Underwood
Statistical Area - sa2

Underwood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Underwood's population was approximately 7,483 as of November 2025. This represented an increase of 674 people, a 9.9% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 6,809. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 7,415 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density of 1,785 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Underwood's growth exceeded both its SA3 area (6.1%) and the national average, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.8% 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 were used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections did not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends projected an above median growth for Underwood, with an expected expansion of 1,084 persons by 2041 based on the latest population numbers. This would result in a total gain of 13.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Underwood has averaged approximately 49 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 248 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY26. The area has seen an average of 2.4 people moving in annually for each new home constructed over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

Developers are targeting the premium market segment, with new homes averaging $430,000 in construction cost value. In FY26, $9.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential character for the area. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Underwood has 151.0% more new home approvals per capita. This high level of activity provides buyers with ample choice. The current building activity shows 35.0% detached dwellings and 65.0% attached dwellings, a notable shift from the current housing mix of 85.0% houses. This shift reflects reduced development site availability and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 230 people per dwelling approval, Underwood indicates a developing market. Population forecasts suggest that Underwood will gain 1,016 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Underwood has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include South East Busway extension to Springwood (scheduled for completion in 2024), Penrose Place Estate (commenced in late 2021), Underwood Park Recreation Facility Upgrade (expected to finish by mid-2023), and Underwood Central (planned opening in early 2025). The following list details projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Underwood significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Underwood has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, lower than the national average.

Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 5.0%. As of June 2025, 4,308 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is at 67.8%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area shows strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have a limited presence at 7.1%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The ratio of 0.9 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 5.0% while labour force grew by 4.9%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4%, labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, 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 growth of 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 for financial year 2022 shows Underwood's median income among taxpayers is $50,587 and the average is $61,960. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Brisbane having a median of $55,645 and an average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,664 (median) and $70,628 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Underwood are at the 57th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 36.1% of residents (2,701 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels where 33.3% fall into this range. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 64th percentile nationally. 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

Underwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 77.9% houses and 22.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Underwood was 23.8%, similar to Brisbane metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings were at 48.4% and rented ones at 27.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Underwood was $1,950, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,638. Median weekly rent in Underwood was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $320. 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 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% of the total. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

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

Underwood's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. 35% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications compared to 16.2% in the SA4 region and 20.6% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.8% and graduate diplomas at 3%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 30.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - 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. Faith Christian School of Distance Education provides local educational services within Underwood, with an enrollment of 0 students. All 1 schools offer integrated K-12 education. With no schools located within Underwood, residents must travel to neighboring areas for educational services. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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 currently. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with 3 routes in total providing 282 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically located 303 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 40 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 14 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 excellent results, particularly for younger age groups who have a very low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51%, covering around 3,786 people in total. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.5% and 5.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 78.6%, report being free from any medical ailments, compared to 68.5% across Greater Brisbane. Underwood has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 11.2% (841 people), than the 15.4% in Greater Brisbane. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for 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, comprising 36.7% of people. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented, making up 16.7% of the population compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 7.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (19.9%), English (16.2%), and Australian (15.1%). Notably, Underwood has lower percentages of English and Australian ancestry compared to regional averages of 23.2% and 20.5%, respectively. Additionally, there are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Korean (4.1% vs regional average of 1.1%), Indian (9.1% vs 2.3%), and Samoan (1.2% vs 2.4%).

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

Underwood's median age is 34, which is slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly under Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Underwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.5%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 2.8% to 3.5% of Underwood's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 15.5% to 14.2%. By 2041, projections indicate significant demographic shifts in Underwood. The 45 to 54 age cohort is expected to grow by 34%, adding 339 residents to reach a total of 1,326. Meanwhile, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are projected to decrease in number.