Capalaba

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Capalaba statistical area (Lv2) is around 18,959. This reflects an increase of 957 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,002. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 18,870 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,013 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Capalaba (SA2) saw a growth rate of 5.3% since the 2021 census, exceeding the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the Capalaba (SA2).

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 34 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, led by the 75 to 84 age group with a projected growth of 805 people.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Capalaba when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Capalaba has averaged around 63 new dwelling approvals each year since FY-21. Over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 316 homes have been approved. So far in FY-26, which began on July 1st, 2025 and will end on June 30th, 2026, 26 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year arriving per new home over the past five financial years has been around 0.9.

This suggests that supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $404,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In this financial year so far, $22.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Capalaba shows comparable building activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 47.0% standalone homes and 53.0% attached dwellings.

This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which currently comprise 78.0% houses. This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Capalaba reflects a low density area, with around 208 people per approval. With population projections showing stability or decline, Capalaba should see reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch may significantly impact the area due to their influence on local infrastructure. These include the Capalaba Town Centre Revitalisation Project, Brisbane Metro Expansion to Capalaba, Daveson Road Social and Affordable Housing project, and Birkdale Community Precinct including Redland Whitewater Centre. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Capalaba demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Capalaba has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.1%. As of September 2025, 10,959 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is 0.5% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Capalaba was broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area has a strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services were under-represented, at 5.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates local employment opportunities above the norm. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.1%, and labour force grew by 5.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8% and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Capalaba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2023 shows Capalaba's median income is $55,547 and average income is $64,431. Nationally, the median is higher at $60,988 with an average of $78,835. In Greater Brisbane, median income is $58,236 and average is $72,799. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $61,052 (median) and $70,816 (average), based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census ranks Capalaba's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 49th and 50th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 36.0% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,825 residents), similar to the regional figure of 33.3%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile. Capalaba's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Capalaba's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.7% houses and 22.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metropolitan area had 85.0% houses and 15.1% other dwellings. Capalaba's home ownership rate was 30.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.1% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Capalaba was $1,785, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,950. The median weekly rent in Capalaba was $385, compared to Brisbane metro's $405. Nationally, Capalaba's mortgage repayments were below the average of $1,863 and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Capalaba has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.4% of all households, including 31.6% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.6%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households making up 2.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in Capalaba aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 18.6%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 42.2% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (30.6%). Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Capalaba has 117 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together facilitate 1,141 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located 229 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 163 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately nine weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Capalaba is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Capalaba faces significant health challenges, with notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~9,997 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but trailing Greater Brisbane's 55.9%.

Mental health issues impact 9.7% of residents, while asthma affects 8.6%. A total of 65.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 19.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,659 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Capalaba's cultural diversity was above average, with 10.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 22.8% born overseas. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 50.8%. Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.2%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, Maori (1.4%) and New Zealand (1.0%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Capalaba compared to regional averages.

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

The median age in Capalaba is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and close to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Capalaba has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 5.0% to 6.4%, while the percentage of those aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 13.2% to 11.9%. The proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has also dropped, from 13.2% to 12.1%. By 2041, Capalaba's age composition is expected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 58%, reaching 1,916 from 1,213. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 90% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups 55-64 and 15-24.