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 is approximately 7,495 as of February 2026. This represents an increase of 686 people from the 2021 Census figure of 6,809, indicating a growth rate of 10.1%. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: Underwood's population was around 7,415 in June 2024, with an additional 140 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of approximately 1,788 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Underwood's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (6.4%) and the national average, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed around 61.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort when utilised. Future population trends project an above median growth for the area, with an expected expansion of 1,084 persons to 2041. This reflects a total gain of 13.4% over the 17-year period, 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 has averaged approximately 49 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 248 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY26. On average, around 2.4 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $430,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $9.0 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Underwood has 151.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers ample choice. Current building activity shows a split of 35.0% detached dwellings and 65.0% attached dwellings, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands towards compact living. This attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, marking a significant change from the current housing mix of 85.0% houses. With around 230 people per dwelling approval, Underwood exhibits a growing market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Underwood is projected to gain 1,004 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Penrose Place Estate, Underwood Central, South East Busway extension to Springwood (due for completion in June 2025), and Eight Mile Plains Shopping Centre Expansion (commenced in March 2021). 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 reveals Underwood significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Underwood's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%. As of September 2025, 4,231 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 75.2%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 14.1% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services had a limited presence at 7.1%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%. There was one worker for every resident, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.9% while labour force grew by 2.3%, resulting in a 0.6 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released 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 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 for financial year 2023 shows Underwood SA2 had a median income of $52,631 and an average of $64,976. Nationally, these figures are lower than the average. Comparing with Greater Brisbane, Underwood's median is $58,236 and average is $72,799. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,847 (median) and $71,415 (average). Census data indicates Underwood's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 36.1% of residents (2,705 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 33.3% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 64th percentile. Underwood'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 evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Brisbane metro's composition of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. The level of 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 the area was $1,950, which is higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure for Underwood was recorded at $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Underwood's mortgage repayments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 15.2% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6 people.

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 standards. Among residents aged 15 and above, 35.0% have university qualifications, compared to 16.2% in the SA4 region and 20.6% in the SA3 area. The most common university qualification is a bachelor degree, held by 23.2% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications are held by 8.8%, and graduate diplomas by 3.0%.

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas account for 11.8%, while certificates make up 18.9%. Educational participation is high in Underwood, 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 287 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is considered good, with residents typically located around 306 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Underwood residents commute outwards for work or other purposes. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 89% of residents, while only 6% use public buses. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Underwood, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.1% of Underwood residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 41 trips per day, equating to roughly 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

AreaSearch's assessment of Underwood's health outcomes shows remarkable results. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low, especially among younger cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51%, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane (~3,837 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.5%) and mental health issues (5.4%). A majority of residents (78.6%) report being clear of medical ailments, higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 69.2%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Underwood has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (12.0%, or 902 people) compared to Greater Brisbane (15.2%). While health outcomes for 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 47.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 47.2% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 36.7%. Islam is overrepresented, comprising 16.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's average of 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' is the highest group at 19.9%, higher than the regional average of 9.4%. English ancestry stands at 16.2%, lower than the regional average of 26.8%, and Australian ancestry is also lower at 15.1% compared to the regional average of 23.2%. Notably, Korean (4.1%) and Indian (9.1%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Underwood, while Samoan (1.2%) shows a slight overrepresentation compared to regional averages.

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

Underwood's median age is 34, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's 36 and Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Underwood has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (15.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75-84 age group has increased from 2.8% to 3.9% of Underwood's population, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 15.5% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant changes for Underwood. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 32%, adding 320 residents to reach a total of 1,326. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.