Laidley

Laidley has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the 2021 Census, Laidley's population is estimated at around 4,267 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 458 people (12.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,809 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,091 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 244 persons per square kilometer. Laidley's 12.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area 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 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast. The Laidley SA2 is expected to expand by 1,526 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 36.4% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Laidley when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Laidley has received around 17 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 86 homes. As of FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of six new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting demand outpaces supply. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $431,000, targeting the premium market segment.

In FY-26, $5.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Laidley has 51.0% lower building activity per person. The area maintains a low-density character with 94.0% standalone homes and 6.0% townhouses or apartments. There are approximately 234 people per dwelling approval in the location.

By 2041, Laidley is expected to grow by 1,551 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Laidley has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives include Inland Rail - Queensland Sections, Warrego Highway Upgrade Program, Water for Lockyer, and Inland Rail - Gowrie to Kagaru (G2K). Relevant details are listed below.

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

Laidley's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with strong representation in essential services. The unemployment rate was 9.1% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment growth over the previous year was estimated at 4.1%. As of September 2025, 1,558 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Laidley was 41.0%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a particularly strong presence, with an employment share 7.1 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the census working population versus resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, while labour force increased by 2.7%, resulting in a 1.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-wide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% between May-24 and Nov-25, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Laidley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Laidley had a median taxpayer income of $38,214 and an average income of $43,603 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 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income in Laidley will be approximately $42,001 and the average income $47,924, based on a 9.91% growth rate from the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census data shows that incomes in Laidley fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution indicates that 32.6% of residents (1,391 people) earn within the $400 - $799 bracket, unlike metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 33.3%. Economic conditions reveal widespread financial pressure, with 41.6% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Laidley faces severe housing affordability pressures, with only 80.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Laidley's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's figures of 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Laidley stood at 36.7%, similar to Brisbane metro. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 25.3%, with rented dwellings at 38.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,155, below the Brisbane metro average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Laidley was $300, matching the Brisbane metro figure of $300. Nationally, Laidley's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 62.9% of all households, including 17.5% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 16.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.1%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates than Greater Brisbane, at 9.8% compared to the latter's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common among residents with higher education qualifications, at 6.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational credentials are held by 39.9% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.9% and certificates comprising 30.0%. Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.5% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Laidley has eight active public transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with one route providing service to all stops collectively offering 72 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically located 754 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 10 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately nine weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Laidley faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. As of approximately 2022, around 44% (~1,897 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 49.2%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.2%) and mental health issues (13.2%). About 51.5% reported no medical ailments, lower than Greater Brisbane's 60.9%. Laidley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.4% (1,254 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 21.8%. Senior health outcomes largely align with the general population's profile.

Laidley is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Laidley's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.8% of its population being Australian citizens, 87.1% born in Australia, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Laidley, comprising 54.4% of the population, compared to 54.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.8%), English (30.1%), and Irish (8.2%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 7.8%, compared to 8.8% regionally, while New Zealand ancestry stood at 1.0%, higher than the regional average of 0.7%. Russian ancestry also showed a notable divergence, with Laidley reporting 0.4%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

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

Laidley's median age is 48 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 14.0% of Laidley's population, compared to Greater Brisbane. The 25-34 cohort makes up 9.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 10.0% to 10.8%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 11.5% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Laidley's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 75%, adding 347 residents to reach 808. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 64% of population growth. Meanwhile, populations in the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are projected to decline.