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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the East Ipswich statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 2,475 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 154 people (6.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,321 people in the East Ipswich (SA2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,472 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,482 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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, 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the East Ipswich (SA2) expected to grow by 497 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 19.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in East Ipswich, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

East Ipswich recorded approximately four residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 20 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with three more approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions.

However, this figure increased to 7.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential supply constraints. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $485,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to Greater Brisbane, East Ipswich has significantly lower building activity, 86.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. The area's construction also falls below national averages, indicating maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent developments comprise 25.0% detached dwellings and 75.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from the current pattern of 80.0% houses. This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs.

East Ipswich has approximately 488 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its established status. Population forecasts indicate it will gain around 477 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact the local area, with key initiatives including the East Ipswich Train Station Upgrade, Mary and Williams Streets Intersection Upgrade, Ipswich Hospital Expansion Stage 2, and a multiple residential development at 145 Chermside Road East Ipswich. 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.

East Ipswich has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

East Ipswich has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.2%.

As of September 2025, 1,234 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.0%, which is 1.0% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 5.0%. Workforce participation in East Ipswich lags at 58.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.6% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 5.2%, while labour force grew by 3.9%, resulting in an unemployment rate decrease of 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.8%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to East Ipswich's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

East Ipswich's median income among taxpayers was $55,049 in financial year 2023. The suburb's average income stood at $60,788 during the same period. These figures are lower than Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates project East Ipswich's median income to be approximately $60,504 and average income to reach $66,812, based on a 9.91% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 35th percentile ($735 weekly) in East Ipswich, while household income sits at the 17th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 28.8% of residents earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (712 individuals), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are 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 dwellings, 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 stood 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. Median weekly rent was $290, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, East Ipswich's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 constitute 59.7% of all households, including 20.1% couples with children, 20.4% couples without children, and 18.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.3%, with lone person households at 35.6% and group households comprising 4.8%. 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 has university qualification rates of 18.2%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane 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 prominent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (32.0%). Educational participation is high, with 28.2% currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.8% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

East Ipswich has 15 operational public transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 59 unique routes serving these stops, which together facilitate 1,541 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 190 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency is 220 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 102 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.

Approximately 51% (~1,269 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (13.4%) and asthma (10.7%), while 57.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.2% in Greater Brisbane. East Ipswich has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (18.1%, or 447 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but better than the general population 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 June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (88.8%), born in Australia (86.8%), and speaking English only at home (94.4%). Christianity was the primary religion, with 48.4% of residents identifying as such, compared to 49.5% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (9.3%). Notable differences existed in the representation of German (6.6% vs regional 6.4%), Samoan (0.8% vs 0.9%), and Maori (0.7% vs 0.9%) ethnic groups compared to regional averages.

East Ipswich's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in East Ipswich is 40 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, and also exceeds the national average of 38 years. In comparison to Greater Brisbane, the cohort aged 55-64 is notably over-represented in East Ipswich at 14.0%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 11.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the population of children aged 0-4 has grown from 5.0% to 5.6%, while the cohort aged 5-14 has declined from 13.2% to 12.1%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for East Ipswich. The group aged 65-74 is expected to grow by 45%, increasing from 259 to 378 people. This growth will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who represent 53% of the anticipated population increase. Conversely, the cohorts aged 0-4 and 25-34 are projected to experience population declines.