Inala

Population growth drivers in Inala are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Inala statistical area (Lv2) is around 16,346 people. This reflects an increase of 1,073 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,273. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 16,004 as of June 2024, along with validation of 41 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,623 persons per square kilometer, placing Inala (SA2) in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Over the past decade, ending in June 2024, Inala demonstrated resilient growth patterns with an average annual increase of 2.0%. This outpaced the broader SA3 area and was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort when utilised. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for the Inala statistical area (Lv2). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to increase by 5,578 persons to reach a total of 21,924 by 2041. This reflects an overall increase of 35.2% over the 17-year period from 2024 to 2041.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Inala recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Inala has recorded approximately 27 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 136 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25 is 7.5, suggesting demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $322,000. Additionally, $53.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Inala has significantly less development activity, being 55.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties tends to strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. This is also under the national average, implying the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 56.0% detached houses and 44.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living.

This represents a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 89.0% houses, indicating diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 713 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established market. Future projections estimate Inala adding 5,749 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Inala has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Blunder Road Residential Estate (Stage 2 & 3), Proposed Coles Shopping Centre - Progress Road, Inala to Richlands Corridor Upgrade (Stage 2) at Archerfield and Boundary Road Upgrades, and Inala Walking Network Plan. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Inala faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Inala has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 12.1% as of September 2025. This rate is higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%.

Employment growth in the past year was estimated at 5.9%, based on AreaSearch data aggregation. There are 5,584 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.1%, and workforce participation at 44.0%, both lower than Greater Brisbane's rates. Key industries include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly notable, with employment levels at 2.6 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, at 3.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.9%, labour force by 3.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 2.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 3.8% and a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data from QLD to 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggest Inala's employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Inala had a median taxpayer income of $40,998 and an average of $45,454 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,061 (median) and $49,958 (average). The 2021 Census showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Inala fell between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicated that the $800 - $1,499 bracket dominated with 29.6% of residents, while the metropolitan region had a higher proportion in the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 79.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Inala's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 80.2% houses and 19.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Inala was at 20.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.8% and rented ones at 57.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,630. Median weekly rent in Inala was $250, compared to Brisbane metro's $355. Nationally, Inala's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Inala features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.0% of all households, including 29.0% couples with children, 14.5% couples without children, and 24.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 3.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

Inala faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.5%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 28.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (21.1%). Educational participation is high at 35.5%, comprising primary education (12.6%), secondary education (10.5%), and tertiary education (4.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 93 active public transport stops in Inala. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 7 individual routes. The combined weekly passenger trips amount to 1,167.

Residential accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 155 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 166 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Inala 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

Inala's health indicators show below-average results with common health conditions being somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older residents. Approximately 45% of Inala's total population (~7,391 people) has private health cover, compared to 50.2% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.0% and 7.2% of residents respectively, while 71.0% report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 72.1%.

Inala has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.7% (2,402 people) compared to Greater Brisbane's 13.6%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area require more attention than those for the broader population.

Inala is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Inala has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 48.9% of its residents born overseas and 57.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Inala, making up 44.7% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 14.9% compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 8.7%.

The top three ancestral groups are Vietnamese (25.0%), Other (19.6%), and Australian (14.8%). Samoan (3.2%) and Australian Aboriginal (5.3%) populations are also notably higher than regional averages, while Maori representation is slightly lower at 0.8%.

Inala's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Inala's median age is 33 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Inala has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (17.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.5%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of Inala's population aged 65 to 74 has grown from 7.8% to 8.8%, while the proportion aged 25 to 34 has declined from 13.4% to 12.5%. Demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Inala's age profile by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 65 to 74 cohort, expected to increase by 66%, adding 946 residents to reach a total of 2,385.