McDowall
Statistical Area - sa2

McDowall has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

McDowall's population was around 9,066 as of November 2025. This represented an increase of 1,148 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,918. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,602 in June 2024 and an additional 334 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 2,065 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. McDowall's growth of 14.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (8.6%) and the national average, making it a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 49.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections were used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections did not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as a base. Future population dynamics anticipated a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with an expected increase of 755 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 3.2% over the 17 years.

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

McDowall averaged approximately 55 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25279 homes were approved, with an additional 24 approved so far in FY26. Each dwelling built over these years resulted in an average of 2.3 new residents annually, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $353,000. In FY26, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals were recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, McDowall has a 13.0% higher construction rate per person over the past five years, offering good buyer choice while maintaining existing property values. Recent construction comprised 12.0% detached dwellings and 88.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current 86.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 185 people per dwelling approval, McDowall exhibits growth area characteristics.

By 2041, it is projected to grow by 291 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that could impact the area, with key ones including McDowell Village Master Plan Redevelopment, Raven Street Reserve Mountain Bike Trail Network Upgrade, Cabbage Tree Creek Bikeway (Hamilton Road to Old Northern Road), and Cove McDowall. 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 of employment trends sees McDowall performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

McDowall's workforce comprises highly educated individuals with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.0% as of June 2025, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 10.3%, while workforce participation stood at 71.5%, exceeding Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for McDowall residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Notably, employment in public administration & safety is 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, manufacturing has a limited presence with 3.7% employment compared to the regional average of 6.4%.

Over the year to June 2025, McDowall's employment increased by 10.3%, while its labour force grew by 10.6%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment rate (0.2 percentage points). In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a decrease in unemployment rate (-0.4 percentage points). Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McDowall's employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, although these figures are illustrative extrapolations and do 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 2022 indicates McDowall's median income among taxpayers is $62,800. The average income in McDowall during this period was $75,619. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $55,645 and average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022 (13.99%), current estimates for McDowall would be approximately $71,586 (median) and $86,198 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family, and personal incomes in McDowall rank highly nationally, between the 83rd and 90th percentiles. In terms of income distribution, 33.7% of McDowall's population (3,055 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income range, similar to surrounding regions where this cohort represents 33.3%. Notably, 38.8% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting prosperity in the area that drives local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of their 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

The latest Census evaluation of McDowall's dwelling structures showed 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in McDowall was at 36.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.1% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was $460, compared to Brisbane metro's $2,000 and $430 respectively. Nationally, McDowall's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 16.8%, with lone person households at 14.6% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.7.

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 has a notably high educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 37.7% holding university qualifications compared to the Queensland average of 25.7% and the Australian average of 30.4%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.8% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (19.1%). Educational participation is high, with 30.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, broken down into primary education (10.0%), secondary education (8.5%), and tertiary education (6.5%).

The area has two schools serving a total of 2,248 students: McDowall State School and Northside Christian College. The Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) for the area is 1132, indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. There is one primary school and one K-12 school in the area. As an education hub, McDowall has a high ratio of school places to residents at 24.8 per 100, significantly above the regional average of 11.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

McDowall has 24 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes that together facilitate 911 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents on average located 216 meters from their nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 130 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

McDowall's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout McDowall.

Both young and old age cohorts saw low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~5,176 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.6% and 7.4% of residents respectively. Seventy-one point seven percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.5% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 15.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,404 people), which is lower than the 16.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

McDowall was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

McDowell was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.0% of its population born overseas and 17.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in McDowell, making up 59.5% of people there, compared to 54.6% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups in McDowell are English (24.9%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (9.0%).

Notably, Italian ethnicity is overrepresented at 5.4%, compared to the regional average of 3.8%. South African ethnicity stands at 0.7% in both McDowell and the region. Indian ethnicity is present at 3.1% in McDowell, compared to 4.3% regionally.

McDowall's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

McDowall's median age is 38, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 36 but equal to Australia's 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 13.9% of McDowall's population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 10.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.4% to 5.4% of the population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 11.8% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in McDowall's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is expected to grow by 21%, reaching 1,489 people from 1,233. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 54% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.