Chelmer

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch's validation of new addresses, Chelmer's population is estimated at around 3,422 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 97 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,325 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,399 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and four additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,376 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered 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; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilized. Future population trends suggest a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with the Chelmer SA2 expected to grow by 338 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections reflecting an increase of 9.8% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Chelmer is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Chelmer indicates an average of around 2 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 13 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. The area has experienced population decline, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good choice for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $874,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Chelmer shows substantially reduced construction activity, at 84.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although development activity has increased in recent periods. The population of Chelmer is expected to grow by 335 residents through to 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Recent development in the area has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, sustaining Chelmer's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The area shows a mature, established population density of around 854 people per approval.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are Centenary Motorway Bypass, Queensland Tennis Centre Upgrade, Centa Property Group Lambert Road Development, and The Audrey.

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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Chelmer performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Chelmer's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 1.2% as of AreaSearch data aggregation.

By September 2025, the unemployment rate was 2.8% lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%, while workforce participation was similar at 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (1.9 times regional level), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction employment was lower at 5.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count.

Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 4.0%, and employment fell by 3.5%, reducing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8% and labour force grow by 3.3%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligning with the national rate of 4.3%. Job forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying significantly across sectors. Applying these projections to Chelmer's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.4% over five years and 14.8% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Chelmer has exceptionally high income levels nationally. The median income is $64,146 and the average income stands at $97,345. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $70,503 (median) and $106,992 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Chelmer rank highly nationally, between the 94th and 99th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 42.7% of locals (1,461 people) fall into the $4000+ category, differing from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 33.3%. A significant 59.3% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Chelmer, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 48.9% houses and 51.1% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Chelmer was at 39.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (44.9%) or rented (15.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $3,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure in Chelmer was recorded at $490, compared to Brisbane metro's $410. Nationally, Chelmer's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Chelmer features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 82.0% of all households, including 48.4% couples with children, 25.0% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 15.2% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.5.

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

In Chelmer, the percentage of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is notably higher than both Queensland's (25.7%) and Australia's (30.4%) averages, standing at 56.1%. This high educational attainment suggests a strong position for the area in knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (34.9%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.8%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational pathways account for 17.4% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.9% and certificates at 8.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 36.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.9% in primary education, 11.4% in secondary education, and 8.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Chelmer has ten active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by ninety routes, facilitating 2763 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 338 meters to the nearest stop.

Daily service frequency averages 394 trips across all routes, resulting in around 276 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Chelmer is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Chelmer demonstrates above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, among older and at-risk cohorts, the prevalence is higher than the nation's average.

Approximately 66% of Chelmer's total population of 2,250 people have private health cover, which is exceptionally high compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.0% of residents, followed by asthma at 6.8%. A total of 73.3% of Chelmer's residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.7% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 14.4% in Greater Brisbane.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Chelmer was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Chelmer's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 13.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.7% born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion in Chelmer, accounting for 53.5%, compared to 41.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (27.7%), Australian (22.5%), and Irish (11.6%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 10.3%, Welsh at 0.9%, and New Zealand at 1.3%.

Chelmer's median age exceeds the national pattern

Chelmer has a median age of 41, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's figure of 38. The 45-54 cohort is notably over-represented in Chelmer at 15.8%, while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 5.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 14.7% to 17.0%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.7% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 17.1% to 15.7%, and the 0 to 4 group has dropped from 4.9% to 3.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Chelmer's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase by 132 people (108%), from 123 to 256. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.