Drayton

Drayton has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Drayton's population is estimated at around 1,940, reflecting an increase of 127 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.0% increase from the previous population count of 1,813. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which provided an estimated resident population of 1,925 for the suburb. This level of population results in a density ratio of 187 persons per square kilometer. Drayton's growth rate since the census is within 1.8 percentage points of the non-metro area, demonstrating competitive fundamentals. Migration from interstate contributed approximately 38.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected in Australia's regional areas, with Drayton projected to increase by 279 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Drayton recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Drayton indicates an average of 16 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals approximately 84 homes. In FY26 so far, one approval has been recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 is 1.4.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand in the housing market, with stable conditions for buyers. The average construction value of new dwellings is $361,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices. There have been $12.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting steady investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Drayton has 64.0% more construction activity per person.

This should provide buyers with ample choice. Recent construction comprises 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density character focused on family homes. There are approximately 135 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Drayton will add 242 residents by 2041 based on current development patterns. This suggests that new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include South Street Industrial Precinct, Essence Estate Cotswold Hills, Prime Industrial Development at 29 Croft Crescent, and Ladbroke Grove Estate. The following list details 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 performance in Drayton exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Drayton has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.7%, lower than the Rest of Qld's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 14.1% based on AreaSearch data aggregation. As of June 2025, 1,079 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 0.3% below the regional average and workforce participation at 63.6%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, while mining is under-represented at 1.4% compared to Rest of Qld's 3.6%.

The worker-to-resident ratio of 1.0 indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 14.1%, labour force by 12.0%, reducing unemployment by 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a slight rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Drayton. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific growth rates vary significantly. Applying these projections to Drayton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Drayton's median income among taxpayers was $48,996 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $60,203 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes would be approximately $55,851 (median) and $68,625 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Drayton rank modestly, between the 25th and 29th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.2% of the community (624 individuals), reflecting patterns seen regionally where 31.7% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Drayton, with only 84.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 25th percentile.

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

The latest Census evaluated Drayton's dwelling structure as 73.3% houses and 26.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Drayton was 28.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.2% and rented ones at 42.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Drayton was $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Drayton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Drayton features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.3% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.7%, with lone person households at 28.0% and group households making up 5.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Drayton faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 18.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (32.8%).

Educational participation is high at 30.2%, comprising 9.4% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education. Drayton State School serves the area with an enrollment of 188 students as of a specific date, operating under varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 932). It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.7, below the regional average of 17.2, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Drayton has 14 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together facilitate 147 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is considered good, with residents living an average of 379 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 21 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Drayton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Drayton faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~990 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, impacting 9.7% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Sixty-five point four percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.3% across Rest of Qld. Eighteen point two percent of residents are aged 65 and over (353 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Drayton ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Drayton's population showed low cultural diversity, with 87.7% being citizens, 86.7% born in Australia, and 90.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Drayton, accounting for 59.6%, compared to 58.8% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.2%), English (27.6%), and Irish (8.3%).

Notable differences included German representation at 6.9% in Drayton versus 8.0% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 5.5% versus 3.3%, and Dutch at 1.4% versus 1.0%.

Drayton's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Drayton is 35 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and under the national average of 38 years. The percentage of people aged 15-24 in Drayton is notably higher at 17.4%, compared to the Rest of Qld average. Conversely, the percentage of people aged 5-14 is lower at 10.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 25-34 grew from 14.7% to 16.9%, while the 75-84 age group increased from 4.7% to 5.8%. However, the 45-54 age group declined from 11.4% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Drayton. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 439 people from 327, leading the demographic shift. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.