Ormeau

Ormeau lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Ormeau's population is estimated at around 17,402 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,464 people (9.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,938 people in the Ormeau statistical area (Lv2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 16,981, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 252 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,059 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ormeau's 9.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national regional areas is forecast, with the Ormeau (SA2) expected to expand by 4,802 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 28.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Ormeau among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Ormeau has seen approximately 45 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 228 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded to date. On average, around 8.6 people have moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $339,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

This financial year has seen $3.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Ormeau records notably lower building activity, 71.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties but building activity has accelerated in recent years. However, it remains below national averages, suggesting possible planning constraints or area maturity. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining Ormeau's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

The location currently has approximately 291 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential room for future growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Ormeau is projected to grow by 4,895 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the area.

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

AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that could impact the area, with key ones being the Ormeau Rail Facility - Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Ormeau Residential Development, Ormeau Goldmine Road and Lahrs Road Intersection Upgrade, and Ormeau Community Hub. 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Ormeau well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Ormeau has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is notably represented.

In the past year, ending September 2025, unemployment rate was 3.2%, with estimated employment growth of 2.5%. As of that date, 9,738 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 0.9% below Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation was at 70.2%, higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.5% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, with labour force growth at 2.6%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and labour force by 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ormeau's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Ormeau's median income is $54,941 and average income is $64,676. This is lower than Queensland's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $60,386 (median) and $71,085 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Ormeau cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 40.6% of Ormeau's population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region at 31.7%. High housing costs consume 17.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Ormeau is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Ormeau, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's structure of 80.5% houses and 19.4% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Ormeau was 20.9%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (48.7%) or rented (30.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Ormeau was $1,950, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Ormeau was recorded at $445, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Ormeau's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 85.1% of all households, including 45.6% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 14.9%, with lone person households at 12.7% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.9 people.

Educational attainment in Ormeau aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 16.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (31.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.3% in primary education, 11.3% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ormeau has 58 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together provide 188 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically located 297 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 26 trips per day across both routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Ormeau is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Ormeau shows better-than-average health outcomes with a lower prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to the national average.

However, this is not the case for older, at-risk cohorts where the prevalence is higher. Approximately 53% of Ormeau's total population (~9,193 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.8% and 8.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 70.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 71.6% across Rest of Qld. Ormeau has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.7% (1,862 people) compared to the Rest of Qld's 12.0%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population.

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

Ormeau's cultural diversity aligns with its broader region, with 83.8% of residents being citizens, 76.1% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Ormeau, accounting for 48.4%, compared to 46.0% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.6%), Australian (27.9%), and Irish (7.0%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprise 2.0% of Ormeau's population versus 1.9% regionally, Maori make up 2.8% compared to 2.9%, and South Africans constitute 0.9% versus 1.0%.

Ormeau's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Ormeau has a median age of 33, which is lower than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's 38 years. The 5-14 age group constitutes 16.3% of Ormeau's population compared to Rest of Qld. The 65-74 cohort makes up 6.2%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.1%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 18.4% to 16.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Ormeau's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 58% (1,341 people), reaching 3,673 from 2,331.