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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Laidley Heights has an estimated 1,565 residents, up from 1,429 at the 2021 Census — a change of 136 people, or 9.5%. Growth has averaged 1.3% a year over five years. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 66.0% of that increase. Density is about 97 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on demographic evaluations of ABS releases for the surrounding region, alongside new address points verified by AreaSearch subsequent to the Census, the suburb of Laidley Heights has an estimated population of 1,565 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 136 residents (9.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,429 residents. The estimation is calculated from a resident population of 1,525, which was determined by AreaSearch from the ABS June 2025 ERP release, with 3 validated new addresses added since the Census date. With this population level, the density stands at 97 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and space for prospective expansion.
The 9.5% growth rate observed since the 2021 census is higher than the national figure (9.3%), positioning the area as a regional growth leader. The expansion was chiefly driven by migration from other states, which accounted for approximately 66.0% of total gains, with overseas migration and natural increase also contributing positively. Projections developed by the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 regions are utilized, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. Where these projections are unavailable, or for periods past 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 (utilizing 2021 data) are substituted. Because the Queensland state projections lack breakdowns by age, age-specific growth is modeled by applying the proportions from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 baseline data) to each cohort. Future demographic trends indicate that the suburb of Laidley Heights will place in the top quarter of national statistical areas for growth, with projections pointing to an increase of 411 persons to 2041, representing a total expansion of 23.7% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
36 new dwellings have been approved in Laidley Heights over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That is 4.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 7, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's allocation of ABS building permit statistics, the suburb of Laidley Heights averages roughly 7 residential approvals annually, with 36 dwellings approved during the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 7 so far during FY-26. Over the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), each new dwelling constructed corresponded to an average increase of 2.7 residents, showing solid demand to help maintain property values. The average estimated value of these new residential builds is $431,000, indicating that developers are focusing on the higher-end market segment.
Additionally, commercial development is showing significant momentum, with $93.5 million in commercial permits registered during the current financial year. Relative to Greater Brisbane, the per-capita rate of residential approvals in the suburb of Laidley Heights is about two-thirds, placing it in the 39th percentile of areas nationwide. This results in a fairly limited selection of new builds, which supports demand for established homes. Furthermore, recent construction has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the low-density character of the area and appealing to buyers seeking extra space. The ratio of 433 people per dwelling approval highlights a quiet development sector with low construction activity. Looking forward, the suburb of Laidley Heights is projected to add 371 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If the current pace of construction persists, the supply of housing may not keep pace with population growth, which could increase competition among buyers and put upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Laidley Heights
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects close to Laidley Heights, worth an estimated $40 million. 2 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, business parks & technology hubs and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major planning initiatives, and regional developments are major drivers of local growth. AreaSearch has identified no projects that are expected to affect this area. The main regional projects include Inland Rail - Queensland Sections, Warrego Highway Upgrade Program, Water for Lockyer, and Inland Rail - Gowrie to Kagaru (G2K), with details on the most relevant developments provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Plainland Crossing
A master-planned residential and commercial community in Plainland, midway between Ipswich and Toowoomba on the Warrego Highway. The development delivers approximately 400 residential lots across multiple stages alongside an 11-hectare retail and commercial precinct now fully sold and occupied by national retailers including Bunnings, Aldi, and Woolworths. Commenced in 2015, the estate offers a range of lot sizes with underground power, NBN, and sewer connections, and includes multiple landscaped parks.
The Range View Estate
Acreage development offering vast plots of land for rural lifestyle. Focus on sustainable living, green spaces, and thoughtful infrastructure.
Plainland Crossing - Endeavour Way Industrial Development
Industrial and bulky goods precinct within the Plainland Crossing town centre. The final release of commercial lots is actively being developed and marketed for showrooms, bulky goods, and warehousing. Fully serviced commercial lots with direct access to Warrego Highway via Gehrke Road. National retailers including Bunnings and Aldi are already established nearby.
Ebenezer Regional Industrial Area
A future major industrial and employment hub for South East Queensland. The project includes the delivery of catalytic trunk infrastructure and a proposed Ebenezer Intermodal Terminal to support the Inland Rail project.
699 residents of Laidley Heights are employed, from a labour force of 727. Unemployment sits at 3.9%, with participation at 57.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,257, about 80% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Data compiled by AreaSearch indicates that the suburb of Laidley Heights has a balanced labor force of both white and blue-collar workers across various industries, with an unemployment rate of 3.9% and a 10.3% rise in employment over the past year. In March 2026, there were 699 employed residents, and the unemployment rate was 0.5% lower than the Greater Brisbane rate of 4.3%. However, the labor force participation rate is low at 57.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.4%. Census records show that only 10.7% of working residents worked from home, although this figure was likely influenced by Covid-19 restrictions.
