 275 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer. Lowood's population grew by 8.3% between the Census dates, which is within 0.6 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). The growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 58.2% 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected increase of 3,303 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 20.6% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Lowood among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Lowood has recorded approximately 99 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling 496 homes. As of FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.7 people move to the area each year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $305,000.

This financial year, $6.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Lowood has about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 73rd percentile nationally. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density character and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of 193 people per dwelling approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Lowood is expected to grow by 3,177 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with these growth projections, though increased competition among buyers may be anticipated as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are Cunningham Highway Upgrade, South East Queensland Inland Rail Project, Ipswich City Plan 2025, and Ipswich Smart City Program. 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.

Lowood has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Lowood's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent sectors being essential services. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 4.8%, a growth of 4.7% from the previous year.

Residents in work numbered 6,939, with an unemployment rate at 4.8%, 0.8% higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation lagged at 55.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries of employment were health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. Agriculture, forestry & fishing showed notable concentration with levels at 6.9 times the regional average, while professional & technical services had lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 8.9%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7%, and labour force grew by 3.3%, reducing unemployment by 1.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, aligning with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lowood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified 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 2022, Lowood SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $51,812. The average income stood at $58,339. This was below the national average and compared to levels of $55,645 and $70,520 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $59,060 (median) and $66,501 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all ranked modestly in Lowood, between the 18th and 32nd percentiles. Distribution data showed that 33.5% of the population (5,152 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 33.3% similarly occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 33rd percentile.

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

Lowood's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.1% houses and 2.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lowood was 34.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.6% and rented ones at 22.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Brisbane metro's average. Median weekly rent was $310, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Lowood's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were below the national figure of $375.

Lowood features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.3% of all households, including 32.1% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 19.9% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Lowood faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.8%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 43.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 33.5%. Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.6% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Lowood shows that there are currently fifteen active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. There is one individual route servicing these stops, collectively offering twenty-six weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Lowood is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2256 meters away from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Lowood faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence of common health conditions.

Only approximately 49% of Lowood's total population (~7,521 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 11.1% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.3%. About 60.7% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Brisbane's 60.9%. Lowood has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,108 people), slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 21.8%. Senior health outcomes in Lowood align with the general population's health profile, presenting some challenges.

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

Lowood's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.3% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (87.9%), speaking English only at home (96.5%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Lowood, making up 50.8% of people, compared to 54.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.9%), English (30.6%), and German (8.2%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups were overrepresented: Australian Aboriginal at 3.9%, New Zealand at 0.8%, and Dutch at 1.4%.

Lowood's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Lowood has a median age of 41, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Lowood has an over-representation of the 65-74 age cohort (12.2% locally) and an under-representation of the 25-34 age group (9.0%). Between 2021 and the present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.2% to 6.8% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 13.8%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 10.3% to 9.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Lowood's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to increase by 838 people (45%), from 1,868 to 2,707. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting Lowood's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.