Eight Mile Plains

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Eight Mile Plains is around 16,575. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,326 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 16,471 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 157 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,178 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 8.1% growth since census positions it within 0.8 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. Note that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilized. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 2,671 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 16.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Eight Mile Plains recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Eight Mile Plains has experienced around 55 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 277 homes were approved, with 9 more approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling is expected to accommodate approximately 2.9 new residents annually over the past five financial years.

This indicates healthy demand, which should support property values. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $602,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

In FY-26 alone, commercial approvals totaling $34.3 million have been registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Building activity shows 84.0% detached dwellings and 16.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (65.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. With around 687 people per dwelling approval, Eight Mile Plains reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Eight Mile Plains will gain approximately 2,778 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 58 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Retirement Village & Medical Centre at 161 Underwood Road, The Collective Residences, Eight Mile Plains Gateway Neighbourhood Plan, and 18 MacGregor Street Mixed-Use Development. The following list details those projects 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 Eight Mile Plains exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Eight Mile Plains has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of June 2025, 9,066 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation at 62.5%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. The area specializes in accommodation & food services, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. However, construction is under-represented, with only 6.7% of Eight Mile Plains' workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%.

The worker-to-resident ratio indicates local employment opportunities above the norm. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, labour force by 1.9%, leading to a slight unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced higher employment growth (4.4%) and labour force growth (4.0%), with a decrease in unemployment (-0.4 percentage points). Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Eight Mile Plains' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Eight Mile Plains' median income among taxpayers is $45,726, with an average of $57,005. This is lower than the national average. Greater Brisbane has a median income of $55,645 and an average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,123 (median) and $64,980 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Eight Mile Plains' household income ranks at the 60th percentile ($1,917 weekly), while personal income is at the 42nd percentile. Distribution data shows that 34.5% of locals (5,718 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the broader region's 33.3%. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Eight Mile Plains displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Eight Mile Plains, as per the latest Census evaluation, 64.6% of dwellings were houses while 35.4% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Brisbane metropolitan area had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eight Mile Plains stood at 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 34.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,803, aligning with Brisbane metro's average, while the median weekly rent figure was $420, compared to Brisbane metro's unavailable figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Eight Mile Plains' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Eight Mile Plains features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.8 people

Family households account for 75.8 percent of all households, including 38.9 percent couples with children, 25.2 percent couples without children, and 10.1 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.2 percent, with lone person households at 18.7 percent and group households comprising 5.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people.

The educational profile of Eight Mile Plains exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Eight Mile Plains is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 43.5% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational pathways account for 24.5% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 13.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2021. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 7.8% in tertiary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education. Two schools serve the area: Warrigal Road State School and Eight Mile Plains State School, collectively enrolling 1,568 students as of 2021. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1055. Both schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 47 active transport stops in Eight Mile Plains, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 20 distinct routes, offering a total of 2,115 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents generally situated 225 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 302 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual stop.

Eight Mile Plains's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance in Eight Mile Plains, particularly among younger cohorts who exhibit very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 50% (~8,252 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (5.5%) and mental health issues (5.4%). 77.5% declare no medical ailments, higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 0%. The area has 16.7% (2,768 people) aged 65 and over, requiring more attention than the broader population.

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

Eight Mile Plains has a high level of cultural diversity, with 57.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 54.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Eight Mile Plains, accounting for 39.9% of the population. The category 'Other' is notably overrepresented in Eight Mile Plains compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 4.7%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese people make up 23.6%, Other 15.2%, and English 14.6% of the population. Some ethnic groups are significantly represented: Korean at 5.0%, Indian at 6.6%, and Serbian at 0.6%.

Eight Mile Plains's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Eight Mile Plains has a median age of 36 years, which is equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.5% of Eight Mile Plains' population, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage. The 5-14 cohort comprises 11.4%, lower than Greater Brisbane's figure. Between 2021 and the present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.5% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 0-4 age group has decreased from 5.8% to 4.7%. By 2041, Eight Mile Plains' population is forecasted to see significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise by 758 people (an 83% increase) from 911 to 1,670. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 54% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.