Doolandella

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

The population of Doolandella is estimated at 8,389 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 1,266 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,123. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,159 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024, along with an additional 319 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,390 persons per square kilometer, placing Doolandella in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 17.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area's 9.9% and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 37.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with overseas migration and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for Doolandella, with the suburb expected to increase by 2,056 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Doolandella among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Doolandella shows an average of 67 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 336 homes. In FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded so far.

Between FY-21 and FY-25, there has been an average of 4.4 people moving to the area for each dwelling built, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $445,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Doolandella has 150.0% more new home approvals per person. Recent construction comprises 84.0% standalone homes and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited for buyers seeking space.

With approximately 171 people per approval, Doolandella reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,746 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Doolandella 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 six projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include Pallara Development Project at 78-88 Vied Road, Forest Lake Shopping Centre ALDI Extension, Forest Lake Three Co-Living Houses Development, and Oxley Wedge Industrial Precinct.

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.

Doolandella ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Doolandella has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0%. As of September 2025, 4,508 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.8% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is at 74.0%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. Only 10.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 5.5% of Doolandella's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, while labour force grew by 3.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. This compares to Greater Brisbane where employment grew by 3.8%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Doolandella's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not consider localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows that median income in Doolandella is $46,590 and average income is $51,832. This is lower than Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Doolandella would be approximately $51,207 and average income would be around $56,969 by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Doolandella fall around the 54th percentile nationally. The majority of locals (3,640 people, or 43.4%) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to the metropolitan region where 33.3% fall into this income bracket. Housing costs consume 17.4% of income in Doolandella. Despite this, disposable income is at the 57th percentile nationally, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fourth decile.

Doolandella is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Doolandella's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.2% houses and 26.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is comparable to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Doolandella stood at 13.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (41.3%) or rented (45.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Doolandella's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 82.8% of all households, including 46.5% couples with children, 20.4% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 17.2%, consisting of 13.2% lone person households and 3.9% group households. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Doolandella 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 27.4% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 18.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 20.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 6.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Doolandella has five active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route in total, providing 165 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 305 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 89%, while trains account for 6%. The average vehicle ownership is 1.6 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Doolandella is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Doolandella shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,004 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 55.8%, which is close to the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in Doolandella, affecting 6.7 and 5.9% of residents respectively. Notably, 80.2% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 8.6% (721 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors in Doolandella rank notably higher than the national average for this age group.

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

Doolandella has a population where 51.2% were born overseas and 56.2% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion, with 39.5%. Buddhism's representation is 8.5%, higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (25.0%), English (14.6%), and Australian (14.0%). Samoan (3.4%) Vietnamese (12.0%) and Maori (1.9%) ethnicities have notable overrepresentation compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 0.8% and 1.1% respectively.

Doolandella hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Doolandella's median age at 31 years is younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Doolandella has a higher proportion of residents aged 0-4 (9.1%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (5.2%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 75-84 age group grew from 1.2% to 2.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort declined from 19.4% to 17.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Doolandella's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 395 people (40%) from 998 to 1,394. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort grows modestly by 3% (19 people).