Zillmere
Statistical Area - sa2

Zillmere has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Zillmere's population is approximately 10,054 as of August 2025. This represents an increase of 731 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,323. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,045 in June 2024 and an additional 33 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,717 persons per square kilometer, placing Zillmere in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Zillmere's growth rate of 7.8% since the 2021 Census exceeded its SA3 area's growth rate of 6.8%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 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 where utilised. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth of national statistical areas. Based on the latest population numbers, Zillmere is expected to increase by 481 persons to reach 2041, reflecting a total increase of 4.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Zillmere recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Zillmere has received approximately 49 dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows a total of 248 approvals over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, with an additional four approved so far in FY26. On average, each home built has added around 3.6 new residents per year over these five years. This demand significantly outpaces supply, exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

The average construction cost of new dwellings is $562,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY26 alone, $22.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Comparatively, Zillmere has 16.0% less new development per person than Greater Brisbane and ranks at the 28th percentile nationally for areas assessed, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is below the national average, suggesting an established market and potential planning limitations. New development in Zillmere consists of equal parts detached dwellings (50.0%) and townhouses or apartments (50.0%), attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers with affordable entry pathways.

The area has approximately 890 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Future projections estimate Zillmere will add 472 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Zillmere has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could affect the area. Notable projects include Pioneer Estate, Beams Road Level Crossing Removal & Overpass, Zillmere Station Transit Oriented Development, and Beams Road Upgrade (Lacey Road to Handford Road). The following list details those most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Zillmere has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Zillmere has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 7.8% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 11.5%. As of June 2025, 5,483 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.8% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Zillmere is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing.

Transport, postal & warehousing has particularly high employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Education & training, however, has limited presence with 7.2% employment compared to 9.4% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 11.5% while labour force grew by 10.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, favourable compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.5% but lagging national employment growth of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Zillmere's employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Zillmere's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $52,737. The average income stood at $63,042 during the same period. For Greater Brisbane, these figures were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated median income for Zillmere as of March 2025 is approximately $58,913, with average income at around $70,424. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 47th percentile ($788 weekly), while household income sits at the 31st percentile. The largest income bracket comprises 33.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, with 3,327 residents falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile.

Zillmere displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Zillmere's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 55.0% houses and 45.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 75.4% houses and 24.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Zillmere stood at 18.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.2% and rented ones at 54.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,677, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,800. Weekly rent median was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $375. Nationally, Zillmere's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Zillmere features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 60.2% of all households, including 21.3% couples with children, 22.3% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.8%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households comprising 6.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Zillmere aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Zillmere's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 27.1% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 33.8%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (24.6%).

Educational participation is high at 29.5%, including primary education (8.6%), tertiary education (6.4%), and secondary education (6.2%). Zillmere's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,228 students and demonstrate typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities, having three primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Zillmere has 59 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 35 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 2,460 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 151 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 351 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Zillmere is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Zillmere faces significant health challenges.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but are more pronounced among older cohorts. Private health cover is slightly lower than the average SA2 area at approximately 51% of the total population (around 5,137 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.8% and 8.4% of residents respectively. Approximately 67.2% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Greater Brisbane. As of June 2021, 14.1% of Zillmere's population is aged 65 and over (around 1,422 people), which is lower than the 18.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

Zillmere was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Zillmere had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 31.0% of its population born overseas and 23.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Zillmere, accounting for 44.5% of the population. The most significant overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' religious category, which made up 5.6% of Zillmere's population compared to 3.7% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (24.4%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (14.4%). Notable differences existed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Samoan at 0.9% (vs regional 0.6%), Maori at 1.1% (vs regional 0.9%), and Filipino at 2.2% (vs regional 2.1%).

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

Zillmere has a median age of 34, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly below Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Zillmere has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.0%). This 25-34 concentration is notably above the national figure of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population of Zillmere has seen an increase in the 35 to 44 age group from 15.0% to 15.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has decreased from 12.7% to 11.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic shifts for Zillmere. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 24%, adding 261 residents to reach a total of 1,359. This growth trend reflects ongoing demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older accounting for 57% of anticipated population increase. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.