Middle Ridge

Population growth drivers in Middle Ridge are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the Middle Ridge statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 8,163, reflecting a 7.5% increase since the 2021 Census which reported 7,595 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 8,120 residents based on latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and an additional 105 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 940 persons per square kilometer, in line with averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Middle Ridge's growth positions it within 1.3 percentage points of non-metro areas (8.8%), demonstrating competitive fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed around 76% of overall population gains during recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for age cohorts. By 2041, the Middle Ridge (SA2) is expected to grow by 728 persons, reflecting an 8.4% increase over 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Middle Ridge when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Middle Ridge has seen approximately 45 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), around 227 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling built over these years has resulted in an average of 2.9 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $616,000, targeting the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year (FY-26), Middle Ridge has registered $2.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its residential character. Comparatively, Middle Ridge's development levels per person are similar to the rest of Queensland, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. The current new building activity comprises 46.0% detached houses and 54.0% medium and high-density housing.

This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 93.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles, with a growing need for diverse, affordable housing options. The current development environment in Middle Ridge is quiet and low-activity, with an estimated 437 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate the area will gain approximately 685 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Middle Ridge 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 that may impact the area. Notable projects include Gabbinbar Retirement Village, 306 Ramsay Street Residential Development, Kearney West Estate, and Gainsborough Lodge. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

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

Middle Ridge has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.1% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3% over the past year.

There were 4,210 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was 61.7%, comparable to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area had a particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction showed lower representation at 6.5% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force increased by 4.1%, resulting in a fall in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. As of 25-Nov, state-level data showed Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Middle Ridge's employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment profile.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Middle Ridge suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $63,164 and an average of $77,612. Nationally, this is high compared to Rest of Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates for Middle Ridge would be approximately $69,424 (median) and $85,303 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, incomes in Middle Ridge cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 32.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,677 residents), similar to metropolitan regions where 31.7% occupy this bracket. A substantial proportion of high earners, at 32.7%, indicates strong economic capacity in the suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 88.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Middle Ridge's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Non-Metro Qld had 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Middle Ridge was 44.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.7% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Middle Ridge was $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $375 and the national figure of $310. Nationally, Middle Ridge's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950, while rents were substantially above the national average of $375.

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

Family households constitute 81.1% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 35.0% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.9%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Middle Ridge exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Middle Ridge has a notably higher educational attainment than broader averages. As of 2015, 34.4% of its residents aged 15 and above held university qualifications, surpassing the Rest of Qld's 20.6% and the SA3 area's 23.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.7% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (19.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2015. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Middle Ridge indicates that there are currently 21 operational transport stops. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 132 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing approximately 460 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 18 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly six weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Middle Ridge is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Middle Ridge faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~4,730 people), compared to 51.5% across the rest of Queensland.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.2 and 7.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 23.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,910 people), which is higher than the 18.8% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Middle Ridge records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Middle Ridge's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 20.6% born overseas and 15.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Middle Ridge, accounting for 66.1%, compared to 58.8% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestral groups were English (27.8%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, German ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 7.9% in Middle Ridge versus 8.0% regionally, South African ancestry was higher at 0.7% compared to 0.3%, and Scottish ancestry was also higher at 8.7% versus 7.9%.

Middle Ridge hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Middle Ridge's median age is 43 years, higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.8% of Middle Ridge's population, compared to Rest of Qld's percentage. The 25-34 cohort makes up 7.6%. Post-Census data shows that from June 2021 to present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 13.1% to 14.5%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.4%. By 2041, Middle Ridge's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 35%, adding 228 residents to reach 882. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 53% of population growth. Meanwhile, declines are projected for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.