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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Fernvale (Qld) has an estimated 4,102 residents, up from 3,629 at the 2021 Census — a change of 473 people, or 13.0%. Growth has averaged 2.4% a year over five years, faster than 80% of areas nationally. 120 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 58.0% of that increase. That puts 148 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to ABS population updates and post-Census address verification by AreaSearch, the suburb of Fernvale (Qld) has a population of approximately 4,102 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 473 individuals, or 13.0%, from the 3,629 residents counted during the 2021 Census. The updated figure is based on a resident estimate of 4,073 compiled by AreaSearch utilizing the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an additional 120 validated new addresses. The suburb of Fernvale (Qld) currently has a density of 147 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious environment with potential for future expansion.
The growth rate of 13.0% since the 2021 census outpaced both the national level of 9.3% and the state benchmark, positioning the area as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration served as the primary growth driver, accounting for roughly 57.99999999999999% of the gains, although natural increase and overseas migration also contributed positively. Projections for each SA2 region are sourced from the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia data using 2022 as the base year, supplemented by 2023 Queensland Government projections based on 2021 data for areas without coverage or periods past 2032. Because the state-level figures lack age cohorts, AreaSearch distributes growth using proportional ratios from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections based on 2022 data. The suburb of Fernvale (Qld) is expected to experience population expansion exceeding the national median, with aggregated SA2 models predicting an increase of 577 residents by 2041, representing a total gain of 13.4% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
152 new dwellings have been approved in Fernvale (Qld) over the past five years, an average of 30 a year. That places the area in the 55th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 7 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 34 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 19, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals indicates that Fernvale averages approximately 30 residential approvals annually, with a total of 152 dwellings approved over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 18 approvals have been registered. Over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, the local population increased by approximately 3 people for every new home built, indicating steady demand that helps sustain local property values. The average estimated construction cost for these new dwellings stands at $360,000. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $3.7 million were logged during the current financial year, which reinforces the predominantly residential setup of the area.
Building rates per capita in Fernvale are comparable to those of Greater Brisbane, indicating a balanced market aligned with the wider metropolitan region. Recent residential construction is composed entirely of separate houses, maintaining a low-density profile that appeals to buyers seeking space. The presence of 384 people per dwelling approval reflects a calm, low-scale development sector. Projections indicate that Fernvale will add 548 new residents by 2041 compared to the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Current levels of building activity appear sufficient to satisfy housing demand, offering positive prospects for purchasers and potentially supporting growth beyond current expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Fernvale (Qld)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 10 current infrastructure and development projects close to Fernvale (Qld), worth an estimated $78 million. 4 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and retail. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives influence property trends. AreaSearch has identified no projects that are expected to impact the local area. Relevant regional planning frameworks include the Ipswich City Plan 2025, Ipswich Smart City Program, Ipswich Better Bus Network, and Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Eureka Brassall Expansion
Completed expansion delivering 51 new 2-bedroom rental villas within Eureka Gainsborough Lifestyle Village, including refurbished community facilities (pool house and community room). Staged handover in 2023 with final 11 villas completed and fully leased by Feb 2024.
Gainsborough Meadows Estate
Masterplanned house and land estate in Brassall, Ipswich, delivering new residential lots with local roads, drainage, and landscaping in staged releases. Close to schools, shopping, and transport with house and land packages marketed by Tribeca.
Woolworths West Brassall Shopping Centre
Construction is underway on a Woolworths-anchored neighbourhood shopping centre at West Brassall / Emerald Hill. The project spans about 25,500 sqm and will deliver about 6,000 sqm of retail space, including a full-line Woolworths supermarket, approximately 15 specialty shops and kiosks, BWS, food and service tenancies, a medical and health precinct, outdoor dining and about 300 on-grade car parks. The centre is positioned to serve the growing Brassall and Emerald Hill residential catchment near the Warrego Highway connection and is due for completion in late April 2026.
