New Farm

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, New Farm's population is around 14,063 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,609 people (12.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,454 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,753 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 152 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6,571 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. New Farm's 12.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 1,717 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in New Farm according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

New Farm has seen around 45 new homes approved annually, totalling 225 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.4 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, with recent figures showing this has accelerated to 15.7 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply. New homes are being built at an average value of $574,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $21.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, New Farm records markedly lower building activity (77.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 527 people per dwelling approval, New Farm shows a developed market.

Future projections show New Farm adding 1,407 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

New Farm has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 51 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Teneriffe Banks, 424 Bowen Terrace Development Site, Waterfront Brisbane, and James Place, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment conditions in New Farm remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

New Farm features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 5.0%, and 0.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 8,980 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (75.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 29.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 5.4% employment compared to 9.0% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9% and the labour force increased by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane, where employment rose by 3.2%, the labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within New Farm. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to New Farm's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 15.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The New Farm SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $75,998 and an average of $127,744 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is exceptionally high nationally, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $83,529 (median) and $140,403 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings stand out at the 92nd percentile nationally ($1,220 weekly). The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.1% of residents (4,092 people), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Economic strength emerges through 33.8% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 70th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

New Farm features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within New Farm, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 20.9% houses and 79.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within New Farm was slightly lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 24.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (20.6%) or rented (54.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Brisbane metro average at $2,276, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $405, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, New Farm's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

New Farm features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 48.9% of all households, comprising 13.9% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 5.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 51.1%, with lone person households at 42.3% and group households comprising 8.8% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in New Farm places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in New Farm significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 54.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 35.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.1%). Vocational pathways account for 22.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (12.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in tertiary education, 5.0% in primary education, and 4.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 57 active transport stops operating within New Farm, comprising a mix of ferry and buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 3,879 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 123 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 58%, with 14% walking and 14% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 29.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 554 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 68 weekly trips per individual stop.

New Farm's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for New Farm residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 80% of the total population (11,306 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.3 and 7.2% of residents, respectively, while 70.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,760 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

New Farm was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 17.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 29.9% born overseas. The main religion in New Farm is Christianity, which makes up 43.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.4% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in New Farm are English, comprising 26.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 17.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.2%, and Irish, comprising 12.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of the population in New Farm (vs 0.5% regionally), Scottish at 9.3% (vs 7.4%) and Spanish at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

New Farm's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 40-year median age in New Farm is considerably higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and similarly exceeds the 38-year national average. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (21.5% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (5.7%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.3% to 7.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 23.0% to 21.5% and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 15.6% to 14.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for New Farm. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 58% (591 people), reaching 1,604 from 1,012. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 69% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.