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 was around 9,136 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 401 people 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 level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,355 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 53.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied where utilized. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase, with the area expected to expand by 927 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 10.1% 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. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 45 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, 5.4 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed.

This significant demand exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $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 typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. However, development activity has increased recently. Nationally, Petrie's development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New building activity in Petrie comprises 29.0% detached dwellings and 71.0% attached dwellings, indicating a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift is notable compared to the current housing mix of 87.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With approximately 950 people per dwelling approval, Petrie reflects a highly mature market. By 2041, Petrie is projected to grow by 919 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 fifteen projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are 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. The following list details those most 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's workforce comprises skilled individuals with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stands at 8.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.6% over the past year. As of September 2025, 4,990 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.5% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Petrie is 74.8%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 17.2% of residents work from home. Employment 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. Professional & technical services employ only 6.4% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6%, while labour force grew by 5.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and a decrease in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Petrie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Petrie SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $56,733 and an average income of $64,258. Nationally, these figures are lower than the averages of $58,236 and $72,799 for Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median income in Petrie is approximately $62,355 and average income is around $70,626 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Petrie are at the 53rd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 40.0% (3,654 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 33.3%. Housing costs consume 15.4% of income in Petrie, leaving disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. 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

Petrie's dwelling structure at the latest Census was 86.7% houses and 13.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 76.5% houses and 23.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Petrie was at 25.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.2% and rented ones at 30.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,725, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Petrie was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. 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 account for 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 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 (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (28.4%). Educational participation is high at 29.2%, with 10.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing 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 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 106 individual routes, facilitating 3,553 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 225 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 84%, while train usage stands at 11%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.2% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 507 trips per day, equating to roughly 118 weekly trips per 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low among the general population but higher than the national average in older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 51% of Petrie's total population (~4,677 people) had private health cover, compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues (11.6%) and asthma (9.1%). 64.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Petrie has 15.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,412 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 showed low cultural diversity, with 80.6% born in Australia, 89.5% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 46.2%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.8%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.3% of Petrie's population versus 1.0% regionally, Maori represented 1.3% compared to 1.1%, and Welsh comprised 0.8% versus 0.5%.

Petrie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Petrie's median age is 38, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 36 but equal to Australia's 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 12.7% of Petrie's population, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.5% to 4.8% of Petrie's population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 12.7% to 11.2%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 14.9% to 13.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Petrie's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 57% (248 people), reaching 682 from 433. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 56% of the population growth, while the 0-4 and 25-34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.