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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, the Ipswich statistical area's population is estimated at around 2,578. This reflects an increase of 110 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,468. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,574 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024) and four additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 616 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 76.0% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Demographic trends predict exceptional growth over the period to 2041, placing Ipswich (SA2) in the top 10 percent of national areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 1,750 persons, reflecting a total increase of 67.0% 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, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Ipswich has seen approximately 4 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 23 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. This translates to an estimated average of 2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

This supply and demand balance creates stable market conditions. The average construction value of new homes is $444,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties. In terms of commercial development, $161.4 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong momentum. Comparatively, Ipswich shows reduced construction activity relative to Greater Brisbane (85.0% below regional average per person) and nationally (reflecting market maturity). However, recent periods have seen increased development activity. New building activity comprises 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 68.0% houses. This trend may indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and reflect changing lifestyles.

The location has approximately 318 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Ipswich to add 1,726 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could 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 well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 12.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.2%.

As of September 2025, 1,096 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 8.3%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation lags at 46.6% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance has notably high 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 for every resident, indicating Ipswich functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.2% and labour force increased by 2.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 2.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment falling 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ipswich's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

Ipswich suburb's income level is lower than average nationally, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Ipswich was $42,670, with an average of $47,603. This compares to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year ended June 2023, estimated current income levels as of September 2025 would be approximately $46,899 (median) and $52,320 (average). Census data from 2021 shows incomes in Ipswich fall between the 9th and 10th percentiles nationally. The dominant earnings bracket is $400 - $799, with 25.8% of residents (665 people), unlike regional trends where 33.3% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.0% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Ipswich's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.7% houses and 32.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Brisbane metro's figures of 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 was $1,500, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Ipswich was $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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 48.0%, with lone person households at 42.5% and group households comprising 5.5%. 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

Ipswich residents aged 15 and above have a university degree qualification rate of 22.5%, compared to the Greater Brisbane region's 30.5%. The most common higher education qualification is the bachelor degree, held by 15.7% of Ipswich residents. Postgraduate qualifications are held by 4.0% and graduate diplomas by 2.8%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.3% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (27.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including secondary (11.1%), primary (8.6%), and tertiary (6.4%) levels.

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

Transport analysis indicates 41 active stops operating within Ipswich. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 77 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 3,172 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 179 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 453 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 77 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. As of approximately 2021, only about 46% (~1,187 people) had private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 50.5%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis were the most prevalent conditions, affecting 13.7% and 10.5% of residents respectively, while 55.5% reported no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 62.2%. Ipswich has a higher proportion of seniors, with 25.4% (654 people) aged 65 and over, compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Ipswich generally align with the overall population's health profile.

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

Ipswich had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 85.0% of its population being citizens, 82.4% born in Australia, and 90.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Ipswich, comprising 48.4% of the population. Judaism showed an overrepresentation in Ipswich, making up 0.3% compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.3%), Australian (22.9%), and Irish (9.5%). There were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German was overrepresented at 6.2%, Australian Aboriginal at 5.6%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

Ipswich hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

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 comprises 11.7% of Ipswich's population, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 10.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 65-74 age group has increased from 10.2% to 11.7%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.8% to 12.0% and the 25-34 group has dropped from 12.1% to 10.7%. Demographic modeling indicates that Ipswich's age profile will significantly change by 2041. Leading this shift, the 75-84 group is projected to grow by 164%, reaching 592 people from 224. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 53% of the projected growth.