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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of February 2026, the estimated population of Petrie is around 9,125. This reflects an increase of 403 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,722. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,117 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 34 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,382 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for Petrie was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. 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 population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected. Petrie is expected to grow by 925 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 10.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Petrie has recorded approximately eight residential properties granted approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 42 homes were approved, with three more approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each home built over these five financial years accommodates about 5.8 new residents annually.

This significant demand outpaces supply, exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. Developers focus on the premium market, constructing new properties at an average expected construction cost of $446,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $3.9 million, indicating limited commercial development activity compared to Greater Brisbane, where Petrie has 82.0% less development activity per person. This scarcity of new dwellings strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 25.0% standalone homes and 75.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's current 87.0% houses. Petrie has around 697 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. By 2041, AreaSearch projects Petrie to add 917 residents.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to affect the area. Key projects include Moreton Bay Central (The Mill) - Knowledge and Innovation Precinct, Petrie Central Retail and Residential Precinct Expansion, Pantex Student Accommodation - Young Street, and 50-52 Connors Street Apartments. The following list details those expected to be 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 8.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.6%. As of September 2025, 4,984 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.5%, higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 74.9%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 17.2% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with notable concentration in retail trade at 1.3 times the regional average. However, professional & technical employment was lower at 6.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 3.6% while labour force grew by 5.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and a decrease in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 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 simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch reports that based on the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Petrie had a median taxpayer income of $54,189 and an average income of $61,474. This is lower than the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 in Greater Brisbane respectively. According to Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Petrie as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,559 (median) and $67,566 (average). Census data shows that incomes in Petrie cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the majority of residents, 40.1% or 3,659 people, fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to regional patterns where 33.3% occupy this range. Housing costs consume 15.4% of income in Petrie, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. The area'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 evaluation, consisted of 86.7% houses and 13.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Petrie was at 25.5%, aligning with Brisbane metro's figure, while mortgaged dwellings accounted for 44.2% and rented dwellings made up 30.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Petrie was $1,725, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Petrie was recorded at $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Petrie's mortgage repayments were below 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 constitute 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 make up 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, 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 among residents aged 15+, with 40.1% holding such qualifications, 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 primary education (10.1%), secondary education (8.3%), and tertiary education (5.0%).

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 individual routes, collectively facilitating 3,553 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 222 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 84%, while train usage stands at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 507 trips per day 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's health profile shows significant challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and prevalence of chronic conditions are high across both younger and older age groups.

Mental health issues affect 11.7% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.1%. Only 64.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52%, covering about 4,704 people, compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,405 people), with national rankings 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 population shows low cultural diversity, with 80.6% born in Australia, 89.5% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 46.3%, slightly below Greater Brisbane's 47.8%. The top three ancestral groups are English (30.9%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprise 1.3% compared to the regional 1.0%, Welsh make up 0.8% versus 0.5%, and Maori account for 1.3% against 1.1%.

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 makes up a strong 12.7% of Petrie's population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.5% to 4.7% of the population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 12.7% to 11.2%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 14.9% to 13.4%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Petrie's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 59% (251 people), reaching 680 from 428. This aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 57% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.