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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Chermside has an estimated 13,427 residents, up from 11,426 at the 2021 Census — a change of 2,001 people, or 17.5%. Growth has averaged 2.8% a year over five years, faster than 88% of areas nationally. 575 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 62.0% of that increase. That puts 3,374 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
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 13,427 as of Aug 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,001 people (17.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,426 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 13,137, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 575 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,373 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb of Chermside's 17.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.0%), along with 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. Population projections for each SA2 district utilise ABS/Geoscience Australia figures published in 2024 (taking 2022 as their foundation year), supplemented by 2023 Queensland State Government SA2 releases (using 2021 baselines) for periods beyond 2032 or locations outside ABS coverage. Because state-level datasets lack detailed age breakdowns, AreaSearch applies proportional adjustments derived from 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region age-cohort modelling (based on 2022 figures). Looking ahead, the suburb of Chermside ranks in the upper quartile nationwide for anticipated demographic expansion, with aggregated SA2 modelling pointing to an addition of 4,343 persons by 2041, representing an overall expansion of 30.2% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
628 new dwellings have been approved in Chermside over the past five years, an average of 125 a year. That places the area in the 91st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 9 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 143 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 13% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 185, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals by AreaSearch shows that Chermside averages approximately 125 residential consents annually, delivering an estimated 628 homes across the last 5 financial years. Approvals recorded to date in FY-25 stand at 185. Between FY-21 and FY-25, the area added an average of 2.4 new residents per completed dwelling annually, demonstrating solid underlying demand to underpin real estate values. Construction activity reflects an emphasis on higher-end builds, with new dwellings recording an average expected building cost of $507,000, marginally exceeding regional benchmarks. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $52.1 million during this financial year highlight robust local business development.
Chermside generates 160.0% more residential construction approvals on a per-capita basis than Greater Brisbane, providing purchasers with a broader selection of housing options. This high level of activity sits well above national norms and underlines substantial builder confidence. Residential construction is heavily weighted toward attached formats, with townhouses or apartments comprising 87.0% of approvals and standalone houses representing 13.0%. This emphasis on higher-density housing offers accessible price brackets that cater effectively to entry-level purchasers, downsizers, and property investors, with an average ratio of around 101 people per approval underscoring ongoing urban development. Long-term demographic modelling indicates that Chermside's population will expand by 4,053 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent AreaSearch quarterly benchmark. While current residential construction is matching projected expansion rates, the expanding community may lead to tighter competition among prospective buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Chermside
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 20 current infrastructure and development projects inside Chermside, worth an estimated $1.86 billion. A further 51 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $16.2 billion. 11 are already under construction and 16 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Urban development, government planning programs, and local capital projects play a decisive role in shaping community outcomes. AreaSearch has pinpointed 23 key initiatives poised to influence the suburb, highlighted by projects such as The Prince Charles Hospital Expansion, Brisbane Metro Northern Extension - CBD to Carseldine, 705-707 Hamilton Road Development, and 26-30 Kuran Street Development.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
The Prince Charles Hospital Expansion
The Prince Charles Hospital Expansion is a major health project delivered by Queensland Health and Metro North Health, with Hutchinson Builders leading detailed design and construction. The project delivers a new multi-storey acute services building adding 93 inpatient beds, a significantly expanded emergency department with 53 treatment bays, new operating theatres, and paediatric outpatient services. Site works and construction activities are actively underway at the Chermside campus.
12 Kelso Street Build-to-Rent
A proposed 10-storey build-to-rent residential development featuring 226 studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments tailored for key worker housing. The scheme includes communal co-working spaces, landscaped ground-floor gardens, outdoor areas, and a rooftop amenity deck. The application was submitted to Brisbane City Council under development application A006388483.
23-25 Sammells Drive Residential Development
Development approval for a multi-unit residential project comprising 33 apartments (10 one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom configurations) across a 1,093 sqm site. The proposal involves the demolition of two existing residential dwellings to facilitate the mid-rise apartment complex. The site represents an infill development opportunity close to Westfield Chermside and key transport corridors.
705-707 Hamilton Road Development
Residential development project on Hamilton Road in Chermside West. Details of specific development proposal to be confirmed through planning process.
26-30 Kuran Street Development
Proposed 6-storey residential building with 29 apartments. Existing dwellings will be demolished to make way for the new development.
