Bracken Ridge

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

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Bracken Ridge statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 18,669 people. This reflects an increase of 1,181 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,488 people in the same area. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 192 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,302 persons per square kilometer for Bracken Ridge, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 6.8% since the census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA4 region (9.0%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods in Bracken Ridge.

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 for years post-2032, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections when utilised. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated for Bracken Ridge, with an expected increase of 545 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 2.7% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bracken Ridge when compared nationally

Bracken Ridge recorded approximately 43 residential properties approved annually between FY21 and FY25, totalling around 216 homes. In FY26, up to May, 25 approvals have been granted. The average new residents per year for every home built over these years is 3.9. This suggests demand outpaces supply, potentially exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing buyer competition.

Developers focus on the premium segment with an average dwelling value of $430,000. Commercial approvals this financial year amount to $14.7 million, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bracken Ridge has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks at the 46th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice. This activity reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New developments consist of 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 88.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs.

Bracken Ridge has around 358 people per dwelling approval, indicating a developed market. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by approximately 501 residents. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely to affect the area. Major initiatives include Brendale Data Supernode, Bracken Ridge Tavern Renovation and Extension, Gateway Motorway, Bracken Ridge to Pine River Upgrade, and Lomandra Park Estate. 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 Bracken Ridge maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Bracken Ridge has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 11.3%.

As of September 2025, 10,665 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 0.8% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was 66.6%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 6.5% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 11.3%, while labour force grew by 10.8%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.8% and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years for Bracken Ridge, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Bracken Ridge had median taxpayer income of $56,734 and average income of $67,892 in financial year 2023. These figures compare to Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. By September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $62,356 and average income is around $74,620, based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Bracken Ridge cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.0% of residents (7,094 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Bracken Ridge, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.3% houses and 11.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 75.4% houses and 24.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bracken Ridge was at 30.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.4% and rented ones at 24.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,800, aligning with Brisbane metro's average, while the median weekly rent figure was $410, compared to Brisbane metro's $375. Nationally, Bracken Ridge's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 80.7% of all households, including 38.9% that are couples with children, 26.7% that are couples without children, and 13.7% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.3%, with lone person households at 16.3% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.5.

Bracken Ridge performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 23.5%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 33.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 25.5%. Educational participation is high, with 29.3% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.3% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 76 active transport stops operating within Bracken Ridge. These stops offer a mix of bus services. Seven individual routes serve these stops, collectively providing 1307 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 186 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bracken Ridge's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bracken Ridge's health metrics are close to national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~10,099 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.3 and 7.8% of residents respectively. 69.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Greater Brisbane. As of 2016, 16.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,117 people), which is lower than the 18.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Bracken Ridge was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bracken Ridge, surveyed in 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas with 25.9% of its population born overseas and 17.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 54.7%. The 'Other' religious category was slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane (2.8% vs 3.7%).

For ancestry, the top groups were English (26.5%), Australian (24.4%), and Other (9.5%). Notable differences included New Zealanders at 1.1%, Maori at 1.1%, and Samoans at 0.7%, all higher than regional averages.

Bracken Ridge's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At age 37 years, Bracken Ridge's median age is nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average age of 36, while also being close to Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bracken Ridge has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (6.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.0%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the percentage of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 4.6% to 6.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 13.3% to 12.0%. By 2041, Bracken Ridge's age profile is projected to change significantly. The cohort aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 173%, adding 548 residents to reach a total of 866. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 70% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the cohorts aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 are expected to experience population declines.