Bowen Hills

Bowen Hills lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the population of Bowen Hills is estimated at 602 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1104 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4898. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 5931 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3489 persons per square kilometer, placing Bowen Hills in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 22.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for areas not covered by ABS projections or years post-2032. For state projections lacking age category splits, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of national areas, with Bowen Hills expected to increase by 1700 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 20.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bowen Hills among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Bowen Hills has experienced around 116 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 581 homes were approved, with a further 61 approved so far in FY26. On average, this translates to about 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five financial years. However, recent figures suggest an acceleration to 4.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating increasing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction value of new homes is $811,000, reflecting developers' targeting of the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $148.9 million, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bowen Hills shows 236.0% higher new home approvals per person, creating greater choice for buyers despite a slowdown in building activity in recent years. This level is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 1.0% detached houses and 99.0% medium and high-density housing, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 137 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate suggest Bowen Hills will add 1,231 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by modifications to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 82 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Bowen Bridge Road Upgrade, New Queensland Cancer Centre, Waterfront Newstead - Mirvac Masterplan, and Aire Newstead. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Bowen Hills has been broadly consistent with national averages

Bowen Hills has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.1% in September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 1.0% over the past year. Residents' unemployment rate was 0.1% higher than Greater Brisbane's at 4.0%, and participation was higher at 79.9%.

Home workership was moderate at 20.4%, considering Covid-19 impacts. Dominant sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Education & training had limited presence at 4.3% compared to 9.4% regionally.

Bowen Hills hosted more jobs than residents, attracting workers from nearby areas with a worker-to-resident ratio of 2.9. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0%, labour force grew by 1.1%, raising unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Greater Brisbane saw higher growth in employment (3.8%) and labour force (3.3%), with a larger drop in unemployment (-0.5%). Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying by industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bowen Hills' mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.1% in five years and 14.4% in ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Bowen Hills suburb has higher income levels than national average, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Bowen Hills is $47,697, with an average income of $71,141. Greater Brisbane's figures are $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $52,424 and $78,191, considering a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows individual earnings rank at the 82nd percentile nationally ($1,042 weekly), while household income ranks lower at the 38th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 36.3% of Bowen Hills' community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (2,178 individuals). This aligns with broader metropolitan trends where 33.3% fall into the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 76.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 29th percentile. Bowen Hills' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Bowen Hills features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Bowen Hills' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 3.0% houses and 97.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bowen Hills was at 4.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 11.6% and rented ones at 83.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,614, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent stood at $390, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Bowen Hills' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 35.8% of all households, including 5.7% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 3.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 64.2%, with lone person households at 51.2% and group households comprising 13.0%. The median household size is 1.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Bowen Hills demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Bowen Hills' residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than Queensland's and Australia's averages. 48.6% of Bowen Hills residents hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationwide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 28.6% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 16.2%.

Educational participation is high in Bowen Hills, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 17.7% in tertiary education, 1.9% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing primary education.

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

Bowen Hills has 20 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 250 unique routes, facilitating 13,777 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent with residents located an average of 135 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Bowen Hills residents commute outward using various modes: car (44%), walking (22%), and train (18%). Vehicle ownership stands at 0.4 per dwelling, lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 20.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 1,968 trips daily, equating to around 688 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bowen Hills's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for Bowen Hills shows positive outcomes overall.

Mortality rates and health conditions align with national averages. Prevalence of common health issues is low across all age groups. Private health cover is high, at approximately 55% (around 3,324 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (13.7%) and asthma (7.5%). Around 73.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. As of 2021, 7.4% of Bowen Hills residents are aged 65 and over (444 people), lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Seniors' health outcomes rank higher than the general population nationally.

Bowen Hills is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bowen Hills has a high level of cultural diversity, with 29.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 42.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bowen Hills, accounting for 33.2% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups in Bowen Hills are English (22.6%), Australian (16.9%), and Other (15.3%). Notably, Spanish (1.4%) French (1.0%), and Korean (1.2%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.5%, and 0.5% respectively.

Bowen Hills hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

At age 31 years, Bowen Hills has a median age notably lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bowen Hills has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (38.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows demographic aging, with median age increasing from 30 to 31 years. Notable shifts include growth in the 35-44 age group from 16.5% to 18.4%, and an increase in the 75-84 cohort from 1.1% to 2.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort decreased from 40.9% to 38.7%, and the 15-24 group dropped from 20.6% to 19.1%. Population forecasts for Bowen Hills in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 51%, adding 280 residents to reach a total of 833. In contrast, the 0-4 cohort shows minimal growth of just 5% (an increase of 5 people).