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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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Gailes has an estimated 1,942 residents, up from 1,831 at the 2021 Census — a change of 111 people, or 6.1%. Growth has averaged 0.8% a year over five years. Natural increase accounts for 59.0% of that increase. That puts 1,579 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 evaluations of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by AreaSearch after the Census, the suburb of Gailes has an estimated population of 1,942 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 111 individuals (6.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,831 residents. This shift is derived from a resident population count of 1,941, calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 release of estimated resident population statistics alongside subsequent address validations. This population size represents a density of 1,578 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical density across national locations examined by AreaSearch.
The expansion was chiefly supported by natural increase, which accounted for approximately 59.0% of the overall population rise in recent times. For each SA2 boundary, AreaSearch utilizes projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024, using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 territories lacking this coverage, or for periods past 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 and based on 2021 records are applied. These state-level forecasts do not segment by age bracket; consequently, AreaSearch distributes growth across age groups proportionally based on the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections, which rely on 2022 benchmarks. Based on these anticipated demographic trends, the suburb of Gailes is projected to experience lower quartile growth compared to other statistical areas nationwide, with projections showing an increase of 70 residents by 2041, representing a total rise of 3.5% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Based on AreaSearch assessments of ABS residential construction approvals mapped from statistical regions, the suburb of Gailes has recorded minimal building activity recently, with a total of approximately 3 homes approved over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been logged. With an average of 26 new residents for each completed dwelling during the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, the local housing supply is falling short of demand. This imbalance typically intensifies buyer competition and exerts upward pressure on prices, even as newly constructed residences average a value of $462,000, indicating a developer focus on higher-end, premium properties.
Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $96,000 have been logged during this financial year, pointing to a residential emphasis. Compared to Greater Brisbane, the suburb of Gailes displays much lower levels of construction activity. A low volume of new home construction typically supports demand and valuations for existing properties. The volume also sits below the national benchmark, highlighting the established nature of the suburb and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, all recent development projects have consisted of standalone houses, reinforcing the suburban character of the area with a focus on spacious family residences. With approximately 3870 people per residential approval, the suburb of Gailes represents an exceptionally mature property market.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Gailes
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 77 current infrastructure and development projects close to Gailes, worth an estimated $139.3 billion. 13 are already under construction and 14 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
Infrastructure updates, development initiatives, and planning adjustments have a major influence on local performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 1 project expected to influence the local area. Significant initiatives include the Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial Duplication, the Goodna Central Mixed Use Development, the Abadi Gaia Adult Residential Village, and the Waterford Business Park, with the main details outlined in the list below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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
Goodna Central Mixed Use Development
Master planning of a $90 million mixed use development to provide the New Town Centre for the CBD of Goodna. Over 2 hectares of land will be converted into a vibrant Community Hub featuring Education and Training Facilities, Medical services, Child Care, Retail, and Affordable housing.
Camira Springs Estate Stage 3 & 4
Final stages of the boutique Camira Springs residential estate delivering elevated land lots with city views, directly within Camira suburb.
Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial Duplication
Major staged duplication of Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial from two to four lanes to support rapid population growth in Greater Springfield. Stages 1 and 3 are complete while Stage 2 early works, including utility relocations, retaining walls and drainage upgrades, are underway ahead of full civil road widening. The project includes upgraded signalised intersections, shared pathways, on-road cycle lanes, bridge and drainage improvements and is jointly funded by Ipswich City Council and the Queensland Government.
Abadi Gaia Adult Residential Village
Abadi Gaia integrates resort living, sustainability, and medical services into a retirement eco-village with diverse dwelling options.
Maplewood Estate
An exclusive residential development offering 12 premium lots in Wacol, with sizes ranging from 456sqm to 1528sqm. The estate is located with direct frontage onto a golf course, offering a modern and convenient lifestyle.
Bundamba Industrial Precinct Upgrade
Ongoing infrastructure upgrades supporting the Bundamba industrial precinct, including road improvements, water and sewer servicing, telecommunications and stormwater infrastructure to improve industrial land capacity and freight access. Public information indicates surrounding utility and transport works continue across the Bundamba and Swanbank industrial corridor.
Progress Road Neighbourhood Shopping Centre
Proposed neighbourhood shopping centre anchored by a full-line Coles supermarket with approximately 18 specialty retail tenancies, food and service outlets, around 265 car parking spaces and associated access works. As of the latest publicly available information, the proposal remains in the planning phase with no confirmed construction commencement announced.
Waterford Business Park
A premium industrial park featuring 45 architecturally designed warehouse units. The development is aimed at a diverse range of industrial and commercial users, providing modern and functional industrial headquarters with excellent access to major transport links.
831 residents of Gailes are employed, from a labour force of 924. Unemployment sits at 10.1%, with participation at 59.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,517, about 78% 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 workforce of the suburb of Gailes is split between white-collar and blue-collar occupations, with a prominent industrial and manufacturing presence, an unemployment rate of 10.1%, and an estimated job growth rate of 12.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch regional data aggregation. By March 2026831 local residents were employed. The unemployment rate is 5.7% higher than the Greater Brisbane benchmark of 4.3%, indicating potential for labor market improvements, while the labor force participation rate remains low at 59.6% compared to 70.4% in Greater Brisbane. Census data indicates that only 9.3% of workers operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic lockdowns.