North Ipswich Apartments
Ipswich City Council approved a two-stage multiple dwelling project for 104 apartments (22 x 1-bedroom and 82 x 2-bedroom) across five titles at 28-30 Lowry St, 45-47 Flint St and 12 Pelican St (Approval: 2367/2016/MCU). As of mid-2025, council records show a later MCU for single residential use affecting 12 Pelican St, indicating at least part of the original scheme has been modified and the 104-unit approval may not be proceeding in full. No construction activity is evident on council's Development.i portal.
Cunningham Highway Upgrade
The $276 million Cunningham Highway upgrade will enhance one of the region's major arterial roads. This project aims to improve safety, reduce travel times, and accommodate increasing traffic volumes between Ipswich and surrounding areas.
South East Queensland Inland Rail Project
The $10 billion Inland Rail project will pass through Ipswich, enhancing freight connectivity between Brisbane and Melbourne. This project will create new business opportunities, support industrial growth, and stimulate economic activity in Ipswich. It is part of a larger 1700km freight rail line connecting Melbourne and Brisbane via regional areas, with ongoing construction as of 2025, including sections like Helidon to Calvert near Ipswich.
Ipswich Riverlink North (Riverlink Village)
A residential development with 472 modern one and two-bedroom apartments in mid-rise buildings, located adjacent to the Riverlink Shopping Centre. The project includes over 600 car parking spaces and community-focused features such as a lap pool, BBQ areas, a community garden, and shared office spaces.
The Terrace
The Terrace complex consists of two nine-storey and two 11-storey buildings, totaling 31,000sq m. Developed by Christopher Zenonos in Brisbane, the project includes an increase to 303 apartments and basement levels with flood immunity.
2,045 residents of Fernvale (Qld) are employed, from a labour force of 2,094. Unemployment sits at 2.3%, with participation at 67.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 3,149, about 77% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is split between professional and manual roles, with notable representation in essential service sectors, an unemployment rate of 2.3%, and job growth estimated at 11.7% over the last year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,045, while the local unemployment rate was 2.0% lower than the Greater Brisbane rate of 4.3%. The participation rate of 67.3% is lower than the metropolitan average of 70.4%. Census figures indicate that a low 10.9% of the workforce worked from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic containment measures.
The primary sectors employing local residents are healthcare & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Public administration & safety shows a clear concentration, with its local workforce share measuring 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services comprise only 4.0% of local employment, compared to 8.9% across the wider region. Comparing local job figures against resident counts indicates that local employment opportunities are somewhat restricted. SALM and ABS data aggregated over the 12 months ending March 2026 shows local employment expanded by 11.7% and the labour force grew by 10.9%, which reduced the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. During the same period, Greater Brisbane experienced a 3.2% rise in employment and a 3.4% expansion in the labour force, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 project five-year national employment growth of 6.6% and ten-year growth of 13.7%, with rates varying by industry. Applying these trends to the local employment mix suggests Fernvale's workforce could expand by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Fernvale (Qld) is $1,771 a week (about $92,000 a year), with median personal income at $776 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $62,335 a year against an average of $70,187. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest ATO postcode statistics for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in Fernvale recorded a median income of $62,335 and an average income of $70,187, slightly above the Australian averages. In comparison, Greater Brisbane registered a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Adjusting these for the 11.36% Wage Price Index growth since the 2023 financial year yields estimated values of approximately $69,416 for the median and $78,160 for the average as of March 2026. Census data places household, family, and personal incomes in the middle of the spectrum, landing between the 44th and 51st percentiles.