The major employment industries for residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. The suburb of Laidley Heights exhibits a high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with its share of employment being 9.6 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services account for only 4.0% of the workforce, which is lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 8.9%. Comparing the Census counts of working residents and resident workers suggests that local employment opportunities are limited. Analysis of SALM and ABS data, drawn from larger statistical regions, indicates that the twelve-month span witnessed a 10.3% rise in employment and an 8.8% increase in the labour force, which together reduced the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. This trend stands in contrast to Greater Brisbane, where employment grew by 3.2%, the labour force expanded by 3.4%, and unemployment increased by 0.1 percentage points. Forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 provide additional perspective on anticipated future demand within Laidley Heights. These forecasts span five and ten-year horizons and have been aligned with the local employment structure to project growth trajectories. National employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though expansion varies considerably across different industry sectors. When these sector-specific forecasts are applied to Laidley Heights's employment composition, the area is projected to see employment rise by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years (this figure reflects a basic weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localized population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Laidley Heights is $1,469 a week (about $76,000 a year), with median personal income at $596 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $46,011 a year against an average of $52,500. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on the latest ATO statistics for financial year 2023, incomes in the suburb of Laidley Heights are below the national average, with a median income of $46,011 and an average income of $52,500. This is lower than the Greater Brisbane median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of approximately $51,238 (median) and $58,464 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed individual weekly incomes at the 11th percentile ($596 weekly), though household incomes were higher at the 33rd percentile.
The largest income cohort, consisting of 37.6% of residents (588 people), falls into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is similar to the metropolitan region where 33.3% of the population is in this bracket. Housing costs are manageable, with residents retaining 87.0% of their income, though disposable income is below average at the 37th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Laidley Heights had 510 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 51% are owned with a mortgage, 9% rented and 40% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $345 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,365 a month. Rent absorbs 23.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing stock in the suburb of Laidley Heights consisted of 99.4% detached houses and 0.6% other dwelling types, such as apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings in Greater Brisbane. Home ownership was high at 40.0%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (50.7%) or rented (9.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,365, which is lower than the Greater Brisbane median of $1,863 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent was $345, compared to $380 in Greater Brisbane and the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Laidley Heights counted 510 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 559 today, averaging 2.7 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 37% couples without children. 18% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households represent 78.8% of all households in the suburb of Laidley Heights, consisting of couples with children (29.6%), couples without children (36.8%), and single parent families (11.3%). Non-family households account for 21.2%, with lone person households making up 18.1% and group households representing 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is slightly larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
10.8% of adults in Laidley Heights hold a university qualification, including 8.2% with a bachelor degree and 1.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 30.9% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
University graduation rates in the suburb of Laidley Heights are low at 10.8%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This presents an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 8.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (30.9%). There is a high rate of educational enrollment in the suburb of Laidley Heights, with 26.5% of residents currently studying.
This group comprises 10.9% in primary school, 9.1% in high school, and 2.8% in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Laidley Heights means driving: households keep an average of 2.0 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
55.4% of residents in Laidley Heights report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 89% of areas nationally. 8.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.4 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments by AreaSearch based on mortality and chronic illness rates show significant challenges in the suburb of Laidley Heights. Chronic conditions are prevalent across different age groups, and private health insurance coverage is low, with approximately 48% of the population (~751 people) covered. This is lower than the Greater Brisbane rate of 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical diagnoses in the suburb of Laidley Heights were arthritis (13.7% of residents) and mental health conditions (9.6% of residents). About 55.4% of residents reported having no long-term health issues, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane.
There are notable health challenges within the working-age cohort, characterized by high rates of chronic disease. Residents aged 65 and over make up 23.0% of the population (359 people), which is higher than the Greater Brisbane proportion of 15.1%. The health status of seniors presents some difficulties, with national rankings being similar to the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Laidley Heights is largely Australian-born, at 85.0% of residents, with 4.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.3%) and Australian (29.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in the suburb of Laidley Heights is below average, with 85.0% of residents born in Australia, 90.3% holding citizenship, and 95.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the main religion, practiced by 56.4% of the population, which is higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 47.8%. The three largest ancestry groups in the suburb of Laidley Heights are English (30.3%), Australian (29.6%, which is higher than the regional average of 23.2%), and Irish (9.4%). There is also an overrepresentation of German ancestry at 9.2% (compared to 4.2% regionally), Dutch ancestry at 1.7% (compared to 1.2%), and Russian ancestry at 0.4% (compared to 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Laidley Heights is 46, older than 82% of areas nationally. 18.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in the suburb of Laidley Heights is 46 years, which is older than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 years and the national average of 38 years. Relative to Greater Brisbane, the suburb of Laidley Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 55 - 64 (17.1% compared to 11.2% nationally) but fewer young adults aged 25 - 34 (7.6%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 7.4% to 8.6%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 10.0% to 11.1%, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 13.7% to 12.8%.
Projections to 2041 indicate that the cohort aged 75 to 84 will increase by 59% (79 people), rising from 134 to 214, whereas the number of children aged 0 to 4 is expected to decrease by 2 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Laidley Heights
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 3 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,429 at the 2021 Census → 1,565 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31608). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.