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 AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the Bowen Hills statistical area (Lv2) was around 6,002 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,104 people, representing a growth rate of 22.5% since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,898 people in the Bowen Hills (SA2). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 5,931 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 288 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,489 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Bowen Hills (SA2)'s growth rate exceeded both the national average of 9.7% and the state's growth during the same period, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors. 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. However, 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 based on 2022 data. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is forecast for the Bowen Hills (SA2), expected to expand by 1,690 persons to reach an estimated total population of 7,692 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a projected increase of approximately 20.4% in total over the 17-year.

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

Bowen Hills has averaged approximately 116 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 581 homes were approved, with a further 61 approved in FY-26 to date. Over the past five financial years, on average, 1.9 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built. However, this figure has intensified to 4.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $811,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year, $148.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting robust local business investment. Bowen Hills exhibits 236.0% higher construction activity per person compared to Greater Brisbane, though recent data shows some easing. This activity is significantly above the national average, suggesting strong developer interest in the area. New building activity predominantly consists of medium and high-density housing (99.0%), with standalone homes making up only 1.0%. Bowen Hills has a population density of around 137 people per approval, reflecting its developing nature.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bowen Hills is projected to add approximately 1,227 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 82 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Bowen Bridge Road Upgrade, New Queensland Cancer Centre, Waterfront Newstead - Mirvac Masterplan, and Aire Newstead. 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Bowen Hills maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Bowen Hills has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7%.

As of September 2025, 4,484 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.1% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was at 76.9%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The leading employment industries among residents were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. Bowen Hills had a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

However, education & training was under-represented, with only 4.3% of Bowen Hills' workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.4%. There were 2.9 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force increased by 0.9%, resulting in a slight rise in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced higher employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a decrease in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Queensland to November 25 showed employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bowen Hills' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Bowen Hills is $47,697, with an average of $71,141, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages, which contrast with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,424, while the average is projected to reach around $78,191. According to Census 2021 data, individual earnings rank at the 82nd percentile nationally ($1,042 weekly), but household income ranks lower at the 38th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 36.3% of locals (2,178 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 76.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 29th percentile. The area's 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

Dwelling structure in Bowen Hills, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 3.0% houses and 97.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 36.5% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bowen Hills was at 4.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (11.6%) or rented (83.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bowen Hills was $1,614, below Brisbane metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Bowen Hills was recorded at $390, compared to Brisbane metro's $410. Nationally, Bowen Hills's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed 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 constitute 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 make up 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 2.2.

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+ have a higher university qualification rate of 48.6%, compared to Queensland's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 28.6% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 16.2%. Educational participation is high, with 32.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 17.7% in tertiary, 1.9% in secondary, and 1.8% in primary education.

Educational participation is notably high, 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. These include both train and bus services. There are 250 unique routes serving these stops, which together facilitate 13,777 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 135 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Daily service frequency averages 1,968 trips across all routes, translating to about 688 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bowen Hills's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Bowen Hills shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 55% (~3,324 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.5%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions at 13.7% and 7.5%, respectively. Around 73.4% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Brisbane's 73.7%. Bowen Hills has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (6.3%, or 378 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 12.2%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Bowen Hills align with the general population's profile.

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 as of 2016 Census data. This is higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 23.8%. Additionally, 42.7% of Bowen Hills residents were born overseas, compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane.

Christianity is the predominant religion in Bowen Hills, with 33.2%, while Judaism is slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% in Greater Brisbane. In terms of ancestry, English is the most common at 22.6%, followed by Australian at 16.9%. The 'Other' category comprises 15.3%, which is higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 9.7%. Notably, Spanish (1.4%), French (1.0%), and Korean (1.2%) ancestry are overrepresented in Bowen Hills compared to Greater Brisbane averages of 0.5%, 0.7%, and 0.5% respectively.

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

Bowen Hills's median age at 31 years is younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's median of 38. Bowen Hills has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34, with 40.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 14.5%. However, it has fewer residents aged 5-14 at 2.4%. Post the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 16.5% to 18.1%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 1.1% to 2.4%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 20.6% to 19.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Bowen Hills's age profile will significantly change. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to expand by 300 people (56%), from 534 to 835. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort grows modestly by 3 people (3%).