Petrie

Petrie is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Petrie's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 9,241 people. This figure represents an increase of 506 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,735 people. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,202 in June 2025 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,371 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.7% 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Based on projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected by 2041. The area is projected to gain 921 persons by then, reflecting a total increase of 9.5% over the 16 years.

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

Petrie has seen approximately 9 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 45 homes were approved, with another 6 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 5.4 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed each year during these five financial years.

This supply lagging demand has led to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new properties being constructed at an average expected cost of $339,000. In the current financial year, $3.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating Petrie's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Petrie shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 81.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although development activity has increased recently. The area's established nature is also reflected in its development activity being below the national average, potentially due to planning limitations. New developments consist of 29.0% detached dwellings and 71.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living and affordability for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the current housing mix (87.0% houses) may be attributed to reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands.

Petrie's population density is around 950 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Petrie is forecasted to gain approximately 882 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Petrie has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to affect the area. Notable projects include Petrie Central Retail and Residential Precinct Expansion, Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, Pantex Student Accommodation - Young Street, and 50-52 Connors Street Apartments. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Petrie has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Petrie's workforce comprises skilled individuals with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of December 2025 was 8.2%, indicating a growth of 1.5% over the preceding year compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. As of this date, 4,988 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 4.0% above Greater Brisbane's rate.

Workforce participation in Petrie was recorded at 73.1%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 17.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries employing residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with retail trade being particularly specialized at 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services employed only 6.4% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%.

The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels in Petrie increased by 1.5% while the labour force grew by 1.9%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 3.2%, the labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years for Australia as a whole. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Petrie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, although these estimates are based on simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, median income among taxpayers in Petrie SA2 was $56,733 with average level at $64,258. This is below national averages of $61,896 and $77,550 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from financial year ended June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $63,178 and average at $71,558. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Petrie cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income distribution data reveals predominant cohort spans 40.0% of locals (3,696 people) in $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to broader area where this cohort represents 33.3%. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Petrie, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 27 August 2016, comprised 86.7% houses and 13.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metropolitan area had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Petrie was 25.6%, similar to that of Brisbane metro, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (44.2%) or rented (30.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Petrie was $1,725, lower than the Brisbane metro average of $1,863 and the national average of $1,863 recorded as of 2021. The median weekly rent figure in Petrie was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $380 and the national figure of $375 as of 2021.

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

Family households account for 77.9% of all households, consisting of 35.1% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Petrie aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 20.2%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 28.4%. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.1% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 5.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Petrie has 30 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 106 unique routes, facilitating 3,553 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents, on average, located 225 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Petrie residents commute outward using cars (84%), followed by trains at 11%. The area has an average vehicle ownership of 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 17.2% of residents work from home, which could be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 507 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 118 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Petrie 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

Petrie demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~4,731 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.6 and 9.1% of residents respectively. 64.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,404 people), ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Petrie ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Petrie's population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 80.6% having been born in Australia, and a majority were citizens at 89.5%. English was the language spoken exclusively at home by 93.9% of Petrie residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 46.2%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups in Petrie were English (30.8%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.3% of Petrie's population, higher than the regional average of 1.0%. Maori representation was also notably high at 1.3%, compared to 1.1% regionally, and Welsh residents comprised 0.8%, higher than the regional average of 0.5%.

Petrie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Petrie's median age is 38 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group makes up 12.5% of Petrie's population, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort comprises 12.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.5% to 4.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.9% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Petrie's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 57%, adding 252 people and reaching a total of 698 from the current figure of 445. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 57% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.