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 May 2026, the estimated population of Capalaba is around 19,151, reflecting an increase of 1,149 people since the 2021 Census. The population was reported as 18,002 in the 2021 Census. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 19,017 following examination of ABS data released June 2025, and an additional 163 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 1,024 persons per square kilometer. Capalaba's growth rate of 6.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area average of 5.4%. Overseas migration contributed about 52.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses 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. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 96 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated for specific age cohorts, particularly the 75 to 84 age group with a projected increase of 689 people.

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

Capalaba has averaged approximately 63 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 316 homes. As of FY-26, 44 approvals have been recorded. On average, one new resident arrives per new home built in Capalaba between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction value for new homes is $404,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels.

In FY-26, $22.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Capalaba's building activity per person is comparable, maintaining market balance with the broader area while being below the national average, suggesting an established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 47.0% standalone homes and 53.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 78.0% houses, possibly due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 208 people per approval, Capalaba reflects a developing area with stable or declining population projections, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Capalaba should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Capalaba Town Centre Revitalisation Project, Daveson Road Social and Affordable Housing scheme, Birkdale Community Precinct incorporating Redland Whitewater Centre, and Alexandra Hills Social Housing project. 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 performance in Capalaba exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Capalaba has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably prominent. The unemployment rate in Capalaba was 3.8% as of December 2025. This is lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.1%. As of December 2025, there were 11,002 residents in work and workforce participation stood at 73.3%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. A moderate 14.8% of residents worked from home according to Census responses. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Capalaba has a strong specialization in construction with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 5.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The ratio of workers to residents was 0.6 as of the Census, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.1% and labour force grew by 5.3%, causing unemployment to rise slightly to 4.1%. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2%, labour force grow by 3.0%, and unemployment fall to 4.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Capalaba's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Capalaba's employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that Capalaba's median income is $55,547, with an average income of $64,431. This is lower than the national averages of $60,897 (median) and $76,358 (average). In Greater Brisbane, the median income is $58,236 and the average is $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes in Capalaba would be approximately $61,857 (median) and $71,750 (average). The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Capalaba rank modestly, between the 49th and 50th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment comprises 36.0% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (6,894 residents), mirroring the regional trend where 33.3% fall into this bracket. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income in Capalaba, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Capalaba is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Capalaba's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.7% houses and 22.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Capalaba's home ownership rate was 30.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.1% and rented dwellings at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Capalaba was $1,785, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent in Capalaba was $385, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Capalaba's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Capalaba has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 make up the remaining 26.6%, with lone person households at 23.6% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Brisbane average.

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, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 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 public transport in Capalaba is rated as good, with residents typically living within 229 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, and cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 91%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 14.8% of Capalaba's residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 163 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 9 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~10,098 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Brisbane's 55.8%. Mental health issues impact 9.7% of residents, while asthma affects 8.6%. Approximately 65.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.0% of residents aged 65 and over (3,830 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 population showed cultural diversity with 10.4% speaking a language other than English at home, and 22.8% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 50.8%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.2%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (8.2%). Maori (1.4%) and Russian (0.4%) were notably more represented than regionally, while New Zealand stood at 1.0% as per regional figures.

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

The median age in Capalaba, as of 2021, was 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 had a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (10.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.9%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 increased from 5.0% to 6.9%, while the percentage of those aged 25 to 34 decreased from 13.2% to 11.9%. The proportion of residents aged 55 to 64 also dropped, from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, Capalaba's age composition is expected to change significantly. The population aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 44%, reaching 1,903 people from 1,321. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are expected to comprise 89% of the total population growth. Conversely, declines in population are projected for those aged 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 years old.