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

As of November 2025, Ferny Hills' population is estimated at around 9,038 people. This reflects an increase of 312 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,726 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 9,032 following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 881 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth primarily drove Ferny Hills' population growth, contributing approximately 51% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted where ABS/Geoscience Australia data is not available or for areas not covered. Considering projected demographic shifts, Ferny Hills is expected to increase by 794 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.2% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Ferny Hills had around 2 residential properties granted approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 10 homes. As of FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. On average, 52.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built annually between FY-21 and FY-25.

This demand outpaces supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $510,000. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Ferny Hills has lower building activity, which can reinforce demand and pricing for existing homes.

However, construction activity has recently intensified. Nationally, this activity is also lower, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. By 2041, Ferny Hills is forecasted to gain 1,107 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Hills Quarter Everton Hills, Arana Hills Plaza Ambience Upgrade, Everton Rise, and Everton Hills Central. 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.

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

Ferny Hills has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of June 2025, which is below the Greater Brisbane average of 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.8%. As of June 2025, 5,435 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 68.1%, similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area specializes in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, manufacturing has limited presence at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 6.4%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 6.8% while labour force grew by 7.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4%, labour force expand by 4.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Ferny Hills' median income is $58,693 and average income is $69,509. This compares to Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $66,904 (median) and $79,233 (average), based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data ranks Ferny Hills' household, family, and personal incomes between the 74th and 81st percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.2% of Ferny Hills residents (3,000 individuals), mirroring the region where 33.3% occupy this bracket. Economic strength is evident with 33.9% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Ferny Hills' dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Brisbane metro had 92.2% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ferny Hills was at 33.8%, similar to Brisbane metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (52.5%) or rented (13.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ferny Hills was $1,972, lower than the Brisbane metro average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure was $448, slightly higher than 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 educational profile is notable with university qualification rates at 33.7% among residents aged 15+, surpassing 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 also prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.7% while certificates make up 22.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.3% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education. Patricks Road State School and Ferny Hills State School serve the area, collectively educating 1,208 students, with an ICSEA score of 1084 indicating above-average socio-educational conditions. Both schools focus on primary education, while secondary options are available in nearby areas. The region functions as an educational hub with 13.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 8.3, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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 bus routes that together offer 153 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically living within 283 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 21 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 shows below-average health indicators. Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher than national averages among older cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% (~4,948 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 59.0%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.8% and 7.7% of residents respectively. 67.3% reported no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.9%. Ferny Hills has 16.9% (1,527 people) aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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, as per the census conducted on Tuesday, August 10, 2016, exhibited a lower than average level of cultural diversity. The majority of its population, 83.8%, were born in Australia, with 92.7% being citizens and 93.8% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 48.4% of Ferny Hills' population.

While Judaism's representation was similar to Greater Brisbane's average at 0.1%, other religions had varying levels of representation. The top three ancestral groups in Ferny Hills were English (29.7%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (10.3%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 9.6% compared to the regional average of 8.9%, while Welsh ancestry stood at 0.8%, marginally higher than Greater Brisbane's 0.7%. New Zealand ancestry remained consistent with the regional average at 1.0%.

Ferny Hills's median age exceeds 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 over-represented in Ferny Hills at 14.9%, while the 25 - 34 age group is under-represented at 10.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.8% to 7.3% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.2% to 7.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Ferny Hills. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 201%, reaching 572 people from 189, leading the demographic shift. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 55% of the population growth, while the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.