Middle Ridge

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

Middle Ridge's population was around 8,209 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 614 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,595 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,120 in June 2024 and an additional 105 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 945 persons per square kilometer. Middle Ridge's growth rate of 8.1% since census positions it close to the non-metro area's growth rate of 8.8%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase outside capital cities, with Middle Ridge expected to increase by 728 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 7.8% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Middle Ridge when compared nationally

Middle Ridge has received approximately 45 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25227 homes have been approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY26. Each new home constructed attracted an average of 2.9 people per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $339,000, aligning with regional trends. This financial year has seen $2.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Comparing Middle Ridge's new home approvals per capita to the rest of Queensland shows comparable figures, indicating market stability in line with regional patterns, although building activity has slowed recently. New developments consist of 47% standalone homes and 53% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living which offers more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (93%).

The estimated population density in Middle Ridge is 440 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections estimate an increase of 639 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand adequately, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Middle Ridge has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Gabbinbar Retirement Village, 306 Ramsay Street Residential Development, Kearney West Estate, and The Ninth Middle Ridge. Below is a list of 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.

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

Middle Ridge has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.1% and it experienced a 4.3% employment growth over the past year as of September 2025.

At this time, 4,210 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.0% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Middle Ridge stands at 61.7%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction employs only 6.5% of local workers compared to Rest of Qld's 10.1%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.3% while labour force grew by 4.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. State-wide data from November 25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections based on Middle Ridge's industry mix estimate employment increases of 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The Middle Ridge SA2 had an extremely high national income level according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers was $63,164, with an average income of $77,612. These figures compared to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $72,001 (median) and $88,470 (average). Census 2021 income data showed household, family and personal incomes in Middle Ridge clustered around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income brackets indicated that 32.8% of residents earned between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with surrounding regional trends at 31.7%. Notably, 32.7% exceeded $3,000 weekly, reflecting strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retained 88.9% of income, demonstrating strong purchasing power and placing the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 7th decile.

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

In Middle Ridge, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 7.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This is in comparison to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Middle Ridge stood at 44.9%, with mortgaged properties making up 34.7% and rented dwellings at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Middle Ridge was recorded at $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Middle Ridge's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 81.1% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 35.0% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 18.9%, comprising 17.4% lone person households and 1.9% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Middle Ridge exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Middle Ridge has a notably higher proportion of residents with university qualifications than broader areas. Specifically, 34.4% of Middle Ridge's residents aged 15 and above hold such qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 23.1% in the SA3 area. The most common university qualifications are bachelor degrees (22.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

This includes advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (19.2%). Educational participation is high in Middle Ridge, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.9%), secondary education (9.8%), and tertiary education (4.6%).

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

Middle Ridge has 19 active public transport stops. These are served by buses only. There are two routes in total, offering 132 weekly passenger trips combined.

The accessibility of these services is moderate, with residents generally living 456 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 18 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to about 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Middle Ridge is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Middle Ridge faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (4,826 people), compared to 51.0% across the rest of Queensland.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.2 and 7.3% of residents respectively, while 67.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 23.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,927 people), which is higher than the 18.8% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Middle Ridge records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Middle Ridge, surveyed in June 2016, exhibited above-average cultural diversity with 20.6% of its population born overseas and 15.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 66.1%, compared to 58.8% across Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.8%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented at 7.9% (vs regional 8.0%), South African at 0.7% (vs 0.3%), and Scottish at 8.7% (vs 7.9%).

Middle Ridge's median age exceeds the national pattern

Middle Ridge's median age is 43 years, higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 and exceeding the national average of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.8%, compared to Rest of Qld. The 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 13.1% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 12.8% to 11.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Middle Ridge's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 34%, adding 222 residents to reach 882. Senior residents (65+) are expected to drive 53% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.