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 Bracken Ridge is estimated at around 18,829. This reflects an increase of 1,341 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,488. The latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 estimates the resident population to be 18,625 for the suburb, with an additional 192 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. This results in a population density ratio of 2,321 persons per square kilometer, placing Bracken Ridge in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 7.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area at 7%, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Moving forward, demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth of national areas, with Bracken Ridge expected to grow by 545 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Bracken Ridge has recorded approximately 43 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 216 homes. As of FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.9 new residents per year are associated with every home built between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that demand is outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $430,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In FY-26, there have been $14.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bracken Ridge has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing dwellings. New development consists of 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 88.0% houses).

This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 358 people per dwelling approval, Bracken Ridge shows a developed market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch quarterly estimates suggest that the area is expected to grow by 341 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Brendale Data Supernode, Bracken Ridge Tavern Renovation and Extension, Gateway Motorway upgrade, Bracken Ridge to Pine River Upgrade (commencing 1st July 2023), and Lomandra Park Estate development (scheduled for completion by 31st December 2024). The following list provides details on projects most relevant to the area.

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 well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.5% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 11.1%. Compared to Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, Bracken Ridge's unemployment rate is 0.4% higher, with workforce participation at 66.6% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 6.5% of Bracken Ridge's workforce compared to 8.9% in Greater Brisbane. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 11.1%, while labour force increased by 10.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bracken Ridge's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Bracken Ridge's median income among taxpayers was $56,734 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $67,892 during the same period. This compares to figures for Greater Brisbane of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $64,671 (median) and $77,390 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Bracken Ridge cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.0% of residents (7,155 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The area'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

In Bracken Ridge, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.3% of dwellings were houses with 11.7% being other types such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Brisbane's metropolitan area which had 75.4% houses and 24.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bracken Ridge stood at 30.0%, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (45.4%) or rented (24.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, aligning with Brisbane's metropolitan average, while the median weekly rent was $410 compared to Brisbane metro's $1,800 and $375 respectively. Nationally, Bracken Ridge's median mortgage repayments were lower than Australia's 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% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.3%, with lone person households at 16.3% and group households making up 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, 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

Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification in Bracken Ridge, with 16.9% of residents holding one. Postgraduate qualifications follow at 4.2%, then graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, held by 38.1% of residents aged 15 and above. This includes advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (25.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This comprises 10.3% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education. Six schools operate within Bracken Ridge, educating approximately 2,921 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1020) with balanced educational opportunities. Schools are split into three primary and three secondary institutions. Note that for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Bracken Ridge has 76 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are served by seven different routes that collectively facilitate 903 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is deemed good, with residents typically residing 219 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 129 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 11 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, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 54% of the total population (~10,186 people) have private health cover. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.3 and 7.8% of residents respectively. Around 69.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Greater Brisbane. As of 2016 data, 16.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (3,144 people), which is lower than the 18.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with the overall population's health profile.

Bracken Ridge 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

Bracken Ridge was found to have a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 25.9% of its population born overseas and 17.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Bracken Ridge is Christianity, accounting for 54.7% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 2.8% of the population, compared to 3.7% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (26.5%), Australian (24.4%), and Other (9.5%). There are also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.1%, Maori is at 1.1% (both compared to 1.1% regionally), and Samoan is at 0.7% (compared to 0.6%).

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

Bracken Ridge's median age is 37 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and close to Australia's median 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 the present day, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has grown from 4.6% to 6.2%, while the percentage of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 13.3% to 12.0%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Bracken Ridge's age profile by 2041. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 171%, adding 545 residents to reach 866. Residents aged 65 and over are expected to drive 72% of population growth, reflecting broader demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.