The weekly income band of $1,500 - 2,999 contains 41.9% of residents, representing 1,718 individuals, compared to 33.3% for the wider region. Mortgage and rent payments account for 15.5% of income, but disposable income remains at the 53rd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Fernvale (Qld) had 1,185 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 1% apartments. 51% are owned with a mortgage, 24% rented and 25% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $350 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,630 a month. Rent absorbs 19.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the last Census, the local housing stock consisted of 98.3% separate houses and 1.6% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached properties, whereas metropolitan Brisbane had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. The home ownership rate stood at 25.3%, below the metropolitan average, while the remaining homes were mortgaged at 51.1% or rented at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,630, below the metropolitan average of $1,863, and the median weekly rent was $350, compared to $380 in Greater Brisbane. Locally, home repayments are below the national median of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Fernvale (Qld) counted 1,185 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,339 today, averaging 3.0 people each. 40% are couples with children, more than in 79% of areas nationally, against 27% couples without children. 16% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 82.3% of local households, with couples with children accounting for 39.8%, couples without children for 27.1%, and single parents for 14.2%. Non-family households constitute 17.7% of the total, with lone person households representing 16.1% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, exceeding the metropolitan Brisbane average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.2% of adults in Fernvale (Qld) hold a university qualification, including 8.9% with a bachelor degree and 1.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 35.4% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 495 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 980 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels show a university completion rate of 13.2%, which is lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are held by 8.9% of the population, graduate diplomas by 2.6%, and postgraduate qualifications by 1.7%. Technical and trade qualifications are common, with 46.6% of residents aged 15 and over possessing vocational credentials, including 11.2% with advanced diplomas and 35.4% holding certificates. Active participation in education is high, with 32.4% of the population enrolled in study. This group is composed of 14.8% in primary schools, 9.3% in secondary schools, and 3.0% attending tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Fernvale (Qld) means driving: households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services consist of 2 active stops within the area, which are serviced by buses. A single route operates across these stops, providing 16 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited, with residents living an average of 1146 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, with 95% of workers commuting by private vehicle. Household car ownership stands at 1.8 vehicles, above the regional average. Working from home was recorded at 10.9% during the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic conditions. Service frequency averages 2 trips daily across the active routes, representing approximately 8 weekly trips at each individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.8% of residents in Fernvale (Qld) report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 87% of areas nationally. 6.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Mortality rates and chronic disease indicators present clear challenges for the community, with common medical issues notable across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 55% of residents, or about 2,256 people, holding policies. Mental health conditions and asthma are the most common diagnoses, affecting 10.7% and 9.3% of the population respectively. Approximately 64.8% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. The working-age cohort has elevated rates of chronic illness, and residents aged 65 and over represent 16.0% of the population, totaling 656 people.
Senior health outcomes align closely with national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Fernvale (Qld) is largely Australian-born, at 87.3% of residents, with 3.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.4%) and Australian (30.5%). 4.5% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is below average, with 87.3% of residents born in Australia, 90.8% holding citizenship, and 96.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 44.9% of the population. The most pronounced demographic variance is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.6% of residents compared to 1.3% across Greater Brisbane. The leading ancestral origins are English at 31.4%, Australian at 30.5% (well above the regional average of 23.2%), and Scottish at 7.9%. Notable ethnic variances include New Zealand heritage at 1.3% compared to 1.0% regionally, German heritage at 6.3% compared to 4.2% regionally, and Samoan heritage at 0.4% compared to 0.9% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Fernvale (Qld) is 36, younger than 76% of areas nationally. That is 1 year older than at the 2021 Census. 22.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 36 years matches the average for Greater Brisbane and is younger than the national average of 38. The 5 - 14 cohort is well represented at 16.5%, while the 25 - 34 bracket is less common at 11.1%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 2.8% to 5.0% and the 65 to 74 group rose from 8.4% to 10.0%. In contrast, the 5 to 14 group fell from 18.7% to 16.5% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 12.7% to 11.1%. By 2041, the 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 146 people, or 36%, rising from 410 to 557.
Combined seniors over 65 will account for 55% of all growth, while the 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 demographics will shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Fernvale (Qld)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 120 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,629 at the 2021 Census → 4,102 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31030). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.