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

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation for the broader area, the suburb of Ormeau's population was estimated around 17,614 by May 2026. This reflected an increase of 1,676 people (10.5%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 15,938. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 17,423 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 295 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,072 persons per square kilometer, relatively inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ormeau's growth exceeded Rest of Qld (9.2%) and national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts when utilised. Population projections indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecasted, with the suburb expected to grow by 4,387 persons to 2041 reflecting an increase of 23.8% over the 16 years.

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

Ormeau averaged around 45 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 226 homes were approved, with a further 32 approved in FY-26. On average, 5.2 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings was $339,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY-26, there were $3.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Ormeau has markedly lower building activity, recording 71.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though development activity has picked up recently.

Nationally, Ormeau's development activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction has been comprised of detached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 289 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Future projections show Ormeau adding 4,196 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Ormeau Rail Facility - Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Ormeau Goldmine Road and Lahrs Road Intersection Upgrade, Ormeau Community Hub, and Vantage Yatala. 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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Employment conditions in Ormeau demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Ormeau has a balanced workforce consisting of white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is particularly prominent with an unemployment rate of 3.2% and estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 9,563 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Ormeau is high at 72.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. A moderate 14.2% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.5% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population compared to resident population count from Census data. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, labour force by 2.0%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ormeau's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

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 ending June 2023 shows median income in Ormeau was $54,941 and average income was $64,676. This is lower than Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By March 2026, estimated median income in Ormeau would be approximately $61,182 and average income $72,023, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ending June 2023. Census data indicates incomes in Ormeau cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows 40.6% of Ormeau's population (7,151 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the surrounding region at 31.7%. High housing costs consume 17.2% of income in Ormeau. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 68th percentile nationally, placing Ormeau's SEIFA income ranking in the 5th decile.

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

Ormeau's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ormeau was at 20.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.7% and rented dwellings at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Ormeau was recorded at $445, compared to Regional Qld's $375. 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% that are couples with children, 24.5% that are couples without children, and 14.2% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up 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, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15 and above 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: 13.3% in primary, 11.3% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 offer 188 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Ormeau is rated as good, with residents typically living 297 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, and cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 14.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Ormeau faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment completed on 28th February 2021.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but notably higher among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Ormeau is approximately 53%, slightly leading the average SA2 area with a total population of around 9,305 people as of 28th February 2021. Mental health issues and asthma were identified as the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.8% and 8.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 70.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to the regional Queensland average of 67.6%. The under-65 population in Ormeau demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of 28th February 2021, 11.2% of Ormeau's residents are aged 65 and over, totaling 1,972 people, which is lower than the Regional Queensland average of 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Ormeau present some challenges, ranking lower nationally compared to 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 the broader regional average, with 83.8% of its population being citizens, 76.1% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Ormeau, accounting for 48.4% of the population, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups in Ormeau are English (30.6%), Australian (27.9%), and Irish (7.0%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprise 2.0% of Ormeau's population, higher than the regional average of 0.9%. Maori representation is also notably higher at 2.8%, compared to the regional figure of 0.8%. South Australians are overrepresented in Ormeau at 0.9%, compared to the regional average of 0.5%.

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

Ormeau has a median age of 33, which is lower than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 5-14 years old makes up 15.6% of Ormeau's population compared to Regional Queensland. However, the 65-74 age cohort is less prevalent in Ormeau at 6.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.2% of the population while the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 18.4% to 15.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Ormeau's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 46%, adding 1,104 people and reaching a total of 3,500 from its current figure of 2,395. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age cohort is projected to grow by 3%, an increase of 70 people.