Dutton Park

Population growth drivers in Dutton Park are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The suburb of Dutton Park has an estimated population of around 2,685 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 551 people (25.8%) compared to the 2021 Census count of 2,134 people. The updated estimate combines the resident population of 2,684, which AreaSearch derived from the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, plus 88 newly validated addresses recorded since the Census date. With a density ratio of 3,051 persons per square kilometer, the suburb of Dutton Park ranks in the upper quartile among national locations evaluated by AreaSearch. The 25.8% growth since the 2021 census surpassed both the national average of 9.3% and the growth rate of the SA3 area, establishing the suburb of Dutton Park as a leading growth area in the region. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 81.0% of the total population gains observed in recent periods.

Projections published by ABS and Geoscience Australia in 2024 using 2022 baseline figures are applied by AreaSearch for each SA2 region. In instances where SA2 boundaries lack this coverage, or for years beyond 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 utilizing 2021 data are substituted. Since these state-level figures do not provide specific age distributions, AreaSearch distributes growth using proportional age group weights derived from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections with a 2022 base. Based on these demographic forecasts, the suburb of Dutton Park is anticipated to experience a population expansion that is slightly below the national median, with aggregated SA2 projections indicating an increase of 299 individuals by 2041, representing a total rise of 11.1% over the 16 years.

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

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of localized ABS building permit data, Dutton Park has seen an annual average of approximately 29 residential approvals, amounting to an estimated 148 dwellings over the preceding 5 fiscal years. Thus far during FY-26, 5 approvals have been documented. With an average of 4.7 additional residents for each completed residence between FY-21 and FY-25, demand continues to outpace new completions, a trend that generally drives up property values and intensifies competition among purchasers, while new residential construction carries an average value of $1,593,000, showing a focus by developers on premium, high-end builds. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $114.1 million during this fiscal year, showing substantial business development activity.

Compared to the broader Greater Brisbane region on a per-capita basis, construction activity in Dutton Park is 114.0% higher, offering more alternatives for buyers despite a recent deceleration in building starts. This volume is notably higher than national averages, demonstrating substantial developer interest. Recent building approvals consist of 10.0% standalone houses and 90.0% multi-unit dwellings. This orientation toward higher-density options offers affordable entry points and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers, representing a marked shift from the existing housing stock which stands at 42.0% houses, reflecting scarce land resources and changing buyer preferences. An average of roughly 1730 residents per approved permit indicates that Dutton Park is a mature, established community.

Long-term forecasts suggest the suburb of Dutton Park will add 298 residents by 2041 compared to the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Considering current building trends, the volume of incoming housing supply is expected to easily satisfy this demand, presenting favorable market conditions for purchasers and potentially enabling population growth to exceed current forecasts.

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

An area's long-term performance is heavily shaped by changes to local transport links, major developments, and urban plans. AreaSearch has identified 11 initiatives that are expected to influence this locality. Prominent projects include the Princess Alexandra Hospital Expansion, the Cross River Rail project, the Cross River Rail - Woolloongabba Station, and the Dutton Park-Fairfield Neighbourhood Plan, with details provided below for the most significant developments.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Dutton Park has been broadly consistent with national averages

The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education and strong representation in professional services, with a local unemployment rate of 4.9% and estimated job growth of 12.2% over the prior year, based on AreaSearch statistical aggregations. As of March 2026, there are 1,762 employed residents, representing an unemployment rate 0.6% higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 4.3%, while the labor participation rate is exceptionally high at 77.4% relative to 70.4% in Greater Brisbane. Census data reveals that 26.0% of the working population performed their jobs from home, though this figure was likely influenced by public health restrictions.

The primary employment fields for local workers are education & training, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. The community features a notable concentration in education & training, which employs residents at 1.4 times the regional rate. Conversely, the construction sector is underrepresented, employing only 3.7% of the workforce compared to 9.0% across the region. Although there are employment opportunities within the immediate area, comparisons between local jobs and the residential working population suggest that a significant portion of residents travel to other areas for work.

