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

Sherwood's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 7,098 people. This figure represents a growth of 646 individuals, a 10.0% increase since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 6,452. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,050 in June 2025 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,113 persons per square kilometer, placing Sherwood in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate exceeded both the SA4 region (8.3%) and the national average, making it a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.3% 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, 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied when utilised. Future population trends indicate a growth of approximately 680 persons to the year 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.9% over the 16-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Sherwood has experienced approximately 25 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25127 homes have been approved, with an additional 14 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, around 5.5 new residents have arrived annually for each dwelling constructed during these years.

This demand has outpaced supply, exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing buyer competition. The average construction value of new dwellings is $415,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $2.2 million, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Sherwood has 18.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks in the 51st percentile nationally among assessed areas.

New developments consist of equal parts detached houses and townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and affordability for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 450 people per dwelling approval, Sherwood demonstrates a developed market. By 2041, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects an increase of 632 residents in Sherwood. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, maintaining steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Sherwood has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects are Oxley Creek Transformation, Parklands At Sherwood, Cross River Rail - Graceville Station, and Centenary Motorway Bypass. The following details these projects in order of relevance.

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

Sherwood has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.1%. As of December 2025, 3871 residents are employed, matching Greater Brisbane's 4.1% unemployment rate and 69.6% participation rate.

Census data shows 32.1% work from home. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Professional & technical jobs are particularly prevalent, at 1.7 times the regional level, while construction employs just 4.8%, below Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities.

Between December 2024 and 2025, Sherwood's labour force decreased by 3.3% and employment declined by 3.2%, with unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.2% and labour force by 3.0%, with a slight unemployment drop of 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sherwood's mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Sherwood SA2's median income among taxpayers was $69,501 and average income stood at $93,213 in financial year 2023, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares to Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $77,396 (median) and $103,802 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes all rank highly in Sherwood, between the 70th and 83rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 28.8% of locals (2,044 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 33.3%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 34.3% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 72nd percentile. 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

Sherwood's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.9% houses and 46.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), whereas Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sherwood was at 29.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.8% and rented ones at 36.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Sherwood was $2,210, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Sherwood was $395, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Sherwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded 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 account for 65.6% of all households, including 30.6% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households making up 4.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which 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

Sherwood's educational attainment is notably higher than broader standards. Among residents aged 15+, 50.8% have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. This educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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+, with advanced diplomas making up 9.6% and certificates 11.9%. Educational participation is 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

Sherwood has 22 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 89 routes, facilitating 2,761 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 213 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 73%, while trains account for 17%. The area has an average vehicle ownership of 1.1 per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

Notably, 32.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census), which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 394 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 125 weekly trips per stop.

Sherwood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Sherwood's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 68% of the total population (4791 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%. The most common conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.3% and 7.4% respectively.

72.9% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1298 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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's population, as of the 2016 Census, showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 14.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 26.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Sherwood, accounting for 47.5%. Notably, Judaism had an overrepresentation of 0.3%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.5%), Australian (22.1%), and Irish (11.1%). Other ethnicities also showed variations: Scottish was overrepresented at 9.9% compared to the regional average of 7.4%, Russian at 0.6% versus 0.3%, and Welsh at 0.7% against 0.5%.

Sherwood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Sherwood's median age is 38, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 36 but equal to Australia's 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes 7.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 13.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.2% to 7.5%, whereas the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Sherwood's age structure. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 61% (323 people), reaching 858 from 534. Those aged 65 and above are expected to contribute 71% of the population growth, while the 15-24 and 0-4 cohorts are projected to decline in population.