Kabbalah - 8-12 Playfield Street
A 12-storey residential tower branded 'Kabbalah' with 62 large family-oriented apartments beside Westfield Chermside, designed by ANA Architects. The approved scheme includes mostly 3- and 4-bedroom dwellings plus 2 penthouses, a ground-floor gym/health and wellness space, rooftop communal open space, and resident/visitor parking and bicycle storage. The development leverages proximity to The Prince Charles Hospital and Chermside's retail core.
Westfield Chermside Expansion
Major $355 million redevelopment completed in 2017 making it Australia's second-largest shopping centre by stores and gross leasable area. Added 33,000sqm including Level 2 gallery mall with 95+ retailers, dining and entertainment precincts with 20+ restaurants, and resort-style landscaped outdoor areas. Features international brands including H&M, Zara, Sephora, and Uniqlo. Total 476 specialty stores with 15.5 million customer visits annually.
Westfield Chermside - Stage 6 Expansion & Redevelopment
The $355 million Stage 6 redevelopment of Westfield Chermside added approximately 33,000 sqm of retail space across two new levels, including a fashion galleria and the North Shore resort-style dining and entertainment precinct. Completed in 2017, the project made Chermside the largest centre in Scentre Group's Australian portfolio. As of 2025, the centre spans 176,585 sqm of gross leasable area housing over 480 stores. In July 2025, Scentre Group completed a 50% joint venture of the asset with Dexus for $1.366 billion at a 5.0% capitalisation rate, while retaining property and leasing management.
8,065 residents of Chermside are employed, from a labour force of 8,631. Unemployment sits at 6.6%, with participation at 73.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 19,080, about 142% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Chermside boasts a highly skilled labor pool where key service industries are prominently featured, alongside a 6.6% unemployment figure and a projected 7.6% rise in jobs over the last twelve months, according to AreaSearch compiled regional statistics. By March 2026, the local labor force numbered 8,065 individuals, while the local jobless rate stood 2.2% higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.3%, and the overall participation rate remained at 73.9%, which is close to the 70.1% observed in Greater Brisbane. Census survey results indicate that 17.1% of the population worked remotely, a figure that requires careful interpretation given the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdown measures.
Local workers are predominantly engaged across health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Chermside shows a notable specialisation in health care & social assistance, employing residents at 1.3 times the wider regional concentration. Conversely, education & training accounts for only 5.9% of the local workforce, well below the 9.4% recorded across Greater Brisbane. Operating as a major regional employment node, Census data shows 1.5 workers for every resident, drawing in substantial commuter inflows from surrounding districts. Based on AreaSearch's synthesis of ABS and SALM releases, the 12 months leading to March 2026 saw employment expand by 7.6% and the local workforce grow by 7.5%, with jobless levels remaining virtually flat. Over the equivalent timeframe, Greater Brisbane recorded employment gains of 3.2% and labour force expansion of 3.4%, accompanied by a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. National outlooks from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide broader context on future labour requirements. Mapping these five-year and ten-year nationwide forecasts (projecting broader Australian employment growth of 6.6% and 13.7% respectively) onto Chermside's specific industry distribution suggests local jobs could grow by 6.9% across five years and 14.4% over ten years, representing an unadjusted industry-weighted projection that excludes local population movements.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Chermside is $1,419 a week (about $74,000 a year), with median personal income at $844 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,811 a year against an average of $63,323. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Aggregated ATO statistics for financial year 2023 place taxpayer earnings in the suburb of Chermside below national benchmarks. Median individual income reached $52,811 alongside an average of $63,323, trailing the respective Greater Brisbane benchmarks of $58,236 and $72,799. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023 lifts estimated earnings to around $58,810 for the median and $70,516 for the average as of March 2026. According to Census records, individual weekly earnings sit at the 58th percentile ($844 weekly), whereas household earnings fall to the 30th percentile.
