Petrie
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is 9,138 as of Aug 2025. This figure shows an increase of 403 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8,735. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 9,128 in Jun 2024 and 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,355 persons per square kilometer, higher than national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 53.8% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with base year 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 using 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilized. Future population dynamics anticipate a median national area expansion, with an expected increase of 927 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, representing a 10.0% total rise over the 17 years.

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

Petrie has recorded approximately 9 residential properties granted approval annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with around 45 homes approved over the past five years (FY21 to FY25), and 1 approval so far in FY26. On average, for every home built between FY21 and FY25, approximately 5.4 new residents were added per year, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. The average construction cost value of new homes is around $446,000.

In the current financial year, $3.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Petrie records notably lower building activity, with an 81.0% deficit per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises approximately 29.0% detached dwellings and 71.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of around 87.0% houses. Petrie reflects a highly mature market with around 950 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Petrie is projected to grow by approximately 917 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Looking ahead, Petrie is expected to grow by 917 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Petrie has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified thirteen projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Petrie on the Park Apartments, 50-52 Connors Street Apartments, Moreton Bay Central, and Petrie Water Supply Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Petrie's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.9% in June 2025, showing a 5.0% employment growth over the previous year.

As of this date, 5,000 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.8%, higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was at 66.5%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with notable concentration in retail trade (1.3 times the regional average). Professional & technical services have limited presence, representing 6.4% of employment compared to the regional average of 8.9%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months ending June 2025, employment increased by 5.0% while labour force grew by 7.5%, raising the unemployment rate by 2.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% and a decrease in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. State-wide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% between Sep-24 and Sep-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Petrie's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Petrie's median taxpayer income was $54,189, with an average of $61,474, based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. As of March 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022 would be approximately $60,535 (median) and $68,673 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Petrie cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 40.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,655 residents), mirroring the surrounding region where 33.3% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Petrie's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 86.7% houses and 13.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 78.9% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Petrie was 25.6%, similar to Brisbane metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (44.2%) or rented (30.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Petrie was $1,725, above Brisbane metro's average of $1,625. Median weekly rent in Petrie was $360, matching Brisbane metro's figure. Nationally, Petrie's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

The area's university qualification rate in 2020 was 20.2%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials were prevalent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 28.4%. Educational participation was high, with 29.2% of residents enrolled in formal education as of 2021.

This included 10.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education. As of 2022, Petrie's four schools had a combined enrollment of 1,835 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1006).

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

Petrie has 28 operational public transport stops that offer a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 85 different routes, collectively facilitating 3,573 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as good, with residents typically residing 235 meters away from the nearest one.

On average, there are 510 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 127 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Petrie faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% (~4,623 people) have private health cover, compared to 48.5% across Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues affect 11.6% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.1%. About 64.7% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 63.8% in Greater Brisbane. Around 14.8% (1,349 people) are aged 65 and over, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Petrie's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 80.6% of its population born in Australia, 89.5% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Petrie, comprising 46.2% of people, compared to 48.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three represented ancestry groups were English (30.8%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.3%, Maori made up 1.3%, and Welsh accounted for 0.8% of Petrie's population, compared to regional figures of 1.1%, 1.4%, and 0.5% respectively.

Petrie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Petrie's median age is 38 years, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 36 but equal to Australia's figure of 38 years. The 55-64 age group forms a strong representation in Petrie at 12.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.5% to 4.5% of Petrie's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.9% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Petrie's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 66%, adding 270 people and reaching a total of 682 from the previous figure of 411. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 58% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.