Ferny Grove

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for Ferny Grove's broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Ferny Grove's population is estimated at around 6,118 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 247 people (4.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,871 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,083 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workplace Relations data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,601 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Ferny Grove has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 41.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings inline with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with Ferny Grove expected to increase by 1,122 persons to reach a total population of approximately 7,240 by the year 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 22.7% over the next 17 years.

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

Ferny Grove has seen approximately 18 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 94 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26, four approvals have been recorded. Historically, each new dwelling constructed has resulted in an average of eight new residents per year. This supply is lagging behind demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $569,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $1.1 million have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Comparatively, Ferny Grove has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person when measured against Greater Brisbane. Nationally, it places among the 28th percentile of areas assessed for new dwellings, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes.

Recent construction comprises 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Ferny Grove's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 599 people per dwelling approval, Ferny Grove reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 1,391 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Ferny Grove has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects potentially affecting this region. Key initiatives include Ferny Grove Central - Mixed Use Development, Ferny Grove Station Car Park Upgrade, Ferny Hills Precinct Planning Project, and Keperra Country Golf Club Residential Precinct. The following list details those 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 Ferny Grove has been broadly consistent with national averages

Ferny Grove has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 3,312 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Ferny Grove is on par with Greater Brisbane at 64.5%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Notably, public administration & safety employs 1.7 times the regional level, while manufacturing employs only 2.9% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 6.4%.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.3%, alongside a 1.1% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ferny Grove's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest data for postcode level ATO financial year 2022 shows Ferny Grove's median income at $55,654 and average income at $66,117. Greater Brisbane's figures are median $55,645 and average $70,520. Assuming a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be around $63,440 (median) and $75,367 (average). The 2021 Census indicates Ferny Grove's incomes cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Incomes in Ferny Grove fall into distinct ranges: 31.9% earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, and 34.0% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Ferny Grove's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.8% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 81.6% houses and 18.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ferny Grove stood at 38.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.8% and rented ones at 23.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure was $400, matching Brisbane metro's figure but exceeding the national average of $375. Nationally, Ferny Grove's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households comprise 82.7% of all households, including 39.2% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.3%, with lone person households at 15.9% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.7.

Ferny Grove shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 32.5%, substantially below the SA4 region average of 47.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 33.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (20.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education. Ferny Grove's 3 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 3,185 students as of the latest data. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1080). Education provision is balanced with 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. As an education hub, the area has 52.1 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 19.2 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Ferny Grove has 22 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services, with 22 individual routes providing a total of 1,760 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 370 meters from the nearest transport stop.

The service frequency averages 251 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 80 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Ferny Grove are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ferny Grove shows below-average health outcomes. Common conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 53% of Ferny Grove residents have private health cover (~3,267 people), compared to 61.5% in Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues affect 9.6% of Ferny Grove residents, while arthritis impacts 7.5%. Around 67.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 69.6% in Greater Brisbane. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,168 people), higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Ferny Grove records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ferny Grove's population, born in Australia, was 78.3%, with 91.7% being citizens and 90.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 50.7%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.9%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (9.9%). Notably, Welsh (0.8%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.6%. Hungarian (0.4%) and South African (0.9%) also showed higher representation than their respective regional averages of 0.3% and 0.8%.

Ferny Grove hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Ferny Grove's median age in 2021 was 41, higher than Greater Brisbane's 36 and Australia's 38. The 45-54 cohort was over-represented at 15.3%, while the 25-34 group was under-represented at 8.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group grew from 11.8% to 14.1%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.0% to 6.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 group declined from 14.8% to 12.8%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 11.7% to 10.5%. By 2041, Ferny Grove's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 cohort is expected to expand by 286 people (31%), from 936 to 1,223, while the 25-34 group will contract by 0 residents.