Ipswich

An assessment of population growth drivers in Ipswich 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, as of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Ipswich is around 2,568. This reflects an increase of 100 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,468. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,567, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 614 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 76.0% 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of national areas, is predicted over the period from 2025 to 2041. The suburb is expected to increase by 1,751 persons during this period, reflecting an increase of 67.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Ipswich shows approximately 4 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), around 21 homes were approved, with none recorded so far in FY-26. Each dwelling is estimated to accommodate an average of 2.2 new residents per year over these five years.

New homes are constructed at an average cost of $444,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In the current financial year (FY-26), commercial development approvals total $121.0 million, indicating robust commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Ipswich has significantly lower construction levels, 86.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically supports demand and pricing for existing properties. Building activity in Ipswich is divided equally between detached dwellings (50.0%) and townhouses or apartments (50.0%). This shift towards denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, marking a departure from the area's current housing composition of 68.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Ipswich is 424 people, reflecting its low activity development environment.

Future projections indicate Ipswich adding approximately 1,737 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting property price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that may impact the region. Notable initiatives include Ipswich Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Ipswich Better Bus Network, Ipswich Smart City Program, and Brassall Bikeway Stage 6 Extension. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

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

Ipswich has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 12.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6%.

As of June 2025, 1,094 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 8.4% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lags at 46.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.7% versus the regional average of 9.0%. There are 4.5 workers per resident, indicating Ipswich functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6%, while labour force decreased by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% and unemployment falling by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ipswich's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Ipswich's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $42,670. The average income stood at $47,603 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Ipswich would be approximately $48,640 and $54,263 based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Ipswich all fall between the 9th and 10th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 25.8% of residents (662 people) earn within the $400 - 799 bracket, unlike regional trends where 33.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Ipswich, with only 80.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

Ipswich displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Ipswich, as per the latest Census evaluation, 67.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 32.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Brisbane metro's dwelling structure, which was 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ipswich stood at 18.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.2% and rented ones at 57.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ipswich was $1,500, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Ipswich was recorded at $250, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Ipswich's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Ipswich features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 52.0% of all households, including 18.1% couples with children, 18.5% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 48.0%, with lone person households at 42.5% and group households making up 5.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Ipswich fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational qualifications in Ipswich lag behind regional averages, with 22.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane. This difference indicates potential for educational advancement and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 27.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in secondary education, 8.6% in primary education, and 6.4% pursuing tertiary education. Ipswich operates a robust network of 8 schools educating approximately 3,783 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 978) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 1 primary, 5 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. Ipswich functions as an education hub with 147.3 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 17.9, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

Transport analysis in Ipswich shows 40 active transport stops operating, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 65 individual routes, collectively offering 3,945 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 179 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 563 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 98 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Ipswich faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% of Ipswich residents have private health cover (~1,183 people), compared to 49.9% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 13.7% of Ipswich residents, while arthritis impacts 10.5%.

Conversely, 55.5% report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.2% in Greater Brisbane. In Ipswich, 25.4% are aged 65 and over (652 people), higher than the 15.3% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors largely align with those of the general population.

Ipswich ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ipswich showed cultural diversity levels below average, with 85.0% citizens, 82.4% born in Australia, and 90.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 48.4%. Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.3%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

Top ancestry groups were English (28.3%), Australian (22.9%), and Irish (9.5%). German (6.2%) and Australian Aboriginal (5.6%) showed notable overrepresentation while Welsh was slightly higher at 0.7%.

Ipswich hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Ipswich has a median age of 45, which exceeds Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 11.7% of Ipswich's population, compared to Greater Brisbane's figure. However, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent in Ipswich at 10.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 10.2% to 11.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.0% and the 25 to 34 group has dropped from 12.1% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Ipswich's age profile will significantly evolve. Leading this shift, the 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 165%, reaching 592 people from its current figure of 223. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 53% of the projected growth.