Approximately 33.8% of residents (4,538 individuals) report incomes between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the wider regional proportion of 33.3%. Severe housing cost pressures leave residents with 77.8% of income remaining (21st percentile), placing the suburb in the 4th decile on the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Chermside had 5,393 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 21% detached houses and 59% apartments. 18% are owned with a mortgage, 66% rented and 16% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $370 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,690 a month. Rent absorbs 26.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 27.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census findings indicate that Chermside's housing stock consists of 21.4% standalone houses and 78.6% medium-to-high density formats (encompassing semi-detached residences, flats, and other dwellings), diverging sharply from Brisbane metro's profile of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Outright property ownership is comparatively low at 15.9%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 17.7% and tenant-occupied rentals representing 66.4%. Median monthly mortgage commitments of $1,690 remain below the Brisbane metro benchmark of $1,863, while typical weekly rents of $370 compare with $380 across the metropolitan area. On a national scale, local mortgage payments remain below the $1,863 Australian average, and rent costs sit under the nationwide figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Chermside counted 5,393 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 6,337 today, averaging 1.9 people each. 14% are couples with children, fewer than in 95% of areas nationally, against 25% couples without children. 42% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units account for 50.5% of local households, comprising childless couples (24.6%), couples with children (13.7%), and single parent families (10.0%). The remaining 49.5% consists of non-family arrangements, dominated by lone person households at 41.8% alongside group living arrangements at 7.6%. With a median household size of 1.9 people, dwellings in the area accommodate fewer occupants than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
34.7% of adults in Chermside hold a university qualification, including 24.6% with a bachelor degree and 7.5% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 97% of areas nationally. A further 20.7% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Chermside exhibits a strong educational standing, with 34.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a higher education degree, outperforming both the QLD benchmark (25.7%) and the Australia-wide average (30.4%). Bachelor degree holders comprise 24.6% of this population, followed by postgraduate award recipients (7.5%) and graduate diploma holders (2.6%). Vocational training is similarly well established, with 32.0% of residents aged 15+ possessing technical or trade credentials, divided between certificates (20.7%) and advanced diplomas (11.3%). A substantial 28.2% of local residents are actively pursuing formal study. Among these students, 9.0% are engaged in higher education, 6.3% attend primary school, and 4.7% are enrolled in secondary school.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.0% of residents in Chermside report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 79% of areas nationally. 8.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health and mortality metrics reviewed by AreaSearch highlight significant wellness hurdles for Chermside, marked by elevated rates of long-term medical conditions, particularly across older demographics. Approximately 52% of the local population (~7,020 people) maintains private hospital cover, tracking slightly ahead of typical SA2 levels but below the 55.8% seen across Greater Brisbane. Mental health conditions and asthma represent the most frequently reported ailments, diagnosed in 11.0% and 7.7% of the community respectively. Meanwhile, 66.0% of residents reported no chronic health issues, compared to 69.2% throughout Greater Brisbane. Working-age cohorts display higher-than-average rates of persistent medical conditions.
Residents aged 65 and over total 2,403 people, representing 17.9% of the suburb compared to 15.0% across Greater Brisbane, with senior health indicators presenting notable local challenges despite performing favorably against national comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
36.1% of Chermside residents were born overseas and 28.1% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 77% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (23.3%) and Australian (19.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is pronounced across Chermside, where 36.1% of the population was born abroad and 28.1% speak a primary language other than English at home. Christianity stands as the predominant faith, practiced by 45.6% of residents. In relative terms, Hinduism exhibits the most substantial concentration, accounting for 5.6% of local residents compared with 2.2% across Greater Brisbane. Evaluating ancestral background through parents' country of birth, the primary identified lineages in Chermside are English (23.3%), Australian (19.6%), and Other (13.2%). Distinct demographic variations also appear among other cultural communities, including residents of Filipino ancestry at 3.3% (against 1.2% regionally), Korean at 1.1% (versus 0.5%), and New Zealand heritage at 1.0% (matching the 1.0% regional level).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Chermside is 35, younger than 76% of areas nationally. 36.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Chermside is heavily populated by young adult households without dependents. Residents aged 25 - 44 represent 39.8% of the community as at August 2026, compared to 30.6% across Greater Brisbane, while younger demographics aged 0 - 24 comprise 23.9% against a wider regional share of 31.8%. The local median age is estimated at 35 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 1 year below Greater Brisbane's 36 recorded at that Census. Young to middle-aged adults registered the most prominent proportional shift since the Census, climbing from 37.7% to an estimated 39.8%.
By 2041, seniors and retirees (65+) are projected to drive the majority of demographic growth, adding 1,824 residents (76%) to reach 4,227.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Chermside
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Sep 2026 last month all 20 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Sep 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 575 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (11,426 at the 2021 Census → 13,427 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL30593). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.