Lowood
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Lowood's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 15,377. This figure represents an increase of 1,180 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,197. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 15,256, with an additional 273 validated new addresses contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer. Lowood's 8.3% growth since the census is close to the national average of 8.6%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Interstate migration drove much of this growth, accounting for approximately 58.2% of overall population gains.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected across statistical areas nationally. Lowood is projected to increase by 3,303 persons to 2041, representing a total increase of 20.7% over the 17-year period.

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 annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 496 approvals over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, with an additional seven approvals in FY26 so far. On average, 1.7 people have moved to the area per dwelling built annually over these five years. This suggests a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $360,000, below the regional average.

In FY26, approximately $6.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Lowood records about three-quarters of the building activity per person and ranks among the 73rd percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with approximately 193 people moving in for each dwelling approval granted.

Looking ahead to 2041, Lowood is projected to grow by 3,182 residents. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

Lowood has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Cunningham Highway Upgrade, South East Queensland Inland Rail Project, Ipswich Public Transport Improvements, and Ipswich Smart City Program.

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

Employment performance in Lowood has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Lowood has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 0.9%. As of June 2025, there are 6,811 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 6.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.0% versus Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Major industries for employment are health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has notable concentration with levels at 6.9 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.3%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force grew by 0.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4%. State-wide in Queensland as of Sep-25, employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, favourably comparing to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lowood's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Lowood had a median taxpayer income of $51,812 and an average income of $58,339. These figures are below the national averages of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively in Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for March 2025 would be approximately $57,879 (median) and $65,170 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Lowood rank modestly between the 19th and 32nd percentiles. Income distribution shows 33.5% of the population, or 5,151 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 34th 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 at 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. The 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 compose 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 account for 22.7%, comprising 19.9% lone person households and 2.8% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, higher 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 most common among qualifications, at 8.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them; advanced diplomas represent 9.9% and certificates 33.5%. Current educational participation is high at 29.7%, including 12.6% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

The area has 11 schools serving 1,934 students, with a balanced provision of 10 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 15 active transport stops operating within Lowood as of 2021. These stops comprise a mix of buses serviced by one individual route, collectively providing 26 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2256 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Lowood. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 49% (~7,519 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 11.1% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.3%. Around 60.7% report being free from medical ailments, similar to Greater Brisbane's 60.9%. Lowood has 20.2% (3,107 people) aged 65 and over, compared to Greater Brisbane's 21.8%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Lowood had a cultural diversity index below average, with 90.3% citizens, 87.9% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 54.9%. Top ancestral groups were Australian (30.9%), English (30.6%), and German (8.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 3.9% versus 3.2%, New Zealanders at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and Maltese at 0.5% versus 0.2%.

Lowood's median age exceeds the national pattern

Lowood has a median age of 41, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's median age of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Lowood at 12.2%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 9.0%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of people aged 75 to 84 has grown from 5.2% to 6.8%, while 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 indicates that Lowood's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 65-74 cohort is projected to expand by 838 people (45%), growing 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 anticipated to experience population declines.