Gailes

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

The population of the Gailes statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at approximately 1,932 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 101 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,831 in the area. The change is inferred from the resident population estimate of 1,931 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,570 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the Gailes (SA2).

AreaSearch adopts 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 used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of statistical areas across the nation is anticipated, with the Gailes (SA2) expected to increase by approximately 91 persons to reach a total population of around 2,023 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall gain of approximately 4.3% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Gailes has received approximately one dwelling development approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated five homes. So far in FY2025-26, one approval has been recorded. On average, 11.2 new residents arrive annually for each dwelling constructed between FY2020-21 and FY2024-25. This indicates that supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings in Gailes is $462,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, $96,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane and nationally, Gailes has lower building activity, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. All new construction in Gailes between FY2020-21 and FY2024-25 has been detached houses, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 1916 people per dwelling approval, Gailes reflects a highly mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Gailes is expected to grow by approximately 84 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Gailes has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Key projects include Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial Duplication, Goodna Central Mixed Use Development, Abadi Gaia Adult Residential Village, and Waterford Business Park. The following list details those projects most likely to have relevance:.

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 drivers in Gailes are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Gailes has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented.

The unemployment rate is 11.3%. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 5.6% by AreaSearch aggregating statistical area data. As of September 2025768 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 7.3%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation in Gailes is 51.9%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing employment is particularly notable at 2.4 times the regional average. Professional & technical services employ only 3.1% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 5.6% while labour force grew by 1.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 3.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Gailes's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The latest postcode-level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Gailes had a median income among taxpayers of $33,745 and an average income of $38,424. Both figures are below the national averages. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's median income was $58,236 with an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $37,089 (median) and $42,232 (average). Census 2021 income data shows that Gailes' household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 30.3% of residents (585 people), unlike the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gailes, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Gailes, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.0% houses and 13.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gailes was at 21.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (32.5%) or rented (46.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,213, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,710. The median weekly rent figure in Gailes was recorded at $290, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Gailes's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Gailes features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.0% of all households, including 22.9% couples with children, 20.3% couples without children, and 22.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 27.7% and group households comprising 4.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0.

The educational profile of Gailes exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 13.7%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.4%). Educational participation is high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.3% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 3.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.3% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gailes has three active public transport stops operating currently. These stops are served by a mix of buses running on one route collectively providing 170 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good with residents typically located 363 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 24 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 56 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gailes is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health challenges are prominent across Gailes, affecting various age groups. Approximately 42% (~819 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Brisbane's 50.9% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, impacting 12.4% and 11.0% respectively.

About 59.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 72.4% in Greater Brisbane. Gailes has 15.2% (293 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Brisbane's 8.8%. Health outcomes among seniors largely align with the general population's profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Gailes was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Gailes, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 30.5% of its population born overseas and 23.5% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.2% of Gailes' population as of June 2016. Buddhism, however, was more prevalent in Gailes at 3.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.0%), Australian (20.9%), and Other (12.2%). Notably, Samoan (5.5% vs 4.5%), Spanish (0.9% vs 0.6%), and Vietnamese (3.5% vs 1.4%) ethnicities were more represented in Gailes compared to regional averages.

Gailes's population is younger than the national pattern

Gailes's median age is nearly 35 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 but slightly younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Gailes has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.5%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (12.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 3.8% to 5.1%. Conversely, the population aged 45-54 has declined from 13.8% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic changes are forecast for Gailes. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 61%, adding 60 residents to reach a total of 159. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 71% of population growth, indicating significant demographic aging trends. Conversely, populations aged 5-14 and 0-4 are projected to decline.