Drewvale

Population growth drivers in Drewvale are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Drewvale's population is estimated at around 4,905 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 126 people (2.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,779 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,905, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,117 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the Drewvale statistical area expected to grow by 117 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.3% in total over the 17 years.

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 indicates that Drewvale has had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years, totalling an estimated 4 homes over the past five financial years. So far in FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of approximately 40 new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25.

The supply is substantially lagging demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average value of $601,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Drewvale has significantly less development activity. This scarcity of new homes usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. However, this activity remains below average nationally, 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 around 2510 people per dwelling approval, Drewvale reflects a highly mature market.

Drewvale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

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

Drewvale's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stood at 4.0% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data.

In this month, 2,586 residents were employed, mirroring Greater Brisbane's 4.0% unemployment rate and a workforce participation rate of 69.0%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. However, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 6.1%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%.

Limited local job opportunities were indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Drewvale's labour force increased by 0.5% while employment declined by 0.7%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted slightly by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with Australia's national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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 could increase by 6.6% in five years and 13.9% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Drewvale has a lower than average income level nationally, according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Drewvale is $50,382, with an average income of $59,389. These figures compare to Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $55,375 (median) and $65,274 (average). Census data from 2021 shows Drewvale's household incomes rank at the 80th percentile ($2,243 weekly). Income distribution indicates that 43.3% of Drewvale's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 33.3% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income in Drewvale, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 79th percentile. The suburb'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, as per the latest Census, had 94.5% houses and 5.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, '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 in Drewvale was $460, compared to Brisbane metro's $400. Nationally, Drewvale's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,993 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $460 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, 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

Drewvale's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 33.4% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 42.1%. The gap indicates 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 at 35.8%, including primary education (15.1%), secondary education (10.7%), and tertiary education (4.1%).

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

Transport analysis shows 12 operational stops in Drewvale, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by 7 unique routes, facilitating 1892 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport access is deemed good, with residents averaging 239 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 270 daily trips across all routes, translating to around 157 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

Drewvale's health outcomes show excellent results, particularly for younger age groups with low prevalence of common conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51%, covering around 2488 individuals. The most prevalent medical issues are asthma (6.5%) and arthritis (4.9%). A total of 78.4% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 77.2%. Drewvale has an elderly population of 11.7%, or around 573 individuals aged 65 and over. Health outcomes for seniors require more attention compared to the general 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 has high cultural diversity, with 51.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 49.4% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, accounting for 45.4%. The 'Other' category comprises 4.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 3.8%.

In ancestry, 'Other', English (15.6%), and Australian (15.3%) are the top groups. Samoan (2.3% vs regional 1.3%), Indian (11.3% vs 7.0%), and Korean (2.2% vs 1.9%) are notably overrepresented.

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, which is slightly younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Drewvale has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (20.0%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.9%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of Drewvale's population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 12.2% to 14.1%, while the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 9.9% to 7.9%. The proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has also dropped, from 19.5% to 18.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Drewvale. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 84%, adding 172 residents to reach a total of 379. Residents aged 65 and over will drive 57% of the population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts.