Lota

An assessment of population growth drivers in Lota reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Lota's population is estimated at around 3,761 people, reflecting an increase of 243 individuals since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 3,518 in the suburb. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of Lota's resident population at 3,686 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,889 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Lota's population growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (6.4%), making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this population increase.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort when utilised. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth, with the suburb expected to increase by 165 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 1.9% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Lota according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Lota averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 90 homes. In FY-26, 94 approvals have been recorded to date.

Historically, around 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting balanced supply and demand dynamics in the area. The average construction value of new properties was $1,062,000, reflecting a focus on premium segment development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Lota showed slightly more development activity, at 14.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. Recent construction comprises 52.0% standalone homes and 48.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current 95.0% houses pattern, possibly due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

The location has approximately 269 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Lota to grow by 71 residents through to 2041, with current development rates expected to comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting population growth beyond projections.

Lota has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect this region: The Wellington Collection, Wynnum, Manly and Lota Foreshores Master Plan, Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy, and Renewable Energy Training Facility are notable projects, with the following list focusing on those most relevant.

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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.

Lota ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Lota has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 4.1%.

Over the past year, employment grew by 4.8% based on AreaSearch data aggregation. As of June 2025, 2,116 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Brisbane's rate. Workforce participation is equal to Greater Brisbane's at 64.5%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 13.1% versus the regional average of 16.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, labour force by 4.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. This mirrors Greater Brisbane's trends with slight differences in growth rates. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but sector-specific projections vary significantly. Applying these to Lota's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on Sep-22 national employment forecasts.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Lota had a median income among taxpayers of $62,435 with the average level standing at $80,820. This is among the highest in Australia and compares to levels of $55,645 and $70,520 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $71,170 (median) and $92,127 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income in Lota ranks between the 71st and 80th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 31.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, mirroring the regional average of 33.3%. The district demonstrates affluence with 33.5% earning over $3,000 per week. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 80th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Lota, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 95.4% houses and 4.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metropolitan area had 78.0% houses and 22.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lota stood at 31.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (45.5%) or rented (23.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Lota was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure in Lota was recorded at $415, compared to Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Lota's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 77.3% of all households, including 38.3% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 20.5% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Lota shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable with university qualification rates at 32.3% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 23.7% and Queensland's state average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 12.4% and certificates for 24.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education. Lota State School serves the local community, enrolling 249 students as of a recent report. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1063). It offers one school focused exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited at 6.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.6, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Lota has 15 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 24 individual routes, collectively providing 1,386 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 245 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 198 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 92 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Lota is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Lota faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but particularly high among older cohorts.

Approximately 59% of Lota's total population (2,227 people) have private health cover. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.8% and 8.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.0% of residents report no medical ailments compared to 69.4% in Greater Brisbane. In Lota, 18.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (680 people), higher than the 16.7% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting challenges.

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

Lota's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 77.0% of its population born in Australia, 87.7% being citizens, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Lota, comprising 49.5% of people. However, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1% of the population compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.3%), Australian (23.4%), and Irish (10.8%). Notably, New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.3%, Scottish at 9.6%, and Russian at 0.6%.

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

Lota's median age is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Lota has a notably over-represented cohort of 55-64 year-olds (13.8%) and an under-represented cohort of 25-34 year-olds (7.8%). According to the 2021 Census, Lota's population aged 15 to 24 grew from 10.6% to 12.4%, while those aged 75 to 84 increased from 5.4% to 7.2%. Conversely, the cohort aged 5 to 14 declined from 14.3% to 13.3%. By 2041, Lota's age profile is projected to evolve significantly. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth of 122%, adding 109 residents to reach 200. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 77% of population growth, while declines are projected for the cohorts aged 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 years.