Northgate (Qld)

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of Nov 2025, the Northgate (Qld) statistical area (Lv2)'s estimated population is around 5,150. This reflects a 274-person increase (5.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported 4,876 people. AreaSearch inferred this change from an estimated resident population of 5,100 in June 2024 and 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,555 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.0% to recent population gains.

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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for Australian statistical areas. The Northgate (Qld) (SA2) is expected to increase by 172 persons to 2041, reflecting a 3.5% total increase over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Northgate recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Northgate has received approximately 20 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 102 homes. As of FY-26, seven approvals have been recorded. Each new dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 has resulted in an average of 2.1 new residents per year. The average construction cost value for new homes is $529,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

In FY-26, Northgate has registered $16.3 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Northgate shows roughly half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 50th percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 69% standalone homes and 31% medium and high-density housing.

With around 321 people per dwelling approval, Northgate is considered a low density area. By 2041, AreaSearch projects Northgate to add approximately 180 residents. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Key projects include Danby Lane - Nundah Village, Danby Lane, Cross River Rail - European Train Control System, and Residential Building 27-29 Dethridge Street. The following list details those likely 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.

The employment environment in Northgate shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Northgate has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of September 2025, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 11.2%. As of September 2025, 3,415 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is 0.6% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Northgate was 72.7%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Notably, employment in professional & technical services is at 1.3 times the regional average, while manufacturing employs only 4.6% of local workers compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.2 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 11.2% and labour force grew by 10.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with a similar decrease in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from QLD to 25-Nov-25 shows employment contracted slightly by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Northgate's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Northgate had a median taxpayer income of $59,119 and an average income of $74,406. Nationally, the averages were $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%, median income is estimated at $64,978 and average at $81,780. Northgate's incomes cluster around the 72nd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 30.3% (1,560 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to the regional 33.3%. Higher earners comprise 31.7%, indicating strong purchasing power. Housing costs consume 16.5% of income, but disposable income ranks at the 67th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Northgate displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Northgate's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 57.1% houses and 42.9% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 56.6% houses and 43.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Northgate stood at 19.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.2% and rented ones at 43.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,950. Median weekly rent was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $400. Nationally, Northgate's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $375.

Northgate features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.2% of all households, including 29.0% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households making up 5.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.3.

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

Northgate's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. 38.1% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.6% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 12.0% and certificates for 19.6%.

Educational participation is high in Northgate, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.0% in primary education, 7.7% in tertiary education, and 6.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

The transport analysis shows that Northgate has 28 active transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 127 individual routes, collectively facilitating 5,661 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located just 158 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 808 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 202 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Northgate is notably higher than the national average with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Northgate shows above-average health outcomes, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. The rate of private health cover is very high, at approximately 57% of the total population (around 2,919 people), compared to 60.2% across Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 10.2 and 8.1% of residents respectively. About 71.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.7% across Greater Brisbane. As of 6 April 2021, 11.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (612 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Northgate was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Northgate was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 26.2% of its population born overseas and 17.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Northgate, comprising 45.7% of people, but Hinduism is notably overrepresented at 5.9%, compared to 4.5% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (27.3%), Australian (23.3%), and Other (10.6%).

Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Polish is overrepresented at 1.0% in Northgate versus 0.6% regionally, Russian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Samoan at 0.4% versus 0.5%.

Northgate's population is younger than the national pattern

Northgate's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, which is somewhat younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Northgate has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (18.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 17.4% to 18.2%, while the population aged 25-34 has declined from 20.0% to 18.9%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Northgate. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 23%, adding 149 residents to reach a total of 793. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups.