North Lakes

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

North Lakes' population is approximately 24,787 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,757 people, a 7.6% rise from the 2021 Census population of 23,030. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data: 24,454 in June 2024 and an additional 172 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,100 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, North Lakes has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%, outperforming its SA4 region. Overseas migration drove recent population growth, contributing approximately 75.5% of overall gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. 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 adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. By 2041, lower quartile growth is expected, with the population projected to increase by 939 persons, reflecting a total rise of 2.4% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within North Lakes when compared nationally

North Lakes has averaged approximately 31 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25158 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY26 to date. This results in around 7.3 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years.

The supply of dwellings is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $197,000, below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options. In FY26, $14.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating balanced commercial development activity compared to previous years. However, North Lakes records markedly lower building activity than Greater Brisbane, with 82.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 17.0% standalone homes and 83.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 85.0% houses. North Lakes reflects a highly mature market with around 6265 people per dwelling approval.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, North Lakes is expected to grow by 606 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 36 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include North Lakes Health Hub Expansion, Azure North Lakes Mixed Development, North Lakes Driving Range, and Laguna North Lakes Mixed-Use Precinct. 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.

The employment environment in North Lakes shows above-average strength when compared nationally

North Lakes has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 4.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year.

There were 14,345 residents employed at this time, while the unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in North Lakes was 70.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Retail trade had particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 7.1% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Many North Lakes residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels in North Lakes increased by 4.4%, while labour force increased by 5.0%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and a fall in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points during the same period. As of 25-November-25, Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Lakes's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

North Lakes SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $56,801 and an average income of $67,728 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was higher than the national average. Greater Brisbane, however, had a lower median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income in North Lakes would be approximately $64,747 and the average would be around $77,203, based on a 13.99% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data indicates that incomes in North Lakes cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 38.5% of the population (9,542 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 17.0% of income in North Lakes, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 69th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

North Lakes' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.9% houses and 15.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 75.0% houses and 25.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Lakes stood at 18.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.0% and rented ones at 38.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,820. Median weekly rent in North Lakes was $420, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, North Lakes' mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $420 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 82.1% of all households, including 43.7% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 17.9%, with lone person households at 15.7% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

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

North Lakes has a higher percentage of residents with university qualifications (26.5%) compared to the SA3 area average (22.3%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (24.9%), are held by 38.5% of residents aged 15+.

Educational participation is high, with 34.1% currently enrolled in formal education: primary education (12.4%), secondary education (10.3%), and tertiary education (5.0%).

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

Transport analysis shows 45 active transport stops operating within North Lakes, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 2,398 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 288 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 342 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 53 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in North Lakes is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

North Lakes shows better-than-average health outcomes with lower prevalence of common conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, prevalence is higher in older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 53% (~13,236 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 51.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.8% and 7.3% of residents respectively. About 72.2% declare no medical ailments, compared to 69.9% in Greater Brisbane. The area has 12.1% (2,996 people) aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

North Lakes, surveyed between 2016-2021, had 18.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 35.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 48.4%. The 'Other' religious group comprised 2.0%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 2.7%.

Ancestry-wise, North Lakes had top groups as English (27.7%), Australian (22.8%), and Other (10.1%). Notable differences included South African ancestry at 1.7% versus regional 1.0%, New Zealand at 1.5% matching regionally, and Maori at 1.5% slightly lower than the regional 1.7%.

North Lakes's population is younger than the national pattern

North Lakes has a median age of 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36, but younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, North Lakes has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 55-64 has grown from 8.4% to 9.6%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 13.3% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 17.1% to 15.3%. By 2041, demographic changes are projected for North Lakes. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 61%, adding 675 residents to reach a total of 1,786. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 66% of population growth, indicating a trend towards demographic aging. Conversely, populations in the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decline.