Riverview
Statistical Area - sa2

Riverview has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Riverview's population was 3,067 as of Aug 2021. By Jun 2024, it had increased to 3,172, a rise of 105 people (3.4%). This growth is attributed to an estimated resident population increase and 7 new addresses validated since the census date. The population density was 407 persons per square kilometer in Jun 2024. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 55.4% of Riverview's population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied when utilised. Riverview is expected to increase by 195 persons to 2041, with a total increase of 6.2% over the 17 years based on latest population numbers.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Riverview when compared nationally

Riverview has received approximately 9 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, indicating 47 homes approved over the past five years (FY20-FY25), with none yet recorded in FY26. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY20 and FY25 has resulted in 0.7 new residents per year. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth.

The average construction cost of new properties during this period was $297,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. Commercial approvals totalled $5.2 million in the current financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Riverview has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, yet it ranks among the 94th percentile nationally when assessed for areas with comparable populations. Recent construction activity has intensified, with 8.0% standalone homes and 92.0% attached dwellings approved. This shift towards denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers.

This change marks a significant departure from the current housing pattern, which is predominantly houses (96.0%). The estimated population per dwelling approval in Riverview is 805 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections suggest Riverview will add 195 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Riverview has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Citiswich Business Park Expansion, Woodlinks Village, Riverview Townhomes and Apartments, and ForestBrook. The following details those most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Riverview face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Riverview's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 17.5% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.5%. There are 1,033 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 13.4%, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Riverview is lower at 42.5% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Major employment sectors include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Manufacturing has a particularly high share of employment, at 2.4 times the regional level. The professional & technical sector has limited presence, with 3.5% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. There are 0.8 workers per resident, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5%, while the labour force grew by 0.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% and a reduction in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, with employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Riverview's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Riverview's median taxpayer income was $45,427 and average was $48,673 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average of that time. Greater Brisbane had a median income of $55,645 and an average of $70,520 during the same period. By March 2025, estimates suggest Riverview's median income would be approximately $50,747 and average around $54,373, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Riverview fall between the 4th and 7th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data reveals that the largest segment comprises 32.5% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (1,030 residents), differing from surrounding regions where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Riverview, with only 81.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

Riverview is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Riverview's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was composed of 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings. This contrasts with Brisbane metro's figures of 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Riverview stood at 23.0%, lower than Brisbane metro's level, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.2% and rented ones at 50.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,092, below the Brisbane metro average of $1,517. Weekly rent in Riverview was $270, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Riverview's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Riverview features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.1% of all households, including 22.7% couples with children, 22.7% couples without children, and 20.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households comprising 5.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Riverview faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 11.2%, significantly below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (30.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.8% in primary, 10.1% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education. Riverview's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,366 students, serving varied educational conditions across the area. Educational provision is conventional, split between one primary and two secondary institutions. The area functions as an education hub with 43.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 18.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Riverview has 27 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 49 individual routes that collectively facilitate 1,575 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 185 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is high, with 225 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 58 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Riverview is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Riverview faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is low at approximately 46% (~1,455 people), compared to 49.9% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, impacting 13.2 and 11.4% of residents respectively.

However, 53.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.2% in Greater Brisbane. Riverview has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.8%, with approximately 597 people, compared to 15.3% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with the overall population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Riverview was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Riverview's cultural diversity was above average, with 23.2% of its population born overseas and 16.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Riverview, making up 45.0% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 1.3%, compared to 0.8% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 26.0%, followed by English at 26.0%, and Australian Aboriginal at 7.8%. Some ethnic groups were notably overrepresented in Riverview: Samoan at 5.2% (regional average 0.9%), Maori at 1.9% (regional average 0.9%), and Dutch at 1.8% (regional average 1.3%).

Riverview's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Riverview's median age is nearly 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and nearing Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Riverview has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (7.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.6%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 35-44 grew from 10.9% to 13.0%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 11.8% to 13.2%. Conversely, the cohort aged 5-14 declined from 15.6% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Riverview's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 53%, adding 117 residents to reach 342. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 79% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the cohorts aged 15-24 and 0-4 are projected to experience population declines.