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 of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Caboolture is around 34,633, reflecting a growth of 5,099 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 17.3% rise from the previous figure of 29,534 residents. AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 33,519 in Jun 2024, based on ABS ERP data release, combined with validated new addresses since the Census date, contributes to this growth. The population density stands at 504 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space for further development. Caboolture's growth rate of 17.3% since 2021 exceeds both national (9.9%) and state averages, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors like overseas migration and natural growth also contributing positively.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 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 used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead, significant population growth is forecasted for Caboolture. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to increase by 10,489 persons, marking a total rise of 27.1% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Caboolture has experienced around 342 dwellings receiving development approval each year. An estimated 1,714 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 208 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 2.3 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, reflecting robust demand that underpins property values.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $302,000. This year, $91.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Caboolture shows 16.0% lower construction activity per person but places among the 89th percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating significant developer interest. Recent construction comprises 66.0% standalone homes and 34.0% townhouses or apartments, expanding medium-density options and creating a mix of housing opportunities across price brackets.

With around 84 people per dwelling approval, Caboolture exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Caboolture will gain 9,375 residents by 2041, aligning with existing development levels to maintain stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 70 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Moreton Bay Regional Council Caboolture Hub, Caboolture Sports Complex Upgrade, Central Springs, 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.

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

Caboolture has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 7.7% as of December 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 4.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 14,964 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was lower at 60.2% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%. Only 9.7% of residents worked from home, based on Census responses. Key industries employing residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area had a high specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (5.8 times the regional level), but professional & technical services employed only 3.5% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Employment increased by 4.2% over the year to December 2025, with labour force and unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, and a fall in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Caboolture's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Caboolture is $46,470 and average income is $52,592. This compares to Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025 (an increase of 9.91%), estimated current incomes would be approximately $51,075 (median) and $57,804 (average). Census data from 2021 indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Caboolture fall between the 17th to 20th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.4% of residents (10,874 people) earn between $1,500 - $2,999 annually, similar to the surrounding region at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Caboolture, with only 80.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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). 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 was $1,561, below Brisbane metro's $1,863. The median weekly rent was $310, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Caboolture's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 make up the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches 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 are covered by 88 routes facilitating 2,665 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is moderate with residents located an average of 467 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, with cars being the primary mode at 90%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 9.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 380 trips per day, equating to around 28 weekly trips per 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 assessed by AreaSearch through 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 Caboolture's total population (around 16,637 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 claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Caboolture has a larger proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.5%, with approximately 6,407 people, compared to 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. While senior health outcomes are broadly in line with national rankings, they present some challenges.

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

Caboolture's cultural diversity is below average, with 84.9% of its population being citizens and 81.0% born in Australia. The majority, 90.9%, speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 44.9%.

Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented at 0.1% compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.1%. Ancestry-wise, the top groups are English (29.8%), Australian (29.3%), and Scottish (6.8%). Notably, Maori (1.1%) and New Zealand (1.0%) ethnicities are equally represented as in the region, while Samoan is 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 is 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 6.9%, higher than Greater Brisbane, while the 35-44 cohort stands at 12.6%. Between January 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group increased from 5.9% to 6.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group decreased from 14.2% to 13.4%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic shifts in Caboolture. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 1,554 people (65%), from 2,389 to 3,944. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group grows modestly by 132 people (6%).