Gailes

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

As of November 2025, Gailes's population is estimated at around 1,937 people. This reflects an increase of 106 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,831 people. The current population was inferred from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of one new address since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 1,574 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed about 59% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb of Gailes is expected to increase by 91 persons to reach a total population of around 2,028 people by 2041. This reflects an anticipated growth rate of approximately 4.1% 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, allocated from statistical area data, Gailes has seen virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years, totalling an estimated 4 homes over the past five financial years. So far in FY-26, one approval has been recorded. Given an average of 14 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $462,000. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Gailes records markedly lower building activity. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 1916 people per dwelling approval, Gailes reflects a highly mature market.

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

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable 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 details those projects most likely to be relevant:.

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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.

The labour market performance in Gailes lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Gailes has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 11.6%.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relative. In June 2025761 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 7.5%, higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Gailes lags at 51.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing is particularly strong with an employment share of 2.4 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services are lower at 3.1%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.3% while labour force decreased by 1.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a decrease in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Gailes. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Gailes's employment mix indicates 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Gailes was $33,745 and average income was $38,424. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $38,466 (median) and $43,800 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Gailes all fall between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $800 - $1,499 bracket dominates with 30.3% of residents (586 people), differing from patterns across the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 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

Gailes' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.0% houses and 13.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gailes was at 21.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.5% and rented ones at 46.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,213, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,710. The median weekly rent figure was $290, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Gailes' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 27.7% and group households making up 4.5%. 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 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 - advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.4%). Educational participation is high at 31.8%, including 13.3% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring residents to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Gailes has three active public transport stops, all of which offer bus services. These stops are served by a single route in total, facilitating 240 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these transports is deemed good, with residents on average being located 363 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 34 trips daily across all routes, which equates to roughly 80 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. The area has a low private health cover rate of approximately 42%, covering around 821 people, compared to Greater Brisbane's 50.3% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 12.4% and 11.0% of residents respectively.

Around 59.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.4% in Greater Brisbane. Gailes has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.3%, or 296 people, compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.8%. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with the overall population's health profile.

Gailes was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Gailes was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 30.5% of its population born overseas and 23.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Gailes is Christianity, comprising 50.2% of the population. However, Buddhism is overrepresented, making up 3.1% compared to 2.1% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.0%), Australian (20.9%), and Other (12.2%). Notably, Samoan, Spanish, and Vietnamese ethnicities are also overrepresented in Gailes at 5.5%, 0.9%, and 3.5% respectively, compared to regional averages of 4.5%, 0.6%, and 1.4%.

Gailes's population is younger than the national pattern

Gailes's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, which is slightly younger than Australia's median age of 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 the present, the population of those aged 75-84 has grown from 3.8% to 5.1%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 13.8% to 12.7%. By 2041, Gailes's population is projected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 61%, adding 60 residents to reach a total of 159. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 72% of the population growth, indicating a trend towards an aging demographic. Conversely, populations in the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decline.