Murrumba Downs

Population growth drivers in Murrumba Downs are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of the Murrumba Downs statistical area as of November 2025 is estimated at around 14,098 people. This reflects an increase of 3,303 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,795 people in the area. The change is inferred from the resident population of 13,727 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 308 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,189 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Murrumba Downs statistical area's growth rate of 30.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 53.0% 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 Murrumba Downs statistical area expected to grow by 7,296 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 40.9% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Murrumba Downs was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Murrumba Downs had approximately 129 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 645 homes. As of FY-26, 50 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.7 new residents per year are associated with each home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction value of new dwellings is $399,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction.

This financial year has seen $1.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Murrumba Downs exhibits 62.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers ample choice, although recent activity has eased. This activity is notably higher than the national average, signifying robust developer interest in the area. New developments comprise 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% attached dwellings, preserving Murrumba Downs' traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 120 people per approval, the area reflects developing status.

Latest AreaSearch quarterly estimates project Murrumba Downs to add approximately 5,771 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Redcliffe Peninsula Rail Line Upgrades, River Cove Residences, UniSC Moreton Bay Campus, and Moreton Bay Marine Education and Discovery Centre. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The labour market in Murrumba Downs demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Murrumba Downs has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0% in the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 7,272 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Murrumba Downs has a particular employment specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented, at 6.1% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 5.0%, while labour force rose by 5.6%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and a decrease in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts, as of May-25, suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Murrumba Downs' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Murrumba Downs had a median income among taxpayers of $54,693 and an average of $61,076. These figures are below the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 in Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,113 (median) and $67,129 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Murrumba Downs are at the 57th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 33.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 4,765 residents falling into this category, similar to regional trends of 33.3%. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 55th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Murrumba Downs, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.6% houses and 26.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.6% houses and 26.4% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Murrumba Downs was higher than Brisbane metro at 28.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (43.6%) or rented (28.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,863, above Brisbane metro's average of $1,820. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Murrumba Downs' mortgage repayments were similar to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Murrumba Downs features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.2% of all households, including 35.7% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households at 2.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

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

Educational qualifications in Murrumba Downs trail regional benchmarks; 21.1% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Greater Brisbane's 30.5%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (27.4%).

Educational participation is notably high; 29.5% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Murrumba Downs has 33 operational public transport stops. These include both train and bus services. There are 34 unique routes serving these stops, facilitating a total of 2,091 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 215 meters. On average, there are 298 trips daily across all routes, resulting in about 63 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Murrumba Downs faces significant health challenges with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across all age groups but to a considerably higher degree among older residents.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which numbers around 7,247 people. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.7% and 8.0% of residents respectively. However, 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.9% across Greater Brisbane. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.4%, with approximately 2,453 people falling into this age category, compared to the 11.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention than those of the broader population.

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

Murrumba Downs had a cultural diversity level above average, with 11.5% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 23.9% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion in Murrumba Downs, accounting for 54.1% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.4% of the population compared to 2.7% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (29.8%), Australian (26.5%), and Scottish (7.5%). Significant differences existed for certain ethnic groups: New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.2% versus 1.5%, Maori at 1.3% versus 1.7%, and South African at 0.9% versus 1.0%.

Murrumba Downs's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Murrumba Downs is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and close to the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Murrumba Downs has a greater proportion of residents aged 45-54 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.2%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.6% to 15.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 11.3% to 9.2%, and the 15-24 age group has dropped from 12.2% to 11.1%. By 2041, Murrumba Downs is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 60%, adding 1,203 people and reaching a total of 3,220 from the current 2,016. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 2%, with an increase of just 23 residents.