Brinsmead

An assessment of population growth drivers in Brinsmead reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Brinsmead's population is estimated at around 5,715 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 178 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,537 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,711, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,116 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that 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 (released in 2023 based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation is anticipated. The suburb is expected to grow by 190 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 3.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Brinsmead according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis indicates that Brinsmead has averaged around 9 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 46 homes. In FY26 so far, 8 approvals have been recorded. An average of 2 people have moved to the area annually for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, suggesting healthy demand supporting property values. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $412,000.

Commercial approvals this financial year amount to $2.0 million, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Brinsmead has significantly less development activity, with 78.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, although building activity has increased in recent years. This is also below national averages, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction consists of standalone homes, preserving Brinsmead's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 356 people per dwelling approval, Brinsmead exhibits a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Brinsmead is projected to add 186 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Brinsmead has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include the Kamerunga to Woree Transmission Line Replacement Project, Brinsmead Road Service Centre Overhaul, Cairns Western Arterial Road Duplication, and Larsen Place Estate. Details on those likely most relevant are provided below.

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.

The labour market strength in Brinsmead positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Brinsmead has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.9% as per AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data in December 2025. In this month, 3,390 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.1% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was higher at 74.9%, compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%. According to Census responses, 16.0% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance had a particularly strong representation with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 1.2% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.3%, with employment decreasing by 2.0%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasted with Regional Qld where employment grew by 0.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provided insights into potential future demand within Brinsmead. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, estimated local employment growth of 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, the suburb of Brinsmead had a median income among taxpayers of $61,056 and an average income of $75,935. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Brinsmead would be approximately $67,107 (median) and $83,460 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Brinsmead rank highly nationally, between the 77th and 77th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 38.6% of locals (2,205 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income bracket, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.7% occupy this range. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 30.1% earning over $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 86.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Brinsmead is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Brinsmead, as assessed in the latest Census, 97.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brinsmead stood at 30.6%, compared to Regional Queensland's higher rate. Mortgaged properties made up 49.0%, while rented dwellings accounted for 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, surpassing Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Meanwhile, median weekly rent in Brinsmead was $450, higher than Regional Queensland's figure of $345. Nationally, Brinsmead's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, but rents were substantially higher at $450 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.9% of all households, including 40.1% that are couples with children, 29.0% that are couples without children, and 12.2% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.1%, consisting of 15.2% lone person households and 2.6% group households. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Brinsmead exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 27.7%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of the SA4 region at 21.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.3%) and certificates (26.4%).

Educational participation is high at 32.9%, with 11.7% in primary education, 11.3% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Brinsmead has 11 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route, together offering 123 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents located an average of 425 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 94%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 16% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 17 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Brinsmead's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Brinsmead. AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence shows both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 57% of the total population, totalling around 3,274 people, compared to 52.5% across Regional Queensland (Qld). Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 6.7% and 6.3% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 74.9%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 14.8% of residents aged 65 and over, totalling 845 people, which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, with national rankings broadly aligned with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Brinsmead records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Brinsmead's population, surveyed in June 2016, showed above-average cultural diversity with 21.8% born overseas and 11.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 50.0% of residents. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, comprising 0.2% compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (26.8%), Australian (24.2%), and Other (10.5%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Korean at 0.6% (vs regional 0.2%), New Zealand at 0.9% (equal to regional), and Dutch at 1.6% (vs regional 1.1%).

Brinsmead's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Brinsmead in 2021 was 39 years, lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile showed that those aged 35-44 were prominent at 15.9%, while those aged 25-34 were relatively smaller at 9.8% compared to Regional Queensland. Since 2021, the population aged 15-24 grew from 11.5% to 13.8%, and the 75-84 age group increased from 3.1% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 16.5% to 14.4%, and the 45-54 age group dropped from 15.7% to 14.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 75-84 age cohort is expected to increase by 88 people (34%), rising from 262 to 351. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.