Laidley

Laidley lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Laidley is around 137,482. This figure represents a 16.4% increase from the 2021 Census population of 118,078 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 4,134 residents using the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 7,860 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Laidley's growth exceeded both the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Projected demographic shifts indicate exceptional growth for Laidley, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australia's regional areas by 2041. The area is expected to expand by 29,809 persons over this period, reflecting a total increase of 39.3%.

The level of residential development activity in Laidley was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Laidley recorded approximately 892 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 4,463 homes were approved, with an additional 410 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each home built over these five years accommodated approximately 5.5 new residents annually.

This indicates a substantial lag between supply and demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new properties was $880,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $407.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Laidley shows 59.0% higher new home approvals per person, which should provide buyers with ample choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This is well above average nationally and reflects strong developer confidence in the area.

Recent construction comprises approximately 84.0% standalone homes and 16.0% attached dwellings, preserving Laidley's suburban nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently at 186.0% houses. With around 202 people per dwelling approval, Laidley exhibits characteristics of a growth area. However, with population expected to remain stable or decline, Laidley should see reduced pressure on housing in the future, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

No changes can significantly affect an area's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been pinpointed by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects encompass Inland Rail - Queensland Sections, Warrego Highway Upgrade Program, Water for Lockyer, and Inland Rail - Gowrie to Kagaru (G2K), with the following list outlining those most likely to be pertinent.

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

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The exceptional employment performance in Laidley places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Laidley has an educated workforce with significant professional services representation and a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in June 2025. The town had 35,555 residents employed at the time, with its unemployment rate being 0.7% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was high at 117.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with healthcare having a particularly high share at twice the regional level. Although local jobs exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data.

In the year leading up to June 2025, Laidley's labour force decreased by 2.1% and employment declined by 1.0%, resulting in a 1.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that overall employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, applying these projections to Laidley's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Laidley at $95,872 and average income at $121,852. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Laidley would be approximately $109,284 (median) and $138,899 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household incomes rank at the 90th percentile ($3,260 weekly), while personal income ranks at the 58th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 66.6% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (91,563 people). Laidley exhibits notable income diversity with 46.4% earning under $800 weekly and 39.6% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 168.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Laidley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Laidley's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 186.4% houses and 13.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Laidley was 77.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 85.6% and rented ones at 36.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,726, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Laidley was $800, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 155.0% of all households, including 63.0% couples with children, 69.0% couples without children, and 21.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute -55.0%, consisting of 38.8% lone person households and 6.0% group households. The median household size is 5.2 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

Laidley demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Laidley's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 46.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 12.4% in the SA3 area and 18.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 84.8% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (25.6%) and certificates (59.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 55.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 20.0% in primary education, 16.6% in secondary education, and 8.0% pursuing tertiary education. Laidley's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,344 students as of the latest data. The area has varied educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 946. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. As of recent statistics, the area functions as an education hub with 21.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 12.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Laidley has 164 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 76 different routes that together facilitate 3,432 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically located 2796 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 490 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Laidley's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Laidley's health outcomes show exceptional results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all ages. The private health cover rate is approximately 100%, covering around 137,646 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 48.5% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (19.0%) and mental health issues (17.6%), while 132.8% claim to be completely clear of ailments, higher than Rest of Qld's 60.9%.

Laidley has a larger senior population (aged 65 and over), at 40.1% or 55,157 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 21.8%. Senior health outcomes are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Laidley was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Laidley's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 10.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 38.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Laidley, comprising 89.2%. However, Buddhism appears more prevalent here compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 2.8% versus 0.7%.

In terms of ancestry, English (66.6%) and Australian (54.0%) are significantly higher than regional averages of 31.0% and 30.7%, respectively. Scottish ancestry is also notably higher at 18.0% compared to the region's 7.9%. Certain ethnic groups show notable differences: Welsh at 1.4% (regional average 0.4%), German at 10.0% (8.8%), and Dutch at 3.2% (1.3%).

Laidley ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Laidley's median age at 86 years is significantly higher than Queensland's average of 41 years and the national average of 38 years. The age cohorts in Laidley are generally similar to those found across the rest of Queensland, with a notable concentration in the 55-64 age group that exceeds the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the area has experienced a decrease in median age, dropping from 88 years to 86 years. This shift is accompanied by changes in specific age groups: the 25-34 cohort grew from 20.8% to 23.7%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 23.8% to 26.2%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 25.8% to 23.1%, and the 55-64 group decreased from 29.0% to 26.3%. By 2041, Laidley's age composition is projected to change significantly, with the 85+ age cohort expected to increase by -2,304 people (-43%), decreasing from 5,389 to 3,085. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 0-4 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.