Chart Color Schemes
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
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Chermside has an estimated 13,429 residents, up from 11,426 at the 2021 Census — a change of 2,003 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 Chermside's population is estimated at around 13,429 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,003 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 3,374 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
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. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for each SA2 region. In instances where these figures are unavailable, or for periods after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 utilizing 2021 data are substituted. Since these state-level forecasts lack age-specific breakdowns, cohort weightings are applied proportionally in accordance with the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections based on 2022 data. Future demographic trends indicate substantial expansion, placing the suburb of Chermside in the highest national quartile, with total residents projected to climb by 4,460 individuals by 2041 based on compiled SA2 statistics, representing a 31.0% rise over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
626 new dwellings have been approved in Chermside over the past five years, an average of 125 a year. That places the area in the 93rd percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 9 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 131 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 11% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 201, 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
Based on statistical assessments of building approvals, the suburb of Chermside has recorded approximately 125 annual residential approvals, totaling 626 dwellings over the 5 fiscal years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 185 approvals in the current FY-26 period. Strong demand supports local property values, with an average occupancy of 2.7 residents per new dwelling over the 5 fiscal years from FY-21 to FY-25. The average estimated construction cost for these new homes is $705,000, pointing to developer interest in higher-end, premium properties. Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $52.1 million during this financial year, reflecting substantial business investment in the area.
Per capita building approvals in the suburb of Chermside are 146.0% higher than the rate in Greater Brisbane, offering home buyers a wide selection. Residential construction is split between 11.0% freestanding houses and 89.0% multi-unit or attached dwellings. This emphasis on high-density housing options provides lower-cost options and appeals to downsizers, property investors, and first-time buyers. The area averages roughly 103 people for each approved dwelling, showing a growing urban footprint. Based on the most recent quarterly projections, the suburb of Chermside is expected to add 4,168 residents by 2041. Residential construction is tracking steadily alongside this projected influx, though prospective buyers may face increased competition as the local population expands.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Chermside
Loading development applications…
| 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 $1.72 billion. A further 51 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $16 billion. 11 are already under construction and 13 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
Local planning, major projects, and infrastructure upgrades are major drivers of regional development. A total of 23 projects have been identified that are expected to influence the local area. Principal developments include the expansion of The Prince Charles Hospital, the Brisbane Metro Northern Extension linking the CBD to Carseldine, and residential developments at 705-707 Hamilton Road and 26-30 Kuran Street.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
The Prince Charles Hospital Expansion
A critical expansion of The Prince Charles Hospital delivering 93 new overnight beds, a new emergency department for adults and paediatrics, and additional operating theatres. The project establishes the facility as Queensland's second-largest paediatric health service. While the 1,507-space car park is complete, the main Acute Services Building has been subject to a 2025 review under the Hospital Rescue Plan, with current projections targeting practical completion in mid-2029.
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.
BHCL Social Housing Development
Social housing development by Brisbane Housing Company Limited providing affordable housing solutions in the Chermside area. Part of Queensland's social housing expansion program.
Sammells Drive Development Site
Approved development application for 33 apartments (10x 1-bedroom, 23x 2-bedroom) on 1,093m2 site. Two existing three-bedroom homes to be demolished. Site currently for sale through Savills for $2.085 million.
8,066 residents of Chermside are employed, from a labour force of 8,632. Unemployment sits at 6.6%, with participation at 74.1%. 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 19,083, 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
The local workforce exhibits high levels of education and strong representation in essential service fields. The unemployment rate stands at 6.6%, while annual jobs grew by 7.6% over the past year. In March 2026, working residents numbered 8,066, with the unemployment rate tracking 2.2% higher than the 4.3% recorded across Greater Brisbane. Labor force participation is typical for the region, registering at 74.1% compared to 70.4% in Greater Brisbane. Census data indicates that 17.1% of working residents operated from home, though this figure reflects temporary pandemic lockdowns. The primary sectors employing residents are healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and hospitality.
Healthcare and social assistance is especially prominent, showing a concentration 1.3 times the regional average. By contrast, education and training employs 5.9% of residents compared to the Brisbane average of 9.4%. At the time of the Census, the area hosted 1.5 jobs for every working resident, acting as a regional employment hub that draws workers from surrounding locations. Labor data shows employment rose by 7.6% over the 12-month period, while the overall workforce expanded by 7.5%, keeping local unemployment steady. Over the same timeframe, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2% and its labor force grow by 3.4%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. Industry employment projections published in May-25 offer guidance on future job demand. When applied to the local workforce mix, these national forecasts—which project employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years—suggest local employment could increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.
