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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Petrie's population is around 9,136 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 401 people (4.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,735 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,128 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 36 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,355 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 natural growth, which contributed approximately 53.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 927 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.1% in total 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 around 9 residential properties granted approval per year, with 45 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 6 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 5.4 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 $339,000. Additionally, $3.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Relative to Greater Brisbane, Petrie has significantly less development activity (81.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity shows 29.0% detached dwellings and 71.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 87.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 950 people per dwelling approval, Petrie reflects a highly mature market.

Looking ahead, Petrie is expected to grow by 919 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 15 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Moreton Bay Central (The Mill) - Knowledge and Innovation Precinct, Petrie Central Retail and Residential Precinct Expansion, Pantex Student Accommodation - Young Street, and 50-52 Connors Street Apartments, 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.

Petrie shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Petrie features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 8.2%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,988 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 4.0% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is fairly standard (74.5% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.2% 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 construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 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 count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5% and the labour force increased by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Petrie. 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 Petrie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Petrie SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $56,733 with the average level standing at $64,258. 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 $62,355 (median) and $70,626 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Petrie cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 40.0% of the community (3,654 individuals), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 58th percentile and the 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

Dwelling structure within Petrie, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.7% houses and 13.3% 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 Petrie was in line with that of Brisbane metro, at 25.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (44.2%) or rented (30.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Brisbane metro average at $1,725, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Petrie's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 77.9% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (20.2%) substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (28.4%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 30 active transport stops operating within Petrie, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 106 individual routes, collectively providing 3,553 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 225 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 11% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 17.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 507 trips per day across all routes, equating 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. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though 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 (~4,677 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.6% and 9.1% of residents, respectively, while 64.7% declared themselves as 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 15.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,412 people), though this ranks 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 80.6% of its population born in Australia, 89.5% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Petrie is Christianity, which makes up 46.2% of people in Petrie, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Petrie are English, comprising 30.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.3% of Petrie (vs 1.0% regionally), Maori at 1.3% (vs 1.1%) and Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.5%).

Petrie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 38, Petrie is slightly older than the Greater Brisbane figure of 36, though equal to Australia's 38 years. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 12.7% compared to Greater Brisbane, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.2%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.5% to 4.8% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 11.2% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.9% to 13.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Petrie's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 57% (248 people), reaching 682 from 433. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 56% of projected growth. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.