Ormiston

Population growth drivers in Ormiston are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Ormiston's population is estimated at around 7,192 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 813 people (12.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,379 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,925 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 203 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,450 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ormiston's 12.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.3%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the suburb expected to increase by 864 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 8.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Ormiston averaged around 58 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 291 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, about 2.4 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five financial years.

New homes had an average construction cost value of $731,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. This financial year saw $4.4 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting limited commercial development focus.

Detached houses comprised 72.0% and townhouses or apartments made up 28.0% of new developments, maintaining Ormiston's suburban character with a focus on family homes. The area had approximately 102 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. AreaSearch forecasts suggest Ormiston will gain 597 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Ormiston 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 12 projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives include the Redland Hospital Expansion, Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy, Ormiston College Master Plan Redevelopment, and Redlands Research Station Expansion. 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Ormiston places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Ormiston has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, there are 3,887 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Ormiston stands at 66.8%, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. Census responses indicate that 23.1% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Prominent employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 6.0% of Ormiston's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 7.0%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 6.4%, while labour force grew by 6.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide further insight into potential future demand within Ormiston. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Ormiston's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that median income in Ormiston is $56,553 and average income is $76,601. This compares to Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $62,157 (median) and $84,192 (average). According to Census 2021 data, income levels in Ormiston cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 27.7% of locals (1,992 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, with a substantial proportion (30.6%) earning above $3,000 per week. After housing expenses, 86.0% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile nationally.

Ormiston is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Ormiston's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.7% houses and 24.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metropolitan area had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ormiston was at 41.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 21.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Ormiston was $450, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Ormiston's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Ormiston features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 77.2% of all households, including 33.5% that are couples with children, 32.7% that are couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.8%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Brisbane average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 29.8%, exceeding the SA4 region average of 23.7% and Queensland's state average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.7% and certificates at 21.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.9% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in secondary education, 8.6% in primary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ormiston has 24 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 31 individual routes, collectively providing 1,958 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 233 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Ormiston's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 89%, while train usage stands at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, some 23.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 279 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 81 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Ormiston shows better-than-average health outcomes, as evaluated by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but closer to national averages for older, at-risk groups. Approximately 58% (~4,138 people) of Ormiston's residents have private health cover, a very high rate. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and asthma (7.9%). About 66.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among working-age individuals in Ormiston are typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (28.3%, or 2,035 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. While health outcomes for seniors in Ormiston are above average, they rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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

Ormiston's cultural diversity was above average, with 9.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Ormiston at 56.1%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.0%), Australian (22.3%), and Scottish (9.5%).

Notably, South African (1.6%) Welsh (0.9%) and New Zealand (1.2%) ethnicities had higher representations in Ormiston compared to regional averages of 0.6%, 0.5%, and 1.0% respectively.

Ormiston hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Ormiston is 47 years, which is notably higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and also exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, the 75-84 age cohort is significantly over-represented in Ormiston at 11.3%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 5.2%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of the population in the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.6% to 11.3%, while the 15 to 24 age cohort has risen from 12.1% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 7.0% to 5.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Ormiston, with the 85+ age cohort projected to surge dramatically by 350 people (128%), from 273 to 624. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 81% of projected growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.