Lawnton

Population growth drivers in Lawnton are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The suburb of Lawnton's population was estimated at around 6,939 as of Nov 2025, reflecting an increase of 1,034 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 17.5% increase from the previous population count of 5,905 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of Lawnton's resident population at 6,698 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 355 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 853 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lawnton's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (8.7%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data or 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to increase by 3,602 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 47.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Lawnton among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Lawnton had around 95 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 476 homes. As of FY26, 43 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling brought in approximately 2.1 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25, suggesting healthy demand that supports property values. New homes were built at an average cost of $333,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

Additionally, $7.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating the area's residential character. Lawnton has 198.0% more development activity per person relative to Greater Brisbane, showing robust developer interest in the area. New building activity comprises 87.0% detached houses and 13.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. Population forecasts indicate Lawnton will gain approximately 66 people per approval, reflecting a developing area with an expected increase of 3,268 residents by 2041. Construction pace is reasonable given projected growth, but buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

Population forecasts indicate Lawnton will gain 3,268 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Gateway to Bruce Upgrade (G2BU), Strathpine Major Regional Activity Centre Master Plan, Petrie Central Retail and Residential Precinct Expansion, and Moreton Bay Central (The Mill) - Knowledge and Innovation Precinct. The following list details those most 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.

Employment drivers in Lawnton are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Lawnton's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in Lawnton was 11.7% as of June 2025, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.1%. As of June 2025, 3,233 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 7.6%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Lawnton was 60.3%, below Greater Brisbane's 64.5%.

Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. However, professional & technical jobs were under-represented at 5.0% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 5.1%, while labour force grew by 7.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4% and a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lawnton's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Lawnton's median income among taxpayers is $51,039 with an average of $55,611. This is below the national average and compares to Greater Brisbane's median of $55,645 and average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $58,179 (median) and $63,391 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Lawnton, between the 25th and 38th percentiles. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 32.9% of locals (2,282 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 80.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 22nd percentile.

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

Lawnton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 69.2% houses and 30.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 78.9% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lawnton stood at 21.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.9% and rented ones at 42.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Brisbane metro's $1,625. Median weekly rent in Lawnton was $320, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Lawnton's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $320 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 65.3% of all households, including 24.5% couples with children, 22.3% couples without children, and 16.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Lawnton faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 16.2%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (30.9%).

Educational participation is high at 28.3%, including primary education (9.7%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (4.1%). Lawnton's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,059 students as of the latest data, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 975) indicating balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents (15.3) are below the regional average (20.8), suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Lawnton has 49 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 31 unique routes, facilitating 1,963 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 183 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency stands at 280 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lawnton is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Lawnton faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data showing varied impacts on both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 3,416 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in the area, affecting 12.4% and 9.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 61.0% of Lawnton residents reported having no medical ailments, compared to 63.8% across Greater Brisbane. As of 2021, 15.4% of Lawnton's population is aged 65 and over (around 1,068 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Lawnton's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.1% of its population being Australian citizens and 80.5% born in Australia. The majority, 92.0%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, representing 44.6% of Lawnton's population.

Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 1.0%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 0.9%. In terms of ancestry, English was the most represented group at 28.8%, followed by Australian at 28.0% and Scottish at 8.1%. Some ethnic groups showed notable variations: Maori were overrepresented at 1.3% (vs regional 1.4%), New Zealanders were equally represented at 1.1%, and Samoans were underrepresented at 0.7% (vs regional 0.9%).

Lawnton's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Lawnton has a median age of 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and approaching Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Lawnton has a higher percentage of residents aged 85 or above (2.2%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.6%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the proportion of Lawnton's population aged 35-44 increased from 13.3% to 14.7%, while the proportion aged 65-74 decreased from 8.8% to 7.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Lawnton's age profile, with the strongest projected growth occurring among residents aged 45-54, expected to increase by 67% to reach a total of 1,473 residents, adding 591 new members to this cohort.