Parkinson - Drewvale

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Parkinson - Drewvale's population is around 16,999 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 904 people (5.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,095 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,999 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 134 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,341 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 86.7% of overall 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, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 744 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Parkinson - Drewvale recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Parkinson - Drewvale has averaged around 35 new dwelling approvals annually, with 178 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 28 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 3.1 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $322,000. Additionally, $6.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Parkinson - Drewvale shows substantially reduced construction (77.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 501 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Future projections show Parkinson - Drewvale adding 744 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Parkinson - Drewvale 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, 24 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Loganlea Station Relocation Project, Logan Plan, Paradise in Parkinson, and Grand Plaza Shopping Centre Refurbishment, 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.

The employment environment in Parkinson - Drewvale shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Parkinson - Drewvale possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.3%, and 1.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,371 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (73.2% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Conversely, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 7.0% of Parkinson - Drewvale's workforce compared to 8.9% in Greater Brisbane. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.8% while the labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Parkinson - Drewvale. 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 Parkinson - Drewvale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Parkinson - Drewvale SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,048 with the average level standing at $62,475. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,305 (median) and $68,666 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 77th percentile ($2,194 weekly), while personal income sits at the 57th percentile. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 39.8% of the community (6,765 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 77th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Parkinson - Drewvale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Parkinson - Drewvale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.3% houses and 12.7% 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 Parkinson - Drewvale was slightly lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 24.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (54.1%) or rented (21.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Brisbane metro average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Parkinson - Drewvale's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 88.0% of all households, comprising 53.3% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 12.0%, with lone person households at 10.2% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 3.2 people is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Educational qualifications in Parkinson - Drewvale trail regional benchmarks, with 33.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 42.1% in the SA4 region. This gap highlights the potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 30.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (18.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 27 active transport stops operating within Parkinson - Drewvale, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 12 individual routes, collectively providing 2,398 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 368 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 8% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 16.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 342 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 88 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Parkinson - Drewvale faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~8,567 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 asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.2% and 5.6% of residents, respectively, while 77.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 14.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,410 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Parkinson - Drewvale is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Parkinson - Drewvale scores highly on cultural diversity, with 45.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 46.5% born overseas. The main religion in Parkinson - Drewvale is Christianity, which makes up 45.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in the Other category, which comprises 3.8% of the population, compared to 1.3% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Parkinson - Drewvale are English, comprising 18.3% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%, Australian, comprising 16.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.2%, and Other, comprising 14.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 9.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 1.8% of Parkinson - Drewvale (vs 0.5% regionally), Indian at 7.6% (vs 2.0%) and Samoan at 1.3% (vs 0.9%).

Parkinson - Drewvale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 37 years, Parkinson - Drewvale's median age is nearly matching the Greater Brisbane average of 36 while also very close to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Parkinson - Drewvale has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (16.4%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (8.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.8% to 14.8% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.1% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 11.0% to 8.5% and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 17.1% to 15.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Parkinson - Drewvale's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 65%, adding 504 residents to reach 1,281. Senior residents (65+) will drive 62% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.