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

Underwood's population was around 7,651 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 842 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,809 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,527 in June 2025 and an additional 177 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,826 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Underwood's growth of 12.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.7%) and the national average, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data were used. However, these state projections did not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends projected an above median growth for Australian statistical areas. The area was expected to expand by 934 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 10.6% in total over the 16 years, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Underwood averaged approximately 49 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, totaling 248 homes. In FY26, up to May, 21 homes have been approved. This results in an average of 2.4 people moving to the area per new home constructed over these five years.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $430,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY26, commercial approvals amounted to $9.0 million. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Underwood has 149.0% more new home approvals per person. The residential character of Underwood is reflected in its building activity, with 35.0% detached dwellings and 65.0% attached dwellings. This shift from the current housing mix of 85.0% houses suggests reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands. Underwood shows a developing market with around 230 people per dwelling approval.

Population forecasts indicate Underwood will gain approximately 810 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply is expected to meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Penrose Place Estate, Underwood Central, South East Busway extension to Springwood (scheduled for completion in mid-2024), and Eight Mile Plains Shopping Centre Expansion (commencing Q1 2023). 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.

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

Underwood has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.7%. As of December 2025, there are 4,147 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation stands at 72.1%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census data, 14.1% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors. The area has a notable specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 7.1% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. There is one worker for every resident, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4%, while employment declined by 1.2%, causing a slight fall in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Underwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Underwood SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $52,631 and an average of $64,976. This is lower than the national average. Greater Brisbane, meanwhile, had a median income of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $58,610 (median) and $72,357 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Underwood cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 36.1% of residents (2,762 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 33.3% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income in Underwood, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 64th percentile nationally. 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

The dwelling structure in Underwood, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Underwood was at 23.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (48.4%) or rented (27.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Underwood was $1,950, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Underwood was recorded at $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Underwood's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 82.0% of all households, including 46.6% couples with children, 22.2% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 15.2% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which 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

Underwood's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 35.0% have university qualifications, compared to 16.2% in the SA4 region and 20.6% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 23.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 18.9%.

Educational participation is 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

Underwood has 19 active public transport stops operating, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three routes that collectively facilitate 287 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 306 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Underwood's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 89%, while bus usage stands at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 14.1% of residents work from home, which 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

Underwood's health outcomes show notable results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low, particularly among younger cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of Underwood's total population (~3,917 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.5% and 5.4% of residents respectively. A majority, 78.6%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Underwood has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 11.6% (887 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 47.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 47.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Underwood, making up 36.7% of people. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented, comprising 16.7%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other at 19.9%, English at 16.2%, and Australian at 15.1%. Notably, Korean (4.1% vs regional 0.5%), Indian (9.1% vs regional 2.0%), and Samoan (1.2% vs regional 0.9%) groups are overrepresented in Underwood.

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

Underwood's median age is 34, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 36 and Australia's 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Underwood has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (15.1%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 12.9% to 13.8%, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 15.5% to 14.1%. By 2041, Underwood's population is forecasted to undergo significant demographic changes. The strongest projected growth is in the 45-54 age group, with a 29% increase adding 294 residents, reaching 1,302. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 25-34 age groups are expected to decrease in number.