The primary employment sectors for residents are healthcare & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The suburb of Gailes displays a strong industrial specialization, with the manufacturing workforce share reaching 2.4 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical roles account for only 3.1% of local employment, compared to 8.9% throughout Greater Brisbane. Comparing the number of working residents to the overall population suggest the local area offers limited job opportunities within its own boundaries. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from regional data indicates that for the year ending March 2026, employment grew by 12.3% and the labor force expanded by 9.0%, which led to a decrease in the unemployment rate of 2.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2%, the labor force grow by 3.4%, and the unemployment rate tick up by 0.1 percentage points. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context on expected demand. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Although national employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Weighting these projections to the local industry mix suggest employment for the suburb of Gailes will increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, assuming a simple extrapolation that excludes local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Gailes is $1,141 a week (about $59,000 a year), with median personal income at $571 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $33,745 a year against an average of $38,424. 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 most recent postcode ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Gailes registered a median income of $33,745 and an average of $38,424. These figures sit below national levels and contrast with a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799 in Greater Brisbane. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 11.36% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of roughly $37,578 for the median and $42,789 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that personal, family, and household incomes in the suburb of Gailes rank between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationwide.
The largest income group contains 30.3% of residents (588 people) earning between $800 and $1,499, whereas the wider region is led by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket at 33.3%. Financial pressure is pronounced, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 8th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Gailes had 649 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 87% detached houses and 0% apartments. 33% are owned with a mortgage, 46% rented and 21% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $290 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,213 a month. Rent absorbs 25.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The local housing stock at the time of the latest Census consisted of 87.0% standalone houses and 13.0% alternative housing types such as townhouses, apartments, or other dwellings, compared to Brisbane metro's breakdown of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. The home ownership rate stood below the Brisbane metro level at 21.4%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (32.5%) or occupied by tenants (46.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,213 was well below the metropolitan average, while the median weekly rent was $290, compared to Brisbane metro averages of $1,863 and $380 respectively.
Nationally, mortgage repayments in the suburb of Gailes are significantly below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well under the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Gailes counted 649 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 688 today, averaging 2.5 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 77% of areas nationally, against 20% couples without children. 28% 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 67.0% of local households, consisting of 22.9% couples with children, 20.3% couples without children, and 22.0% single-parent households. The remaining 33.0% are non-family households, which are divided into single-person households at 27.7% and group households at 4.5%. The median household size of 2.5 residents is slightly below the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.7% of adults in Gailes hold a university qualification, including 8.7% with a bachelor degree and 3.2% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 28.4% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Gailes faces notable educational disparities, with university degree attainment rates of 13.7% sitting well below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This highlights an area of need as well as potential for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational and practical training is common, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.4%). The proportion of residents enrolled in formal studies is high, standing at 31.8%.
This student population includes 13.3% attending primary school, 9.2% enrolled in secondary education, and 3.6% engaged in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Gailes means driving: households keep an average of 1.1 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 transit records indicate that 3 stops are active within the suburb of Gailes, offering bus services. These stops accommodate 1 distinct routes, which generate a combined total of 170 passenger journeys each week. Local transit access is rated highly, with the average distance to a stop being 363 meters. As the suburb is mostly residential, most workers travel outside the area for employment, with private cars being the primary transit mode at 91% and trains accounting for 7%. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.1 per household, below the metropolitan average, while 9.3% of residents work from home based on the 2021 Census, which was potentially affected by COVID-19 rules.
Service frequency averages 24 daily journeys across the local transit network, which translates to approximately 56 weekly journeys at each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.0% of residents in Gailes report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 95% of areas nationally. 9.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 42.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Significant health concerns are apparent in the suburb of Gailes, as indicated by AreaSearch metrics for mortality and chronic illness rates, which affect both younger and older cohorts, combined with an exceptionally low private health insurance rate of roughly 42% of the population (~823 people). In comparison, private coverage stands at 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and averages 55.7% nationally. Psychological conditions and asthma were the most prevalent health issues, affecting 12.4 and 11.0% of the population respectively, while 59.0% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane.
The working-age bracket exhibits high rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over account for 15.5% of the community (301 people), with senior health outcomes ranking in line with broader national trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
30.5% of Gailes residents were born overseas and 23.5% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (25.0%) and Australian (20.9%). 4.9% 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
The suburb of Gailes exhibits high levels of cultural diversity relative to most local markets, with 30.5% of residents born outside Australia and 23.5% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 50.2% of the population. A notable overrepresentation is found in the Buddhist community, which makes up 3.1% of residents compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane. Regarding parental country of birth, the three largest ancestral cohorts are English at 25.0%, Australian at 20.9%, and Other at 12.2%. There are also distinct differences in ancestral backgrounds compared to the region, with Samoan backgrounds overrepresented at 5.5% (compared to 0.9% regionally), Spanish at 0.9% (compared to 0.4%), and Vietnamese at 3.5% (compared to 0.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Gailes is 35, younger than 76% of areas nationally. 27.9% 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 35 years closely matches the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and is slightly below the national figure of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, the suburb of Gailes has a higher proportion of children aged 5 - 14 (14.3%) and a lower share of adults aged 35 - 44 (12.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 3.8% to 5.3%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.8% to 12.4%. Population projections for 2041 point to significant changes, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 48%, adding 49 people to reach 152.
Older residents aged 65+ are expected to account for 73% of total population growth, highlighting a clear aging trend, while declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 groups.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Gailes
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. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,831 at the 2021 Census → 1,942 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 (SAL31093). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.