Drewvale

Population growth drivers in Drewvale are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of Drewvale, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date, was around 4,933 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 154 people (3.2%) from the population recorded in the 2021 Census, which stood at 4,779 people. The suburb's population density is estimated to be around 1,123 persons per square kilometer, roughly in line with averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of the overall population gains in Drewvale during recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, based on 2022 figures, for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, using 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using 2022 data for each age cohort. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, Drewvale's population is expected to grow by 121 persons to reach 5,054 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 4.8% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Drewvale according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates that Drewvale has seen virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years. Over the past five financial years, an estimated three homes have been approved. So far in FY26, one approval has been recorded.

On average, 53.3 new residents per year have been associated with every home built between FY21 and FY25. This supply lagging demand typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average expected construction cost of new homes is $601,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Drewvale has significantly less development activity. This scarcity of new homes tends to strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, though it remains below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, sustaining Drewvale's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With approximately 3347 people per dwelling approval, Drewvale reflects a highly mature market.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact the region. Notable projects include Logan Plan, Paradise in Parkinson, Grand Plaza Shopping Centre Refurbishment, and Grand Plaza Drive & Eastern Road Shared Pathway. The following list details those most likely to be 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 Drewvale has been broadly consistent with national averages

Drewvale has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, there are 2,599 residents employed, aligning with Greater Brisbane's 4.1% unemployment rate and a workforce participation rate of 69.0%. Key industries for Drewvale residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Professional & technical services have limited presence at 6.1%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited, indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7% while labour force grew by 1.8%, resulting in a rise in unemployment of 1.1 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and a decrease in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Drewvale's current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Drewvale's median income among taxpayers was $50,382 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $59,389 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had median and average incomes of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Drewvale's median and average incomes are approximately $57,430 and $67,698 as of September 2025. Census data indicates that household incomes in Drewvale rank at the 80th percentile with a weekly income of $2,243. Income analysis shows that 43.3% of locals (2,135 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income in Drewvale. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 79th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Drewvale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Drewvale's dwelling structure in the latest Census showed 94.5% houses and 5.5% other dwellings, compared to Brisbane metro's 82.0% houses and 18.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Drewvale was at 18.8%, with mortgages at 59.9% and rentals at 21.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,993, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,872. Median weekly rent was $460, compared to Brisbane metro's $400. Nationally, Drewvale's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,993 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $460 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 89.5% of all households, including 57.6% couples with children, 19.1% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 10.5%, with lone person households at 9.0% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 3.5 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0.

Drewvale demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Drewvale trail regional benchmarks. 33.4% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 42.1%. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 30.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (19.2%). Educational participation is high, with 35.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.1% in primary education, 10.7% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside Drewvale's immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 12 active stops operating within Drewvale. These are a mix of bus stops serviced by 8 routes, providing 1,838 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 239 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 262 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 153 weekly trips per individual stop.

Drewvale's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Drewvale, with younger age groups having particularly low prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Approximately 51% (~2,503 individuals) of the total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 6.5% and 4.9% of residents respectively. A majority, 78.4%, report being completely free of medical ailments compared to 77.2% in Greater Brisbane. Drewvale has 11.7% (577 people) of its population aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors needing more attention than the broader population.

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

Drewvale's cultural diversity is notable, with 51.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 49.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 45.4%. The category 'Other' is overrepresented in Drewvale at 4.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 3.8%.

For ancestry, the top groups are Other (19.4%), English (15.6%), and Australian (15.3%). Some ethnicities show significant differences: Samoan is 2.3% vs regional 1.3%, Indian is 11.3% vs 7.0%, and Korean is 2.2% vs 1.9%.

Drewvale's population is younger than the national pattern

Drewvale's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, but somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Drewvale has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (20.0%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.9%). This concentration is well above the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 12.2% to 14.1%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 7.9%, and the 35 to 44 group has dropped from 19.5% to 18.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Drewvale. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 83%, adding 172 residents and reaching 380. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 58% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age cohorts.