McDowall

An assessment of population growth drivers in McDowall reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

McDowall's population was around 9,064 as of Feb 2026. This reflected an increase of 1,146 people from the 7,918 reported in the 2021 Census, indicating a growth rate of 14.5%. The change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 8,602 as of June 2024 and an additional 333 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 2,064 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. McDowall's growth exceeded the SA4 region (9.1%) and the national average, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 49.2% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. These state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population projections indicate a growth of 755 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 3.2% over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees McDowall among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

McDowall has seen approximately 55 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25279 homes were approved, with a further 24 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years resulted in an average of 2.3 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes during this period was $353,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $1.6 million, reflecting the area's residential nature. Comparatively, McDowall has recorded somewhat elevated construction activity compared to Greater Brisbane over the past five years, with a 13.0% higher average per person. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Recent construction trends show 12.0% detached dwellings and 88.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 86.0% houses.

This trend suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 185 people per dwelling approval, McDowall exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, McDowall is expected to grow by approximately 293 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include McDowell Village Master Plan Redevelopment, Cabbage Tree Creek Bikeway (Hamilton Road to Old Northern Road), Cove McDowall, and Everton Park Urban Village. The following list details those projects likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees McDowall performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

McDowall has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, lower than the national average. In the year up to September 2025, employment grew by 10.8%.

As of that month, 5,417 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 80.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. Approximately 24.8% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training, with a notable concentration in public administration & safety at 1.6 times the regional average.

Manufacturing has limited presence, with only 3.7% of residents employed in this sector compared to the regional average of 6.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 10.8%, while labour force grew by 11.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and a fall in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McDowall's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows McDowall SA2 had a median income of $66,925 and an average income of $81,243. These figures are high nationally compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for McDowall would be approximately $73,557 (median) and $89,294 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in McDowall rank highly nationally, between the 83rd and 89th percentiles. Income distribution shows 33.7% of the population earns between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with surrounding regions at 33.3%. Notably, 38.8% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting areas of prosperity that boost local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

McDowall is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In McDowall, as per the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures consisted of 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in McDowall stood at 36.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.1% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, exceeding the Brisbane metro average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $460, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, McDowall's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 83.2% of all households, including 43.6% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 16.8%, with lone person households at 14.6% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

McDowall demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

McDowall's educational attainment is notably high, with 37.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications as of the latest data point, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.3% and graduate diplomas at 4.0%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.7% and certificates for 19.1%. Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest figures available.

This includes 10.0% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

McDowall has 23 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes that collectively facilitate 911 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 229 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 87%, while only 5% use trains. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 24.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 130 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

McDowall's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

AreaSearch's assessment shows McDowall having excellent health outcomes. Notably, younger cohorts have a very low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (5,429 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.6% and 7.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 71.7%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. McDowall has 16.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,452 people). While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in McDowall was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

McDowell, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas. Its population included 25.0% born overseas and 17.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 59.5%, compared to 47.8% in Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.9%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (9.0%). Notably, Italian (5.4% vs regional 2.0%), South African (0.7% vs 0.6%), and Samoan (0.3% vs 0.9%) groups were relatively more represented in McDowell than regionally.

McDowall's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

McDowall's median age is 38, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 36 but equal to Australia's 38 years. The 45-54 age group is strongly represented at 13.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.4% to 5.5% of McDowall's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in McDowall's age structure. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 19%, adding 237 people and reaching 1,489 from 1,251. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 52% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.