Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove

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

Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove's population is around 13,040 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,359 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,681 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,833 in June 2025 and an additional 281 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 987 persons per square kilometer. Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove's growth of 11.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.1%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 40.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Moving forward, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected. The area is expected to grow by 1,489 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 9.8% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Upper Kedron-Ferny Grove has seen approximately 86 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25431 homes were approved, with a further 55 approved in FY26 as of current figures. This results in an average of 3.2 people moving to the area each year for every dwelling built during this period.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $290,000. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $88.4 million, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Upper Kedron-Ferny Grove has 76.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice despite a recent slowdown in overall building activity.

The new building activity consists of 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. With around 337 people per dwelling approval, Upper Kedron-Ferny Grove displays a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 1,282 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Ferny Grove Central - Mixed Use Development, Ferny Grove Station Car Park Upgrade, Ferny Hills Precinct Planning Project, and Great Western Super Centre Expansion & Renovation. 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.

The employment environment in Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove has a highly educated workforce with professional services being well-represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.2%. By this date, 6729 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 27.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The area has a strong specialisation in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 2.9% compared to the regional average of 6.4%. The predominantly residential nature of the area suggests limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 3.2%, while employment declined by 2.9%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2% during this period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $68,493 and an average of $81,759. These figures are significantly higher than national averages. Greater Brisbane's median income was $58,236 with an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove would be approximately $76,274 (median) and $91,047 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove between the 83rd and 92nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 33.3% of residents earn $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, similar to the metropolitan region. A substantial proportion, 41.3%, earns above $3,000 weekly, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Upper Kedron-Ferny Grove's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Upper Kedron-Ferny Grove stood at 29.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.9% and rented ones at 24.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Upper Kedron-Ferny Grove's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 87.3% of all households, including 48.0% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 12.7%, with lone person households at 11.7% and group households comprising 1.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 34.4%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 47.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 34.4% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 21.3%. Educational participation is high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.0% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove has 34 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are operated by 25 individual routes, collectively providing 1,901 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 360 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 82%, while train accounts for 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 27.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 271 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 55 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (7,810 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.4 and 7.0% of residents respectively. A total of 71.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of 31 December 2020, the area has 13.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,725 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Upper Kedron-Ferny Grove's cultural diversity aligns with the broader region, with 78.3% born in Australia, 91.7% being citizens, and 89.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 50.4%. Hinduism is overrepresented at 1.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.2%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (28.3%), Australian (27.0%), and Irish (9.1%). Notable ethnic group divergences include South Australian (1.0% vs regional 0.6%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.2%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.5%).

Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove's median age is nearly 37 years, close to Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (15.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.1%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.7% to 14.2%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.4% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 17.1% to 15.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Upper Kedron - Ferny Grove's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 21%, adding 423 residents to reach 2,441. In contrast, both the 5-14 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.