Murrumba Downs

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the suburb of Murrumba Downs had an estimated population of 14,149 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 3,354 people (31.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,795. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 13,727 in Jun 2024 and an additional 307 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,197 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Murrumba Downs' growth of 31.1% exceeded the national average (9.9%) since the 2021 Census. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 53.0%.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Future projections anticipate exceptional growth for the suburb, placing it in the top 10 percent nationally, with an expected increase of 7,256 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 40.2% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Murrumba Downs had around 129 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 645 homes. By May 2026, 50 approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated approximately 3.7 new residents per year.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences house prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $399,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $1.0 million, indicating minimal commercial development activity in the area. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Murrumba Downs has 62.0% more construction activity per person as of May 2026, offering buyers ample choice despite recent easing of construction activity. This activity is significantly above the national average, reflecting robust developer interest in the area.

New development consists of 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% attached dwellings, preserving Murrumba Downs' traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. With around 120 people per approval, Murrumba Downs reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add approximately 5,682 residents by 2041 if current development rates continue. However, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Murrumba Downs 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 could impact the area. Notable ones 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 in the area was 3.9% as of September 2025, which is 0.1% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.8%.

Approximately 7,210 residents were employed while the workforce participation rate was broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 16.4% of residents worked from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among Murrumba Downs residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area 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, with only 6.1% of Murrumba Downs's workforce compared to 8.9% in Greater Brisbane. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 4.8% while labour force grew by 5.4%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and a decrease in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Murrumba Downs. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years (by May-30) and 13.7% over ten years (by May-35). Applying these industry-specific projections to Murrumba Downs's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 indicates that Murrumba Downs had a median income among taxpayers of $54,693 and an average income of $61,076. Both figures are below the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively for Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $60,113 and an average income of $67,129 as of September 2025 in Murrumba Downs. Census data shows that incomes in Murrumba Downs cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 33.8% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a total of 4,782 residents falling within this range. This is consistent with broader trends across regional levels where 33.3% fall into the same category. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income in Murrumba Downs. Despite this, disposable income remains at the 55th percentile nationally, and 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 such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' types. This is comparable to Brisbane's metropolitan area which also had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murrumba Downs stood at 28.3%, with mortgaged properties making up 43.6% and rented dwellings accounting for 28.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,863, aligning with Brisbane's metropolitan average. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Murrumba Downs was $360, compared to Brisbane's $380. Nationally, Murrumba Downs' mortgage repayments were similar to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 21.8%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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 highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 34 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 2,091 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 215 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain dominant at 88%, while trains account for 7%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 16.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 298 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Approximately 51% of the total population (~7,274 people) has private health cover, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues impact 8.7% and arthritis affects 8.0% of residents. 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. The area has 17.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,504 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than 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 higher than average cultural diversity, with 11.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 23.9% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Murrumba Downs, accounting for 54.1% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.4% compared to 1.3% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.8%), Australian (26.5%), and Scottish (7.5%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.2%, Maori at 1.3%, and South Africans at 0.9% compared to regional averages of 1.0%, 1.1%, and 0.6% respectively.

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

The median age in Murrumba Downs as of 2021 is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and close to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Murrumba Downs has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.2%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 35-44 grew from 13.6% to 15.2%, while those aged 25-34 declined from 11.3% to 8.2%, and the 15-24 age group decreased from 12.2% to 11.1%. By 2041, Murrumba Downs' population is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 57%, reaching 3,200 people from the current 2,037.