East Ipswich

An assessment of population growth drivers in East Ipswich reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, East Ipswich's population is estimated at around 2,453, reflecting an increase of 132 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for the suburb, examined by AreaSearch in June 2024, was 2,452, with an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. This results in a population density ratio of 1,468 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth, contributing approximately 63.0% of 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth of statistical areas across the nation, with East Ipswich expected to grow by 497 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.3% over the 17 years.

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

East Ipswich, based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, has recorded approximately 6 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 31 homes were approved, with no approvals yet in FY-26. On average, each new dwelling constructed over these years accommodated about 1 new resident per year.

This pace of supply has kept up with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new properties is $485,000. In FY-26, $2.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, East Ipswich has significantly less development activity, 78.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, though recent periods have seen an increase in development activity. Nationally, East Ipswich also reflects lower development activity, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. The current trend shows 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% townhouses or apartments being constructed, marking a significant shift from the existing housing pattern of 80.0% houses.

This denser development provides accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. East Ipswich has a low density population, with around 203 people per approval. Future projections estimate East Ipswich will add 499 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified five projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the East Ipswich Train Station Upgrade, Mary and Williams Streets Intersection Upgrade, Ipswich Hospital Expansion Stage 2, and the development at 145 Chermside Road East Ipswich - Multiple Residential. The following list provides details on those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in East Ipswich has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

East Ipswich has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

In June 2025, 1,216 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lagged at 58.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Manufacturing showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 5.6% versus the regional average of 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2%, and labour force grew by 0.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4% and a fall in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to East Ipswich's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

East Ipswich's median income among taxpayers was $55,049 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $60,788 during the same period. Comparing these figures with Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively, East Ipswich's incomes were lower. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for East Ipswich would be approximately $62,750 (median) and $69,292 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in 2021, personal income ranked at the 35th percentile ($735 weekly), while household income sat at the 17th percentile. The largest segment of East Ipswich's population comprised 28.8% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly (706 residents). This contrasts with regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket led at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures were severe in East Ipswich, with only 83.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile.

East Ipswich is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

East Ipswich's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.8% houses and 20.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Ipswich was at 27.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.2% and rented ones at 39.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was $290, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, East Ipswich's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 59.7 percent of all households, including 20.1 percent couples with children, 20.4 percent couples without children, and 18.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 40.3 percent, with lone person households at 35.6 percent and group households comprising 4.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.2%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 32.0%. Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.8% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary.

Ipswich East State School serves East Ipswich with an enrollment of 280 students; it focuses on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. The area has varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 902) and fewer school places per 100 residents (11.4) compared to the regional average (17.9).

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

East Ipswich has 15 active public transport stops operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 50 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 1,651 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 190 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 235 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 110 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in East Ipswich is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

East Ipswich faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups.

As of approximately mid-2018 to early-2019, private health cover stood at around 51% (~1,258 people), slightly below the average SA2 area's rate. The most prevalent medical issues were mental health problems (affecting 13.4% of residents) and asthma (impacting 10.7%). Conversely, 57.4% reported having no medical ailments, compared to 62.2% in Greater Brisbane. As of mid-2018, around 18.2% (~446 people) were aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in the area outperformed those of the general population in health metrics.

East Ipswich is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

East Ipswich, surveyed in August 2016, had low cultural diversity with 88.8% citizens, 86.8% born in Australia, and 94.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 48.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 49.5%. Top ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (9.3%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher at 6.6% than the regional average of 6.4%. Samoan and Maori ancestries were lower, at 0.8% and 0.7%, respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.9% each.

East Ipswich's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in East Ipswich is 40 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and slightly exceeds the national average of 38 years. The cohort aged 55-64 is overrepresented in East Ipswich at 14.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's average, while those aged 25-34 are underrepresented at 11.4%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the population of children aged 0-4 has grown from 5.0% to 5.6%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 5-14 has decreased from 13.2% to 12.1%. By 2041, East Ipswich's population is forecasted to undergo significant demographic changes. Notably, the group aged 65-74 is expected to grow by 47%, increasing from 257 to 378 individuals. This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who will represent 51% of the population increase. Conversely, the cohorts aged 0-4 and 25-34 are anticipated to experience population declines.