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

The population of Ormeau is estimated at 17,503 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 1,565 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,938. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 16,981 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and an additional 289 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,066 persons per square kilometer. Ormeau's growth rate of 9.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the Rest of Qld at 9.1%. Natural growth contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of regional areas across the nation, with Ormeau expected to increase by 4,800 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 27.4% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Ormeau had approximately 45 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling about 228 homes. As of FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 8.6 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This demand outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $339,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In FY-26, there have been $3.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Ormeau has significantly lower building activity, 71.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity often boosts demand and prices for existing properties, although recent years have seen an increase in building activity. Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints or maturity of the area.

Recent development consists solely of detached houses, maintaining Ormeau's suburban identity with a focus on family homes. The population density stands at approximately 291 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Ormeau will grow by around 4,797 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger 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 19 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include 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 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 prominent with an unemployment rate of 3.2%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 2.5%.

As of September 2025, 9,751 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 76.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Moderately, 14.2% of residents work from home. Key employment sectors are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Notably, construction employs 1.5 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is below average at 0.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.5% and labour force by 2.6%, keeping unemployment stable. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ormeau's employment mix suggests local growth should be 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 ended June 2023 shows median income in Ormeau suburb was $54,941 and average income was $64,676. This is lower than Rest of Qld's figures of median income at $53,146 and average income at $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $60,386 (median) and $71,085 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Ormeau are around the 65th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 40.6% of Ormeau's population (7,106 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to surrounding regions at 31.7%. High housing costs consume 17.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. Ormeau's SEIFA income ranking places it 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, comprised 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ormeau was at 20.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.7% and rented ones at 30.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Ormeau was $445, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Ormeau's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 14.9%, with lone person households at 12.7% and group households at 2.3%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Rest of Qld 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - 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 facilitate 188 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located 297 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport 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 reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 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 as of June 2021.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is higher at approximately 53% compared to the average SA2 area, with around 9,246 people having coverage. Mental health issues and asthma were the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.8 and 8.6% of residents respectively. About 70.7% of residents declared themselves free from medical ailments, higher than the Rest of Qld's 67.6%. The under-65 population has better health outcomes. The area has 10.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,872 people), lower than Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank 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 its wider 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 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.6%), Australian (27.9%), and Irish (7.0%).

Notably, New Zealanders (2.0%) and Maori (2.8%) are overrepresented in Ormeau compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 0.8%, respectively. South Africans also have a higher representation at 0.9%.

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

Ormeau's median age is 33, which is younger than Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. The 5-14 age group in Ormeau comprises 15.6%, compared to the Rest of Qld. The 65-74 cohort in Ormeau is less prevalent at 6.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.1%, while the 25-34 cohort has risen from 12.8% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 18.4% to 15.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Ormeau's age structure. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 51%, adding 1,252 people and reaching 3,685 from the current figure of 2,432. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 6%, adding 163 people.