Brendale

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Brendale is around 3,785. This figure reflects an increase of 685 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,100. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,782 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 352 persons per square kilometer. The suburb experienced a growth rate of 22.1% between the 2021 Census and Feb 2026, exceeding both the SA3 area's 8.6% growth and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 42.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 the former or years post-2032. Proportional growth weightings are applied to state projections where age category splits are not provided, aligning with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb is projected to grow by 1,571 persons, reflecting an increase of 41.4% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Brendale had approximately 53 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 267 homes were approved, with an additional 2 in FY-26. This resulted in about 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this figure has increased to 4.5 people per dwelling over the last two financial years, suggesting growing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction value of new homes is $450,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium market. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $110.0 million, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Brendale exhibits 219.0% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers more choice. However, development activity has moderated recently. New developments consist of 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% medium and high-density housing, creating affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers while maintaining robust demand for family homes. With around 178 people per dwelling approval, Brendale displays growth area characteristics.

By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Brendale's population will grow by 1,568 residents, suggesting current construction rates are balanced with future demand and fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Supernode (Quinbrook Supernode Data Centre & BESS), Innova Strathpine, The Country Club Hotel & Entertainment Complex, and Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre. Below is a list of 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 assessment indicates Brendale faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Brendale has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.6% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.6% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of December 2025, there were 1,724 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 5.5% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Brendale lagged significantly at 63.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%. According to Census responses, only 13.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction sectors. Retail trade employment levels were particularly high at 1.3 times the regional average.

In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 5.7% of local workers, lower than Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. There were 4.2 workers for every resident in Brendale as of the Census, indicating that it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6% and labour force grew by 2.2%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points, according to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas. In comparison, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a drop in unemployment by 0.1 percentage point. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Brendale. These projections suggest that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific growth rates varying significantly. Applying these projections to Brendale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Brendale had a median taxpayer income of $47,038 and an average income of $54,068. These figures are below the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 in Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,699 and $59,426 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 33rd percentile ($724 weekly), while household income sits at the 14th percentile. Income distribution shows that 31.1% of locals (1,177 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to regional levels where 33.3% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 10th percentile.

Brendale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Brendale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 14.9% houses and 85.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brendale was at 19.7%, with the rest mortgaged (25.3%) or rented (54.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Brendale was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Brendale's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 60.6% of all households, including 21.1% couples with children, 18.0% couples without children, and 19.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 39.4%, with lone person households at 35.8% and group households at 3.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.6%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (29.7%). Educational participation is high at 31.2%, comprising primary education (10.0%), secondary education (7.2%), and tertiary education (5.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 22 active transport stops operating within Brendale. These consist of a mix of train and bus services. They are served by 18 individual routes, collectively providing 831 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 176 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 83%, with 10% using train services.

Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 13.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 118 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Brendale is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Brendale. AreaSearch's assessment shows high mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 1,840 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.2% and 8.5% of residents respectively. 64.3% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (598 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

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

Brendale, as per the findings, exhibited higher cultural diversity compared to most nearby markets. Specifically, 22.1% of its residents spoke a language other than English at home, while 31.6% were born overseas. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion in Brendale, accounting for 52.3% of the population.

Notably, the category 'Other' comprised 1.1% of Brendale's population, slightly higher than the 1.3% average across Greater Brisbane. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.0%), Australian (24.5%), and Other (15.5%), with the latter being significantly higher than the regional average of 9.4%. Some ethnic groups showed distinct variations in representation: Maori at 2.1% compared to the regional 1.1%, Samoan at 0.9% matching the regional figure, and Russian at 0.4% versus the regional 0.3%.

Brendale's population is younger than the national pattern

At 35 years, Brendale's median age is nearly matching the Greater Brisbane average of 36. This is somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Brendale has a higher concentration of 0-4 residents at 7.5%, but fewer 15-24 year-olds at 11.7%. From the 2021 Census to present day, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.9% to 6.5% of Brendale's population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 17.1% to 15.7%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Brendale. The 45-54 age group shows the strongest projected growth at 59%, adding 265 residents to reach a total of 712 in this cohort by that year.