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, the population of Chermside is estimated at around 12,828 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,402 people (12.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,426 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,511 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 432 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,223 persons per square kilometer, placing Chermside in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 12.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.3%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for Chermside 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 and 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 for Chermside, with an expected increase of 4,872 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 35.5% 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. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 615 homes were approved, with an additional 68 in FY-26 to date. Each new dwelling brought about an average of 2.3 new residents yearly over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value for these dwellings was $685,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. This year has seen $52.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Chermside's development activity per capita is 147.0% higher. New developments consist of 10.0% detached dwellings and 90.0% attached dwellings, favoring higher-density living. By 2041, Chermside is projected to gain approximately 4,550 residents.

Construction pace has been steady with population growth, but increased competition among buyers is expected as the population rises.

Chermside has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones include 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. Below is a list of 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 conditions in Chermside remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Chermside has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 6.2% as of the past year.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 11.7%. As of June 2025, 7,438 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Chermside was 62.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Health care & social assistance shows a notable concentration with levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training has lower representation at 5.9% compared to the regional average of 9.4%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 1.5 as of the Census, indicating Chermside functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 11.7% while labour force grew by 10.6%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 1.0 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Chermside had a median income among taxpayers of $52,809 in financial year 2022. The average income was $63,322 during the same period. These figures are just below the national average. In Greater Brisbane, median and average incomes were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median and average incomes will be approximately $60,197 and $72,181 based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 58th percentile ($844 weekly), while household income is at the 30th percentile. Income distribution shows 33.8% of Chermside's population (4,335 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 21.4% houses and 78.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 67.2% houses and 32.8% 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 was $1,690, lower than Brisbane metro's $2,100 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Chermside was $370, compared to Brisbane metro's $390 and 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 constitute 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 account for 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 2.4.

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 of 34.7% among residents aged 15+, exceeding both the Queensland average of 25.7% and the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 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 comprise 11.3%, while certificates make up 20.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.0% in tertiary education, 6.3% in primary education, and 4.7% pursuing secondary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Chermside has 72 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 25 different routes that together facilitate 3,924 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 144 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 560 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 54 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Chermside is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Chermside faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but to a considerably higher degree among older cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~6,707 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Brisbane's 56.0%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.0% and 7.7% of residents respectively. Sixty-six percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.1% across Greater Brisbane. Nineteen percent of residents are aged 65 and over (2,437 people), higher than the 16.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting some challenges.

Chermside is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

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

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.3%), Australian (19.6%), and Other (13.2%). Notably, Filipino (3.3%) and Korean (1.1%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Chermside's population is younger than the national pattern

Chermside's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and slightly younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Chermside has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 14.2% to 15.2%, while the proportion of those aged 15-24 has decreased from 13.6% to 12.5%. The proportion of residents aged 85 and above has also dropped, from 4.6% to 3.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Chermside. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 90%, adding 838 residents to reach a total of 1,775. Conversely, the 0-4 age group is projected to show minimal growth of just 9% (45 people).