Based on SALM and ABS statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the wider statistical territory, the past 12 months saw job numbers rise by 12.2% and the labor force expand by 10.7%, which drove the unemployment rate down by 1.3 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.2%, the labor force expand by 3.4%, and the unemployment rate rise by 0.1 percentage points. Future labor requirements in Dutton Park can be assessed using the national employment forecasts from May-25 published by Jobs and Skills Australia. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future opportunities. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sector growth rates vary. Adjusting these national rates to the specific industry mix of Dutton Park suggests local employment will grow by 7.2% over five years and 14.8% over ten years, assuming a basic weighted calculation that does not factor in localized population changes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Dutton Park shows a median taxpayer income of $48,486 and an average of $61,564 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below the national average, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,994 (median) and $68,558 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Dutton Park, between the 49th and 50th percentiles. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.0% of the community (805 individuals), reflecting patterns seen the surrounding region where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 45th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Dutton Park features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

According to the most recent Census data, residential properties in Dutton Park consisted of 42.0% standalone houses and 58.0% alternative housing options such as townhouses, flats, and other structures, compared to Brisbane metro where houses accounted for 73.5% and alternative structures comprised 26.5%. Home ownership rates in Dutton Park lagged behind the metropolitan average at 16.5%, with the remaining properties occupied under a mortgage (19.9%) or rented (63.5%). The typical monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the metropolitan benchmark at $2,368, and the typical weekly rent was recorded at $390, compared to metropolitan figures of $1,863 and $380 respectively. Nationally, mortgage payments in Dutton Park are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rental costs exceed the national average of $375.

Dutton Park features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up 55.0% of the local household structure, consisting of 20.5% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 8.1% single parents. The remaining 45.0% consist of non-family households, with single-person households representing 33.6% and shared households comprising 11.9% of the total. The median size of local households is 2.3 individuals, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Dutton Park shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The educational profile of Dutton Park is substantially higher than regional and national averages, with 51.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% across QLD and 30.4% across the country. This educational concentration positions the local workforce well for knowledge-intensive industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 31.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 16.2% and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Technical and vocational credentials make up 20.4% of qualifications for those aged 15 and over, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 11.6%.

A significant proportion of the population is engaged in study, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in an educational institution. This group includes 15.9% attending higher education programs, 8.3% in secondary school, and 5.4% enrolled in primary education.

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

Analysis of local transit systems shows 21 active public transport stops operating in the suburb of Dutton Park, consisting of both rail and bus facilities. These stops accommodate 82 separate routes, facilitating a total of 8,160 passenger journeys each week. Local transit access is highly rated, with residents living an average of 134 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the area, the majority of workers commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the most common choice at 54%, followed by buses at 13% and walking at 11%. Household vehicle ownership averages 0.9 cars per home, which is lower than the regional average. A significant 26.0% of working residents performed their duties from home, as recorded in the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

Transit service frequency averages 1,165 journeys daily across all available routes, which represents approximately 388 trips per week at each individual stop.

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

Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality patterns and the occurrence of chronic illnesses, Dutton Park displays favorable health metrics, with young and elderly groups experiencing a low occurrence of common medical conditions, while private health insurance coverage is relatively low, covering approximately 52% of the population (~1,385 people). This compares to a coverage rate of 55.8% across the Greater Brisbane area.

The most prevalent health issues reported among local residents were mental health conditions and asthma, affecting 11.8% and 8.8% of the population respectively, while 70.5% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health profiles for working-age residents are generally average. Residents aged 65 and older represent 10.6% of the local population (284 people), which is lower than the 15.1% share observed in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among older residents are exceptionally positive, with national comparative rankings exceeding those of the general local population.

Dutton Park was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Dutton Park displays a high degree of cultural variety, with 28.1% of residents using a language other than English in their homes and 35.3% born in another country. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 35.9% of local residents. The most pronounced variation from regional trends is in Buddhism, which is practiced by 4.7% of the local population compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

Regarding ancestral backgrounds based on parental birthplaces, the three largest groups in Dutton Park are English at 21.9% of the population, Australian at 18.2% (which is lower than the regional average of 23.2%), and Other at 12.4%. Additionally, there are notable concentrations of other background groups, with French ancestry represented at 0.8% of Dutton Park (compared to 0.5% across the region), Greek ancestry at 3.7% (compared to 0.6% regionally), and Korean ancestry at 1.0% (compared to 0.5% regionally).

Dutton Park's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

The median age of 32 years in Dutton Park is lower than the Greater Brisbane median of 36 and the national median of 38. Compared to the wider metropolitan area, Dutton Park has a higher proportion of residents in the 25 to 34 age bracket (24.3%) and a lower share of children aged 5 to 14 (8.3%). The proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 is also significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 cohort has increased from 22.7% to 24.3% of the population, and the 15 to 24 demographic rose from 18.1% to 19.6%, while children aged 5 to 14 declined from 9.5% to 8.3%. Demographic projections indicate the age structure of the suburb of Dutton Park will change by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to increase by 94 residents (30%) from 316 to 411, while the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 brackets are expected to experience population declines.