Browns Plains (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Browns Plains are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Browns Plains (Qld) as of November 2025 is around 7,840. This reflects an increase of 1,208 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,632. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,548 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 294 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,531 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 18.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for Browns Plains was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 41.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant increase is forecast for Browns Plains, with an expected increase of 2,156 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 22.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Browns Plains among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Browns Plains has averaged approximately 74 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 371 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 2.4 people have moved to the area per new home constructed during this period, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $423,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, there have been $66.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Browns Plains has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 85th percentile nationally when assessed for new development density. New development in Browns Plains consists of approximately 34.0% detached houses and 66.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the current pattern of 78.0% houses suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

With around 110 people per approval, Browns Plains reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to gain approximately 1,799 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Eleven projects, identified by AreaSearch, are expected to influence the local area's performance significantly. These include The Avenues at Browns Plains, Grand Plaza Browns Plains - Amenities Refurbishment, Grand Plaza Shopping Centre Refurbishment, and Browns Plains Central.

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Browns Plains shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Browns Plains has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented.

The unemployment rate was 6.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.7%. As of June 2025, 3,682 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.0% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was lower at 56.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a notable concentration in manufacturing, being 1.8 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services had limited presence with only 3.4% employment compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.7%, and labour force grew by 4.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. 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 Browns Plains' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for local population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Browns Plains's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $49,912. The average income stood at $55,470 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes for Browns Plains as of September 2025 are approximately $56,895 and $63,230 respectively. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Browns Plains rank modestly, between the 25th and 28th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 35.5% of the population (2,783 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 33.3% are in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 22nd percentile.

Browns Plains is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Browns Plains dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings. In Brisbane metro, this was 89.2% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Browns Plains was 19.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.9% and rented at 48.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,434, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,600. Median weekly rent in Browns Plains was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Browns Plains' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,434 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less at $350 than the national figure of $375.

Browns Plains features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.4% of all households, including 29.7% couples with children, 22.2% couples without children, and 19.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.6%, with lone person households at 22.4% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0 people.

Browns Plains faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.9%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (30.6%). Educational participation is high at 33.2%, with 12.4% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Browns Plains has three schools with a combined enrollment of 2,157 students. The area's ICSEA score is 932. Educational provision includes one primary and two secondary institutions. There are 27.5 school places per 100 residents, above the regional average of 11.6, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Browns Plains has 24 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 17 different routes that together facilitate 2,645 weekly passenger trips. The transport system in Browns Plains is rated as good, with residents on average being located 317 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 377 trips per day, which amounts to approximately 110 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Browns Plains is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Browns Plains faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent to a higher degree among older age cohorts. Approximately 49% of the total population (~3,855 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 9.5% and 9.5% of residents respectively. However, 67.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 11.3% of residents aged 65 and over (885 people), with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than the broader population.

Browns Plains 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

Browns Plains had more cultural diversity than most local areas, with 27.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 34.9% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion in Browns Plains, making up 42.3%. Islam was overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 6.5% vs 5.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.6%), Australian (21.7%), and Other (16.3%). Notably, Maori (3.0%) and Samoan (2.3%) were overrepresented compared to regional figures of 3.2% and 3.0%, respectively, while Hungarian was slightly higher at 0.4%.

Browns Plains hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Browns Plains has a median age of 34, which is slightly younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and substantially under Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Browns Plains has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.2%). Between the 2021 Census and present day, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 14.0% to 15.5%, while the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 15.5% to 14.0%. By 2041, substantial demographic changes are forecast for Browns Plains. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 45%, adding 415 residents to reach a total of 1,341. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.