Parkinson - Drewvale
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Parkinson-Drewvale's population was 16,999 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 16,095 people, indicating a growth of 904 individuals (5.6%). The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data showing 16,999 in June 2024 and 135 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,341 persons per square kilometer, higher than national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.7% to recent population gains.

AreaSearch employs 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. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest lower quartile growth, with Parkinson-Drewvale expected to increase by 744 persons by 2041 based on current numbers, indicating a total gain of 4.4% over the next 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 approximately 35 new dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Between FY-21 and FY-25178 dwellings were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, over the past five financial years, approximately 3.1 new residents per year have arrived per dwelling constructed.

This results in demand significantly exceeding new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $601,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY-26, there have been $6.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Parkinson - Drewvale has significantly less development activity, with 77.0% fewer approvals per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

The level of development activity is also lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in the area consists of standalone homes, maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for buyers seeking space. With approximately 501 people per dwelling approval, Parkinson - Drewvale demonstrates a developed market. By 2041, it is projected that the area will grow by 744 residents. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Parkinson - Drewvale has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to impact the area. Notable initiatives include Loganlea Station Relocation Project, Logan Hospital Expansion, Paradise in Parkinson, and Logan West Motorway Upgrade. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Parkinson - Drewvale has an educated workforce with 3.4% unemployment as of June 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1%.

There are 9,215 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.7%, below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is 68.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.0% versus the regional average of 8.9%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force grew by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4%. State-level data shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs) as of Sep-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, favourably comparing to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Parkinson - Drewvale's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5%% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Parkinson - Drewvale's median income among taxpayers is $50,685. The average income in the area is $59,746. This is lower than the national average. In Greater Brisbane, the median income is $55,645 and the average is $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Parkinson - Drewvale would be approximately $56,620 (median) and $66,742 (average) as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 78th percentile ($2,194 weekly), while personal income sits at the 57th percentile. The distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 39.8% of residents (6,765 people). High housing costs consume 15.4% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 78th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Parkinson-Drewvale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 87.3% houses and 12.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metropolitan area had 82.0% houses and 18.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parkinson-Drewvale was at 24.7%, similar to the Brisbane metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 54.1% and rented ones made up 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,872. Median weekly rent figure stood at $450 compared to Brisbane metro's $400. Nationally, Parkinson-Drewvale's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 constitute 88.0% of all households, including 53.3% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 12.0%, with lone person households at 10.2% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0.

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

Parkinson-Drewvale's residents aged 15+ have a lower university degree holder percentage (33.6%) compared to the SA4 region (42.1%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational credentials are held by 30.3% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 18.6%. Current educational participation is high at 33.0%, including primary (12.4%), secondary (9.8%), and tertiary education (4.9%).

Educational institutions include Y Schools Queensland - Brisbane South (Parkinson Campus) and Ohana College - Parkinson Campus, serving no students collectively. Secondary education dominates with two schools, while primary students attend nearby catchments due to lack of local schools. Residents must travel for educational services as there are no schools within Parkinson-Drewvale. Note: refer to parent campus for 'n/a' school enrolment data.

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

Transport analysis indicates 27 active stops operating within Parkinson-Drewvale, comprising buses only. These stops are serviced by 15 individual routes, providing a total of 2,329 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 368 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 332 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 86 weekly trips per stop.

Parkinson - Drewvale's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Parkinson-Drewvale shows excellent health outcomes, particularly among younger cohorts who have a low prevalence of common conditions. Approximately half (50%) of its population (~8414 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical issues are asthma and mental health problems, affecting 6.2% and 5.6% of residents respectively. About three-quarters (77.3%) report being free from medical ailments, similar to Greater Brisbane's 77.2%. Parkinson-Drewvale has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.4% (2272 people) compared to Greater Brisbane's 12.1%. Health outcomes among seniors require more focus than the broader 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's cultural diversity is notable, with 45.7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 46.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Parkinson-Drewvale, accounting for 45.9% of its population. The 'Other' religious category represents 3.8%, which is similar to Greater Brisbane's figure.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (18.3%), Australian (16.5%), and Other (14.7%). Some ethnic groups have notable representations: Korean at 1.8% (similar regionally), Samoan at 1.3% (also similar regionally), and Indian at 7.6% (slightly higher than the regional figure of 7.0%).

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

Parkinson-Drewvale has a median age of 36 years, which is equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group makes up 16.6% of the population in Parkinson-Drewvale, higher than in Greater Brisbane. However, the 25-34 age group constitutes only 8.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 12.8% to 14.5%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.1% to 4.2%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 11.0% to 8.9%, and the 35 to 44 age group dropped from 17.1% to 16.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Parkinson-Drewvale. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 570 people (80%), from 710 to 1,281. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.