Meadowbrook

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

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Meadowbrook as of May 2026 is around 3,678. This figure reflects an increase of 609 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,069 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,662 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 637 persons per square kilometer. Meadowbrook's 19.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (8.4%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 61.0% 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 areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to increase by 1,732 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 46.7% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Meadowbrook averaged around 3 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 15 homes were approved, with a further 10 approved in FY-26 to date.

This averages out to approximately 5.3 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years. Demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average construction value of new dwellings is $255,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Meadowbrook shows substantially reduced construction, with 79.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Nationally, this is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving Meadowbrook's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 926 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Meadowbrook will gain 1,716 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Logan Hospital Expansion, Loganlea Station Relocation, Slacks Creek Industrial Precinct Upgrade, and Meadowbrook Shopping Centre Expansion. The following list details those expected to be 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 Meadowbrook are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Meadowbrook has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 6.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%. As of December 2025, 1,919 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 2.1% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was lower at 66.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, only 10.2% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Meadowbrook had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 4.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. There were 2.3 workers for every resident as of the Census, indicating that Meadowbrook functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, while labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment of 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a slight drop in unemployment of 0.1 percentage point. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Meadowbrook's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Meadowbrook's median income among taxpayers is $51,879. The average income is $56,233. This is lower than the national average. Greater Brisbane has a median income of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Meadowbrook's median income are approximately $57,772 as of March 2026, with the average being around $62,621. According to the 2021 Census, Meadowbrook's household income ranks at the 47th percentile ($1,701 weekly), while personal income is at the 24th percentile. Distribution data indicates that 40.0% of locals (1,471 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Meadowbrook, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Meadowbrook, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.6% houses and 14.4% other dwellings. In Brisbane metro, this was 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Meadowbrook was 24.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.8% and rented ones at 37.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,653, below Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent in Meadowbrook was $385, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Meadowbrook's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Meadowbrook has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 75.7% of all households, including 34.8% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 20.9% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.0%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (30.0%). Educational participation is high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.7% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Meadowbrook has 18 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five unique routes that combined offer 496 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 241 meters from the nearest stop. Meadowbrook is predominantly residential, and most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 88%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.6, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 70 daily trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Meadowbrook is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Meadowbrook faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence across both younger and older age cohorts. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable in Meadowbrook, with mental health issues affecting 9.2% of residents and asthma impacting 8.9%. Only 67.3% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane.

Private health cover is relatively low in Meadowbrook at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,820 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%. Working-age residents in Meadowbrook have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (555 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

Meadowbrook 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

Meadowbrook's cultural diversity surpassed most nearby markets, with 23.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 36.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Meadowbrook, accounting for 48.6%. Islam's representation stood out at 5.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.5%), Australian (19.2%), and Other (14.6%), significantly higher than the regional average of 9.4%. Notable differences included New Zealand (1.7% vs 1.0%), Maori (3.0% vs 1.1%), and Samoan (2.0% vs 0.9%) representation in Meadowbrook compared to the region.

Meadowbrook's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Meadowbrook's median age is nearly 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and approaching Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Meadowbrook has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (13.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 14.8% to 16.8%. Conversely, the age group of 5-14 has declined from 13.8% to 11.7%, and the age group of 45-54 has decreased from 13.0% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Meadowbrook's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 87%, adding 366 residents to reach a total of 789. In contrast, the 0-4 age group is expected to contract by 0 residents.