Chermside

Chermside lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Chermside's population is estimated at around 13,102 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,676 people (14.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,426 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,506 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 577 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,292 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Chermside's 14.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.1%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 4,872 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 32.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Chermside has seen approximately 123 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 615 homes were approved, with another 70 approved in FY-26 to date. Each new dwelling built over the past five financial years has resulted in an average of 2.3 new residents annually.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $685,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. This year alone, there have been $52.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Chermside has 147.0% more development activity per capita. New developments consist of 10.0% detached dwellings and 90.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living which can be more affordable for various buyers. As of around 103 people per approval, Chermside is a developing area with projected population growth of 4,276 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate.

Construction pace is keeping up with growth but competition among buyers may intensify as the population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that could affect the area. Notable ones are The Prince Charles Hospital Expansion, Chermside Westfield Expansion & Redevelopment (Stage 2), Brisbane Metro - Northern Busway Extension (Roma Street to Carseldine), and 705-707 Hamilton Road Development. 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 conditions in Chermside remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Chermside has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.5% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth of 12.0%. As of September 2025, there were 7,626 residents employed and the unemployment rate was 2.5% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Chermside was 73.4%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 17.1% of residents worked from home. The key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Health care & social assistance had notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training showed lower representation at 5.9% compared to the regional average of 9.4%. There were 1.5 workers for every resident in Chermside as at the Census, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 12.0% while labour force grew by 10.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and a fall in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Chermside's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not consider localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, the suburb of Chermside had a median income among taxpayers of $52,811. The average income stood at $63,323. This is below the national average which was $58,236 and $72,799 for Greater Brisbane respectively during that year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,045 (median) and $69,598 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 58th percentile with a weekly income of $844, while household income sits at the 30th percentile. Distribution data shows that 33.8% of the population (4,428 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is similar to regional levels where 33.3% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 77.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Chermside features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Chermside's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 21.4% houses and 78.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Chermside was at 15.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.7% and rented ones at 66.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,690, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $370, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Chermside's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Chermside features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 50.5% of all households, including 13.7% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 49.5%, with lone person households at 41.8% and group households comprising 7.6%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Chermside demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 34.7% among residents aged 15+, surpassing Queensland's average of 25.7% and Australia's rate of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, held by 24.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 20.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.2% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in tertiary education, 6.3% in primary education, and 4.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Chermside has 71 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 25 different routes, collectively facilitating 3957 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 145 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 71%, followed by buses at 12% and walking at 9%. On average, there are 0.7 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 565 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 55 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Chermside is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Chermside faces notable health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantially higher than average.

Mental health issues affect 11.0% of residents, while asthma impacts 7.7%. Sixty-six percent declare no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Private health cover is at approximately 52%, slightly below the Greater Brisbane average of 55.8%. Working-age residents show above-average chronic health condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 19.8% aged 65 and over (2,594 people), compared to 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Chermside was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Chermside has high cultural diversity, with 28.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 36.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Chermside, comprising 45.6%. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 5.6% versus 2.2%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (23.3%), Australian (19.6%), and Other (13.2%). Filipino (3.3%) and Korean (1.1%) are notably overrepresented in Chermside compared to regional averages of 1.2% and 0.5%, respectively. New Zealand is also slightly overrepresented at 1.0%.

Chermside's population is younger than the national pattern

Chermside's median age in 2021 was 36 years, matching Greater Brisbane's but lower than the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group constituted 21.7%, higher than Greater Brisbane but below the national average of 14.4%. The 5-14 cohort made up 7.1% of Chermside's population in 2021. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group grew from 7.3% to 8.8%, while the 25-34 group decreased from 23.5% to 21.7%. The 85+ cohort dropped from 4.6% to 3.4% during this period. By 2041, population forecasts show significant changes in Chermside's demographics. The 75-84 age group is projected to increase by 779 people (78%), rising from 995 to 1,775. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 6%, adding 33 people.