Underwood

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Underwood's population is around 7,495 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 686 people (10.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,809 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,415 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 140 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,788 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Underwood's 10.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.4%) 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 61.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, an above-median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,084 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 13.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Underwood among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Underwood has averaged around 49 new dwelling approvals per year, with 248 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 18 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.4 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $430,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $9.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Underwood has 151.0% more new home approvals (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. New building activity shows 35.0% detached dwellings and 65.0% attached dwellings. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 85.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 230 people per dwelling approval, Underwood shows a developing market.

Population forecasts indicate Underwood will gain 1,004 residents through to 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.

Underwood has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Penrose Place Estate, Underwood Central, the South East Busway extension to Springwood, and the Eight Mile Plains Shopping Centre Expansion, 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Underwood well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Underwood has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. As of December 2025, 4,147 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (73.8% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care and social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in transport, postal and warehousing, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, professional and technical services have a limited presence, with 7.1% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. The ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4% while employment declined by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Underwood. 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 Underwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Underwood SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,631, with an average of $64,976. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,847 (median) and $71,415 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Underwood cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 36.1% of residents (2,705 people), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 64th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Underwood is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Underwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.6% houses and 15.4% 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 Underwood was lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 23.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (48.4%) or rented (27.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Brisbane metro average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Underwood's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 82.0% of all households, comprising 46.6% couples with children, 22.2% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 15.2% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 3.1 people is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Underwood shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Underwood significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 35.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 16.2% in the SA4 region and 20.6% in the SA3 area. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 30.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (18.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 19 active transport stops operating within Underwood, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 287 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 306 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 14.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 41 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Underwood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Underwood, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~3,837 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.5 and 5.4% of residents, respectively, while 78.6% 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 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (902 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Underwood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Underwood scores highly on cultural diversity, with 47.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 47.2% born overseas. The main religion in Underwood is Christianity, which makes up 36.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 16.7% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Underwood are Other, comprising 19.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 9.4%, English, comprising 16.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%, and Australian, comprising 15.1% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 4.1% of Underwood (vs 0.5% regionally), Indian at 9.1% (vs 2.0%) and Samoan at 1.2% (vs 0.9%).

Underwood hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

With a median age of 34, Underwood is slightly younger than the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 and is substantially under Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Underwood has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (15.5%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (13.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.8% to 3.9% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 15.5% to 13.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Underwood. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 32%, adding 320 residents to reach 1,326. On the other hand, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.