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
Tax data from the financial year 2023 shows taxpayers in the suburb of Chermside recorded a median income of $52,811 and an average income of $63,323. These figures are lower than the national average and the respective Greater Brisbane benchmarks of $58,236 and $72,799. Accounting for a 11.36% rise in the Wage Price Index since the financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $58,810 for the median and $70,516 for the average. In the 2021 Census, individual weekly earnings ranked at the 58th percentile ($844), while household incomes were at the 30th percentile.
Approximately 33.8% of the local population (4,539 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the regional rate of 33.3%. Financial pressure from housing is high, with residents retaining only 77.8% of their income, placing the area in the 21st percentile for affordability and the 4th decile on the SEIFA 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
According to the most recent Census, the local housing mix consisted of 21.4% standalone houses and 78.6% multi-unit dwellings such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings across metropolitan Brisbane. Home ownership stands at 15.9%, which is lower than the metropolitan rate, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgagors (17.7%) or tenants (66.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,690, and the median weekly rent was $370, which are lower than the Brisbane averages of $1,863 and $380 respectively. Nationally, local mortgage costs sit below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Chermside counted 5,393 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 6,338 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
Families make up 50.5% of local households, consisting of 13.7% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 10.0% single parents. Non-family households account for the remaining 49.5%, with single-person households representing 41.8% and group households making up 7.6% of the total. The average household size of 1.9 people is smaller 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
The local area has a strong academic profile, with tertiary qualification rates at 34.7% of residents aged 15 and over, exceeding both the state average of 25.7% and the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 24.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 7.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational and technical qualifications are also common, with 32.0% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (20.7%). A high proportion of the population participates in education, with 28.2% of residents enrolled in study.
This includes 9.0% in university or vocational training, 6.3% in primary school, and 4.7% in high school.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Chermside reaches 71 stops on 25 routes, timetabled for about 4,000 services a week. The typical home sits about 150 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 0.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport infrastructure includes 71 active transit stops, primarily serving bus routes. These stops accommodate 25 separate routes that provide 3,957 weekly services. Transport access is highly convenient, with residents living an average of 145 meters from the nearest stop. The majority of residents travel outside the area for work, with private vehicles being the primary mode of transport at 71%, followed by buses at 12% and walking at 9%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 cars per dwelling, which is lower than the metropolitan average. Additionally, 17.1% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure likely influenced by pandemic conditions.
Transit services average 565 daily trips across the network, which translates to roughly 55 weekly trips per bus stop.
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 indicators point to notable public health demands, with mortality and chronic illness rates tracking above average, particularly within older age demographics. Approximately 52% of the population (~7,022 people) hold private health insurance, slightly exceeding the average SA2 region rate but sitting below the Greater Brisbane benchmark of 55.8%. Mental health concerns and asthma are the most frequently reported medical conditions, affecting 11.0% and 7.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 66.0% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents experience above-average rates of chronic conditions.
Seniors aged 65 and over represent 18.4% of the local population (2,470 people), which is higher than the Greater Brisbane share of 15.1%. While senior health outcomes present challenges, they rank better nationally than the broader local population.
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
The local population displays high cultural diversity, with 28.1% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 36.1% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 45.6% of the population. Hinduism shows the most significant relative concentration, accounting for 5.6% of residents compared to 2.2% across Greater Brisbane. The top ancestries reported are English at 23.3%, Australian at 19.6%, and other ancestries at 13.2%. Some demographic groups show higher concentrations than the regional average, with Filipino residents representing 3.3% of the population compared to 1.2% regionally, Korean residents at 1.1% compared to 0.5%, and New Zealanders at 1.0% compared to 1.0% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Chermside is 35, younger than 76% of areas nationally. 35.7% 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
The median age of residents is 35 years, which is close to the Greater Brisbane average of 36 years and slightly below the Australian average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, there is a higher concentration of young adults aged 25 to 34 (23.0% vs the national average of 14.6%) and a smaller share of children aged 5 to 14 (7.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 rose from 14.2% to 15.2%, while the cohort aged 85 and over decreased from 4.6% to 3.1%.
Long-term forecasts to 2041 indicate major demographic shifts, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 79%, adding 754 residents to total 1,708, while the youngest group aged 0 to 4 is expected to rise by just 7% (39 people).
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 Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago 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 May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 May 2026, not a 2021 count (11,426 at the 2021 Census → 13,429 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 May 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.