Arana Hills

Arana Hills is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Arana Hills is around 7,771 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 800 people (11.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,971 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,764, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 152 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,129 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 11.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.4%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 51.0% 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. As we examine future population trends, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 407 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Arana Hills had approximately 44 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 221 homes were approved, with an additional 23 approved in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.6 new residents per new home arrived annually, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this figure increased to 6 people per dwelling over the last two financial years, suggesting rising demand and tightening supply.

New homes were built at an average cost of $510,000, targeting the premium market segment. In FY-26, there have been $9.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Arana Hills had 45.0% more development per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. Building activity has slowed recently, with new development consisting of 42.0% detached houses and 58.0% attached dwellings. This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands.

The area currently has approximately 350 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established location. Population forecasts suggest Arana Hills will gain 400 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Arana Hills has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones are Arana Hills Plaza Ambience Upgrade, Hills Quarter Everton Hills, Everton Rise, and Everton Hills Central. The following 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.

Employment conditions in Arana Hills demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Arana Hills has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation). As of December 2025, there are 4,563 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is at 75.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%. According to Census responses, 23.9% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. The area has a specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Manufacturing employs only 4.0% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. Over the past year, employment increased by 1.8%, alongside labour force growth of 1.8%, leaving unemployment broadly unchanged. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2%, labour force grow by 3.0%, and unemployment fall slightly. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Arana Hills' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Arana Hills' suburb income level is above the national average according to AreaSearch data from the ATO for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Arana Hills is $61,637 and the average income stands at $72,995, compared to Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $67,745 (median) and $80,229 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows incomes in Arana Hills rank highly nationally, with household, family and personal incomes between the 79th and 79th percentiles. The data indicates 35.7% of residents fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting regional patterns where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 32.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power in the community. Housing accounts for 13.9% of income while residents rank within the 81st percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Arana Hills is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Arana Hills' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.9% houses and 13.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Arana Hills was at 30.9%, with mortgaged properties at 48.4% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, exceeding Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent was recorded at $440, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Arana Hills' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 79.4% of all households, including 37.9% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 20.6%, with lone person households at 17.8% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates of 32.0% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 24.9% and Queensland's state average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.5% and certificates for 22.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.8% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 37 active transport stops operating within Arana Hills, with a mix of bus services. These stops are serviced by three individual routes, providing a total of 203 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 185 metres from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport is car at 84%, while 11% use the train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 23.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 29 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

Arana Hills's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Arana Hills shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are similar across age groups, with mental health issues affecting 10.0% of residents and asthma impacting 7.9%. Approximately 4,361 people, or 56%, have private health cover. About 68.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. The area has 1,150 residents aged 65 and over, comprising 14.8% of the total population, with national rankings similar to the general population.

Arana Hills ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Arana Hills, surveyed in 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 82.7% born there, and 91.8% being citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 93.0%. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 50.0% of residents.

Judaism, though small in number, was slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, English (29.6%) and Australian (26.7%) were the most prevalent, followed by Irish (10.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: New Zealanders made up 1.0% versus the regional 1.0%, South Australians were at 0.8% compared to 0.6%, and Germans comprised 5.0% against a regional average of 4.2%.

Arana Hills's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Arana Hills has a median age of 37 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and close to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Arana Hills has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.2% to 6.0%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 8.9% to 7.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Arana Hills' age profile. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 170%, adding 185 residents to reach 294. Residents aged 65 and over are expected to drive 51% of population growth, reflecting broader demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.