Gailes

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Gailes is around 1,934. This reflects an increase of 103 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,831 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,931 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional one validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,572 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 59.0% 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected in the suburb of Gailes. It is expected to increase by 96 persons to reach 2,041 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 4.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Between FY21-FY25, Gailes received around 1 dwelling approval per year, totalling approximately 5 homes. In FY26 so far, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, each newly constructed dwelling attracts about 11.2 new residents annually over the past five financial years. This indicates substantial demand outstripping supply, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction cost for new dwellings is around $462,000, suggesting developers focus on premium market segments with high-end developments. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $96,000, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane and nationally, Gailes exhibits lower building activity, typically reinforcing demand and pricing for existing dwellings due to constrained new construction. All approved constructions in Gailes have been detached houses, maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With approximately 1916 people per dwelling approval, the market is highly mature.

By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Gailes' population will grow by around 92 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

The influence of local infrastructure changes on an area's performance is significant. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the 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 likely to be 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.

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

Gailes has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 11.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.8%.

As of September 2025, there were 771 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 7.3%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation lagged at 56.6% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, only 9.3% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing employment levels are particularly high, at 2.4 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 3.1% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 5.8%, while labour force increased by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 3.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 12.6% over ten years for Gailes, based on its current employment mix.

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 2023 indicates that Gailes' median income among taxpayers is $33,745. The average income in the suburb was $38,424 during this period. Both figures are below the national averages. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799 for the same year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest that Gailes' median income would be approximately $37,089 by September 2025. The average income in the suburb is estimated to reach around $42,232 during this period. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Gailes fall between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In terms of earnings profile, the $800 - $1,499 bracket dominates with approximately 30.3% of residents (586 people). This differs from the regional trend where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Gailes, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs. This ranks at the 8th percentile nationally.

Gailes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Gailes consisted of 87.0% houses and 13.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gailes was at 21.4%, with the rest either 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 $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Gailes was recorded at $290, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Gailes' 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 making up 27.7% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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 among residents aged 15+, with 37.6% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.4%). Educational participation is high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (13.3%), secondary (9.2%), and tertiary (3.6%) levels.

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

Public transport analysis indicates three active transport stops operating within Gailes, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by one individual route, collectively facilitating 170 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 363 meters from the nearest transport stop. Primarily residential, most residents commute outward; car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with train use at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 9.3% of residents work from home (this may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 24 trips per day across all routes, equating 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

Gailes faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 42% of Gailes' total population (around 820 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 12.4% and 11.0% of residents respectively. However, 59.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age population health challenges include high chronic condition rates. Gailes has 16.0% of residents aged 65 and over (309 people). Senior health outcomes face notable challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 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. Christianity is the main religion in Gailes, comprising 50.2% of people there, compared to 47.9% across Greater Brisbane as of June 2016. Buddhism is more prevalent in Gailes at 3.1%, compared to 2.0% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups in Gailes are English (25.0%), Australian (20.9%), and Other (12.2%). Notably, Samoan ethnicity is overrepresented in Gailes at 5.5%, compared to 0.9% regionally; Spanish ethnicity is also higher at 0.9%, versus 0.4%; Vietnamese ethnicity stands out at 3.5%, compared to 0.8%.

Gailes's population is younger than the national pattern

Gailes's median age is nearly 35 years, close to Greater Brisbane's average of 36, but younger than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Gailes has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.0%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 3.8% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 14.8% to 13.0%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.8% to 12.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Gailes. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 44%, adding 48 residents and reaching a total of 159. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 71% of population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts.