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 was 9,141 as of November 2025. This reflected a growth of 406 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,735. The increase was inferred from ABS estimates: 9,128 in June 2024 and an additional 36 validated new addresses post-Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,356 persons per square kilometer. 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 2022 as the base year. 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 lack age category splits; thus proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied. Future population dynamics anticipate a median national area increase, with Petrie expected to grow by 927 persons to 2041. This represents a total increase of 10.0% 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 nine residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 45 homes were approved, with two more approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, 5.4 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed.

This significant demand exceeding supply typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction 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 has significantly less development activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. Nationally, Petrie also reflects lower development activity, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints.

New building activity shows a trend towards denser development, with 29.0% detached dwellings and 71.0% attached dwellings. This shift caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Currently, Petrie has around 950 people per dwelling approval, indicating a highly mature market. Looking ahead, Petrie is projected to grow by 914 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

A total of 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. These include key projects such as Pantex Student Accommodation on Young Street, Petrie Central Retail and Residential Precinct Expansion, 50-52 Connors Street Apartments, and Moreton Bay Central (The Mill) - Knowledge and Innovation Precinct. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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 has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 8.9% in June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0% over the past 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%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment in Petrie is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with a particularly strong specialization in retail trade at 1.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services employed only 6.4% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%.

The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.0%, while labour force increased by 7.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a fall in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Petrie's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Petrie had a median taxpayer income of $54,189 and an average income of $61,474. Nationally, the median was $55,645 and the average was $70,520. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,770 (median) and $70,074 (average), accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Petrie's household, family, and personal incomes were at the 53rd percentile nationally. Income distribution showed that 40.0% (3,656 individuals) earned between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to regional levels where this cohort represented 33.3%. High housing costs consumed 15.4% of income, but disposable income was at the 58th percentile. Petrie's SEIFA income ranking placed 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, consisted of 86.7% houses and 13.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 78.9% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Petrie was at 25.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (44.2%) or rented (30.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Petrie was $1,725, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,625. The median weekly rent was $360, equal to 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 constitute 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 comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which 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'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 held by 40.0% of residents aged 15 and above, with 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, 8.3% in secondary, and 5.0% in 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). Education provision was balanced, with three primary and one secondary school serving the area.

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

Petrie has 28 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 85 individual routes serving these stops, which together facilitate 3,573 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 235 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency across all routes averages 510 trips per day, equating 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. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (~4,625 people), compared to 48.5% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.6 and 9.1% of residents respectively, while 64.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.8% across Greater Brisbane. As of September 2021, 14.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,350 people).

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 shows low cultural diversity, with 80.6% born in Australia, 89.5% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 46.2%, compared to 48.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.8%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprise 1.3% of Petrie's population versus 1.1% regionally, Maori make up 1.3% compared to 1.4%, and Welsh people represent 0.8% versus 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 age group of 55-64 shows 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 now, the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.5% to 4.5% of Petrie's population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.9% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Petrie's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 66%, reaching 682 people from the current 411. This growth will contribute significantly to the overall increase of those aged 65 and above, who are projected to comprise 58% of Petrie's population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.