Ellen Grove

Population growth drivers in Ellen Grove are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the population of Ellen Grove is estimated at around 4,191 people. This reflects an increase of 605 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,586 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 4,190 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,232 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ellen Grove's growth rate of 16.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.3%. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections until 2032, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. Beyond 2032 and for areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected, with the suburb projected to expand by 271 persons to reach 4,462 people by 2041, reflecting an increase of 6.4% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Ellen Grove has experienced around 7 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 35 homes. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. The area has seen an average of 23.3 people moving in per year for each dwelling built since FY-21, indicating demand outpacing supply and potential upward pressure on prices.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $401,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In this financial year, $97.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Ellen Grove has roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 9th percentile nationally, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (61.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 2043 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Future projections show Ellen Grove adding 270 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that may affect this region. Notable ones are Waterford Business Park, Wacol Warehouse Complex at 200 Tile Street, Ellen Grove Estate Townhouses, and Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial Duplication. Relevant details of these projects follow.

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 Ellen Grove has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Ellen Grove has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 8.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 8.0%. As of December 2025, 1,669 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 4.8%, higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was lower at 56.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. Only 9.9% of residents worked from home. Leading industries included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing showed strong specialization with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 5.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area appeared to have limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 8.0% and labour force by 6.7%, leading to a unemployment rate decrease of 1.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Ellen Grove's employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Ellen Grove's median income among taxpayers is $55,129. The average income in the suburb is $61,771. This is lower than national averages. Greater Brisbane has a median income of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Ellen Grove's median income are approximately $61,392 as of March 2026, with the average being around $68,788. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Ellen Grove fall between the 14th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 34.4% of individuals in Ellen Grove earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, aligning with the broader area where this cohort also represents 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

Ellen Grove displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Ellen Grove, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.3% houses and 38.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ellen Grove was at 11.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (18.7%) or rented (69.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,491, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Ellen Grove's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Ellen Grove features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.7% of all households, including 29.5% couples with children, 19.2% couples without children, and 25.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 19.7% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Ellen Grove places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (24.6%). Educational participation is high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.6% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ellen Grove has 15 active public transport stops, all serving buses. Two routes operate here, offering a total of 310 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 194 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars are the dominant mode of transport at 85%, while trains account for 7% of journeys. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 44 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Ellen Grove is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Ellen Grove faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment, conducted between March-April 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were notably high across both younger and older age groups.

Only approximately 52% of residents had private health cover as of March-April 2021, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. The most prevalent medical conditions were asthma (9.4%) and mental health issues (8.6%). Conversely, 70.8% reported no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents had an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of March-April 2021, approximately 10.7% of residents were aged 65 and over (448 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors presented some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Ellen Grove has a high cultural diversity, with 41.3% of its population born overseas and 39.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Ellen Grove, comprising 44.5% of the population. Buddhism, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 6.9% of Ellen Grove's population versus 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians make up 18.7%, English 18.0%, and Other 17.5% of the population in Ellen Grove. Notably, Samoan is overrepresented at 5.2% compared to 0.9% regionally, Vietnamese at 6.9% versus 0.8%, and Maori at 1.5% versus 1.1%.

Ellen Grove hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Ellen Grove has a median age of 31 years, which is younger than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 years and significantly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Ellen Grove has a higher percentage of residents aged 0-4 (8.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.1%). According to data from the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 14.2% to 15.5%, while the 25-34 age group has declined from 17.5% to 15.1%. The 5-14 age group has also decreased from 15.5% to 14.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Ellen Grove's age profile will change significantly. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 97 people (20%) from 477 to 575. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.