Ferny Hills

Ferny Hills is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the Ferny Hills statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population is estimated at around 9,005 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 279 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,726 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,997, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 878 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected, with the Ferny Hills (SA2) expected to increase by 788 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Ferny Hills has seen approximately one residential property approved annually over the past five financial years, totaling nine homes. In FY26, four approvals have been recorded to date. This limited supply, coupled with an average of 58.3 people moving to the area per dwelling built each year between FY21 and FY25, indicates strong demand outpacing supply, which typically drives up prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

Developers are targeting the premium market segment, with new homes valued at an average of $510,000. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Ferny Hills has lower building activity, supporting stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Nationally, Ferny Hills' activity is also lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 67% standalone homes and 33% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift towards more affordable compact living options. This change from the current housing mix (95% houses) may address lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The area has an estimated 3701 people per dwelling approval, indicating its quiet development environment. By 2041, Ferny Hills is expected to grow by 1134 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely impacting the area. Major initiatives include Hills Quarter at Everton Hills, Arana Hills Plaza Ambience Upgrade, Everton Rise, and Everton Hills Central. The following list details projects 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Ferny Hills well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Ferny Hills has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%, lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 4.0%.

Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 4.7%. As of September 2025, 5,425 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below the Greater Brisbane rate and workforce participation at 68.1%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training has notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 3.6% versus the regional average of 6.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7%, labour force by 5.2%, leading to a slight unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from QLD as of 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industries. Applying these projections to Ferny Hills' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Ferny Hills' income level is slightly above average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. Ferny Hills' median income among taxpayers was $58,693 and average income stood at $69,509, compared to Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $64,509 (median) and $76,397 (average) as of September 2025. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data for 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Ferny Hills rank highly nationally, between the 74th and 81st percentiles. Income distribution shows that 33.2% of residents (2,989 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income bracket, mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupy this bracket. Ferny Hills demonstrates considerable affluence with 33.9% earning over $3,000 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 8th decile nationally.

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

Ferny Hills' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ferny Hills was 33.8%, similar to Brisbane metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.5% and rented dwellings at 13.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ferny Hills was $1,972, below the Brisbane metro average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Ferny Hills was $448, compared to Brisbane metro's $440. Nationally, Ferny Hills' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 81.4% of all households, including 40.7% couples with children, 28.6% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.6%, with lone person households at 16.4% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.9.

Ferny Hills 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 33.7%, exceeding the SA4 region average of 24.9% and Queensland's state average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 33.9% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (22.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.9% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (11.3%), secondary education (8.4%), and tertiary education (5.3%).

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

Ferny Hills has 32 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together offer 153 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents typically located 283 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Ferny Hills are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Ferny Hills has below-average health outcomes, with common health conditions being somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Approximately 55% of Ferny Hills' total population (~4930 people) have private health cover, compared to 60.6% in Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.8% and 7.7% of residents respectively. About 67.3% of Ferny Hills residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.9% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 16.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1521 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population in Ferny Hills.

Ferny Hills ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ferny Hills, surveyed in August 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 83.8% born there. Citizenship was also high at 92.7%. English was the primary language spoken at home by 93.8%.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 48.4%. Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 0.1%. The top three ancestral groups were English (29.7%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (10.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish were more prevalent at 9.6% versus 8.9% regionally, Welsh at 0.8% compared to 0.7%, and New Zealanders were equally represented at 1.0%.

Ferny Hills's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Ferny Hills is 40 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and slightly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, the 45-54 age group is notably larger in Ferny Hills at 14.9%, while the 25-34 age group is smaller at 10.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.8% to 7.3% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.2% to 7.5%. By 2041, Ferny Hills' population is forecasted to change significantly. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 201%, reaching 569 people from 189. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 55% of the total growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are projected to decrease in population.