Sherwood

Population growth drivers in Sherwood are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Sherwood's population is around 7,124 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 672 people (10.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,452 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,985 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,124 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Sherwood's 10.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.5%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 63.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 764 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 8.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Sherwood has experienced around 25 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 127 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 10 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 5.5 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $415,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. There have also been $2.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sherwood shows 17.0% lower construction activity (per person) while it places among the 51st percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 450 people per dwelling approval, Sherwood shows a developed market.

Future projections show Sherwood adding 625 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Sherwood has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Oxley Creek Transformation, Parklands At Sherwood, Cross River Rail - Graceville Station, and Centenary Motorway Bypass, 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.

Sherwood has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Sherwood possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. As of December 2025, 3,871 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is in line with Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%. Based on Census responses, a high 32.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care and social assistance, professional and technical services, and education and training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional and technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. In contrast, construction employs just 4.8% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. 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, the labour force decreased by 3.3% while employment declined by 3.2%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, and 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 Sherwood. 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 Sherwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Sherwood SA2's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Sherwood SA2's median income among taxpayers is $69,501 and the average income stands at $93,213, which compares to figures for Greater Brisbane's of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $76,389 (median) and $102,450 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Sherwood, between the 70th and 83rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 28.8% of locals (2,051 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 34.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 72nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Sherwood displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Sherwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 53.9% houses and 46.1% 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 Sherwood was well beyond that of Brisbane metro, at 29.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.8%) or rented (36.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Brisbane metro average at $2,210, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $395, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Sherwood's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

Sherwood features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 65.6% of all households, comprising 30.6% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Sherwood significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 50.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 32.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 21.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (11.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 9.0% in tertiary education, and 8.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 22 active transport stops operating within Sherwood, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 89 individual routes, collectively providing 2,761 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 213 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 73%, with 17% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 32.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 394 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 125 weekly trips per individual stop.

Sherwood's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Sherwood, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (4,808 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.3% and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 72.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,362 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Sherwood is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 14.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 26.5% born overseas. The main religion in Sherwood is Christianity, which makes up 47.5% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Sherwood are English, comprising 27.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.9% of Sherwood (vs 7.4% regionally), Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.3%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Sherwood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 39-year median age in Sherwood is modestly exceeding Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and is very close to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Sherwood has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (8.2%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (12.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.2% to 8.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.2%. By 2041, Sherwood is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 60% (347 people), reaching 932 from 584. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 72% of projected growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 cohorts.