Samford Valley

Samford Valley has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Samford Valley's population is 13,199 as of November 2025. This shows an increase of 814 people from the 2021 Census figure of 12,385. The rise is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data: 13,100 in June 2024 and additional validated addresses since then. This results in a density ratio of 79 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Samford Valley's growth rate was 1.1% compound annually, surpassing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 58.6% to recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023 are adopted. State projections lack age category splits; AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends indicate lower quartile growth, with Samford Valley expected to grow by 514 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 3.1%.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Samford Valley when compared nationally

Samford Valley has averaged approximately 64 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 321 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 21 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 2.1 people moved to the area annually for each new home constructed, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $406,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments.

In FY-26, there have been $14.0 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to previous years. When considering Greater Brisbane, Samford Valley has shown slightly more development activity, with 20.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. The new development consists of 77.0% detached houses and 23.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character while also accommodating evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

This marks a significant shift from the existing housing pattern, which is currently 98.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability. Samford Valley reflects a transitioning market with around 309 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Samford Valley is forecasted to gain approximately 415 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Samford Valley has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Ferny Grove Central - Mixed Use Development, Ferny Hills Precinct Planning Project, Ferny Grove Station Car Park Upgrade, and Ferny Grove to Samford Road Cycleway (Stage 2). 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.

Employment conditions in Samford Valley rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Samford Valley has a well-educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate is 1.9% and there has been an estimated employment growth of 5.0% over the past year as of September 2025.

There are 7,649 residents in work with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and construction. The area has a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical services with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Manufacturing has limited presence with 4.2% employment compared to 6.4% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.0% and labour force increased by 5.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 3.8%, the labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Samford Valley. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Samford Valley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Samford Valley SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $60,935 and an average of $90,848. This is one of the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $55,645 and average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Samford Valley would be approximately $69,460 (median) and $103,558 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes rank exceptionally high at the 95th percentile ($2,806 weekly). The earnings profile shows the $4000+ bracket dominates with 32.4% of residents (4,276 people), differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 33.3%. The area exhibits considerable affluence with 47.1% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 88.5% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Samford Valley's dwellings, as recorded in the latest Census, were 97.5% houses and 2.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 92.2% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Samford Valley stood at 42.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.2% and rented ones at 7.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,492, exceeding Brisbane metro's average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in the area was $495, higher than Brisbane metro's $440. Nationally, Samford Valley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 87.5% of all households, including 45.7% couples with children, 34.3% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 12.5%, with lone person households at 11.2% and group households making up 1.3%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.9.

Educational achievement in Samford Valley places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

In Samford Valley, educational attainment is notably high, with 39.0% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses the broader benchmarks of 24.9% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in Queensland. The area's strong educational advantage is evident in its distribution of qualifications: Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.0% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 12.8% and certificates for 19.2%. Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Samford Valley shows that there are currently 17 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 20 weekly passenger trips provided collectively by these stops. The accessibility to transport is rated as limited, with residents typically residing 2001 meters away from the nearest transport stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes is 2 trips per day, which equates to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop.

Samford Valley's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows Samford Valley performed well across various health indicators. Both young and elderly residents had low prevalence of common conditions. Private health cover was high at around 67%, compared to 59% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affected 7.3% and asthma impacted 7.0% of residents, with 72.2% reporting no medical ailments, higher than the 69.9% across Greater Brisbane. The area had 21.4% aged 65 and over (2,827 people), compared to 16.2% in Greater Brisbane. Seniors' health outcomes were strong, even better than the general population's metrics.

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

Samford Valley was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 79.4% of its population born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Samford Valley, comprising 50.5% of people, compared to 52.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (33.4%), Australian (25.3%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 10.1%, South African remains at 1.0%, and Welsh is slightly higher at 0.8%.

Samford Valley hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Samford Valley has a median age of 45, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly exceeds the national norm of 38. The age group of 55-64 makes up 15.6% of Samford Valley's population, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort comprises only 4.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 5.4% to 7.7%, and the 15 to 24 cohort grew from 11.5% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort decreased from 11.7% to 10.2%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 5.9% to 4.5%. Demographic modeling indicates that Samford Valley's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 249%, reaching 853 people from 244. This growth is led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 88% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.