Petrie

Petrie is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Petrie is around 9,226, reflecting an increase of 504 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 8,722 in Petrie. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 9,187 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,397 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for Petrie.

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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with an expected growth of 925 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 9.6% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Petrie according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Petrie shows approximately 8 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 42 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 5.9 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

This significant demand outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties is around $446,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, approximately $3.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to Greater Brisbane, where Petrie has significantly less development activity, at 82.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 25.0% standalone homes and 75.0% medium and high-density housing, representing a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 87.0% houses. Petrie has around 697 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. Future projections estimate Petrie to add 886 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of fifteen projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Petrie Central Retail and Residential Precinct Expansion, Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, Pantex Student Accommodation - Young Street, and 50-52 Connors Street Apartments. The following list details those projects deemed 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 reveals Petrie recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Petrie has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 8.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%. As of December 2025, 4,979 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 4.0% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was at 72.8%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. A moderate 17.2% of residents worked from home as per Census responses. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with retail trade notably high at 1.3 times the regional average. Professional & technical employment stands at 6.4%, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 1.5% while labour force grew by 1.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Petrie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Petrie had a median income among taxpayers of $54,189 and an average income of $61,474. Both figures were below the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively for Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in Petrie is approximately $60,345 and average income is around $68,457. Census data shows that incomes in Petrie cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 40.1% of residents, reflecting regional patterns where 33.3% fall within this range. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. Petrie's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Petrie's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.7% houses and 13.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Petrie was 25.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.2% and rented ones at 30.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,725, below Brisbane's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent was $360, compared to Brisbane's $380. Nationally, Petrie's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 77.9% of all households, including 35.0% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 13.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 20.3%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (28.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.1% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 5.0% in tertiary education.

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

Petrie has 30 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 106 unique routes, collectively facilitating 3553 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 222 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Petrie residents commute outward using cars (84%), with train use at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, exceeding regional averages. In 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, 17.2% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency averages 507 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 118 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Petrie is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Petrie faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, with mental health issues impacting 11.7% and asthma affecting 9.1% of residents.

Only approximately 52% of the total population (~4,756 people) has private health cover, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. 64.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of the assessment date (12th September 2021), 15.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,411 people). National rankings for health indicators in this area are even higher than the general population.

Petrie ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Petrie's cultural diversity is below average, with 80.6% of its population born in Australia, 89.5% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Petrie is Christianity, accounting for 46.3% of the population, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (30.9%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, New Zealanders are overrepresented at 1.3%, Welsh at 0.8%, and Maori at 1.3%, compared to regional averages of 1.0%, 0.5%, and 1.1% respectively.

Petrie's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Petrie's median age is 38, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 12.5% of Petrie's population, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 12.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.5% to 4.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.9% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Petrie's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 58%, reaching 700 people from the current 442. This growth contributes to an aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above comprising 57% of projected growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.