Caboolture

Caboolture lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Caboolture was around 35,807 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 6,273 people (21.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 29,534. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 34,497 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 1,529 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 521 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb's population growth of 21.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.3%) and state averages, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Moving forward, significant population increases are forecasted, with the suburb expected to increase by 9,349 persons to reach a total of 45,166 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 22.4% over the 16-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Caboolture was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Caboolture experienced around 342 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling approximately 1,714 homes. By June 2026 (FY-26), 311 approvals have been recorded. Each new dwelling built attracted an average of 2.4 new residents annually over the past five financial years, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes was $302,000 during this period.

In FY-26, commercial approvals reached $91.4 million, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Caboolture has 15.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks in the 89th percentile nationally, indicating significant developer interest. New developments consist of 66.0% detached dwellings and 34.0% townhouses or apartments, offering diverse housing options across price ranges. With around 84 people per dwelling approval, Caboolture exhibits growth area characteristics.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Caboolture is projected to gain 8,039 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 64 projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones include Moreton Bay Regional Council's Caboolture Hub, Caboolture Sports Complex Upgrade, Central Springs project, and Centenary Lakes Regional Playground. 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.

Employment drivers in Caboolture are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Caboolture has a balanced workforce encompassing both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate is 7.7%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 4.2%. As of December 2025, 14,987 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.6% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Caboolture lags behind Greater Brisbane at 58.3%. According to Census data, only 9.7% of residents work from home.

The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows strong specialization with an employment share 5.8 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have a limited presence at 3.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 4.2% while labour force grew by 4.2%, keeping unemployment broadly stable. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2% and a slight decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Caboolture's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The suburb of Caboolture's median income among taxpayers was $46,470 and average income stood at $52,592 in the financial year 2023, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares to Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,749 (median) and $58,566 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Caboolture all fall between the 17th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.4% of the community (11,243 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile.

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

Caboolture's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.5% houses and 22.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caboolture was at 21.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented ones at 43.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Caboolture was $1,561, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Caboolture was recorded as $310, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Caboolture's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Caboolture features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.5% of all households, including 27.1% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 17.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households making up 4.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

Educational outcomes in Caboolture fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 12.3%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (33.6%). Educational participation is high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.6% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Caboolture has 94 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 88 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2665 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate with residents typically situated 467 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 90%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 380 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Caboolture is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Caboolture faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 17,201 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.7% and 9.9% of residents respectively. However, 59.7% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors at 17.4%, with approximately 6,230 people aged 65 and over, compared to 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Caboolture ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Caboolture, as per the data, had a lower than average cultural diversity. Its population composition was predominantly Australian citizens, with 84.9%, born in Australia, at 81.0%, and speaking English only at home, at 90.9%. Christianity was the predominant religion in Caboolture, making up 44.9% of its people.

Notably, Judaism's representation was slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average, with 0.1% compared to 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth were English at 29.8%, Australian at 29.3%, and Scottish at 6.8%. While these figures are similar to regional averages for English and Scottish, the Australian figure is substantially higher than the regional average of 23.2%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Maori was equally represented in Caboolture and regionally at 1.1%, New Zealand also had equal representation at 1.0%, and Samoan was slightly underrepresented at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.9%.

Caboolture's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Caboolture's median age of 36 years is equal to Greater Brisbane's and younger than the national average of 38 years. The population aged 75-84 stands at 6.4%, higher than Greater Brisbane, while those aged 35-44 make up 13.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.4% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.2% to 13.2%. By 2041, Caboolture's population aged 45-54 is projected to increase by 1,404 people (35%), from 4,046 to 5,451. The 0 to 4 age cohort is expected to grow by a modest 1% (29 people).