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

The population of Petrie, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since Nov 2025, is around 9,130. This figure reflects an increase from the 8,722 people recorded in the 2021 Census, marking a growth of 408 individuals (4.7%). The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 9,117 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 34 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 1,383 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for population growth was natural growth, contributing around 54.0% of overall gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, the suburb of Petrie is expected to increase by approximately 925 persons to reach a total population of around 10,055 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 10.0% over the 17-year period.

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 allocated from statistical area data indicates Petrie has received approximately 8 dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 44 homes. As of FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 is 5.5 people. This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new homes being constructed at an average cost of $446,000.

In this financial year, there have been $3.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Petrie has markedly lower building activity (82.0% below regional average per person), which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. However, construction activity has intensified recently. This level is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 25.0% detached dwellings and 75.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a shift from the current housing mix of 87.0% houses. The location has approximately 625 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Petrie will gain 912 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Petrie has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely affecting this area. Notable projects include Petrie Central Retail and Residential Precinct Expansion, Pantex Student Accommodation - Young Street, 50-52 Connors Street Apartments, and Moreton Bay Central (The Mill) - Knowledge and Innovation Precinct. 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.

Petrie shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Petrie has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 8.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0%.

As of June 2025, 4,993 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.8%, higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was 66.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services had limited presence with 6.4% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 5.0% alongside labour force increasing by 7.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Petrie. These projections suggest national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Petrie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Petrie had a median income among taxpayers of $54,189 during financial year 2022. The average income was $61,474. These figures are below the national averages of $55,645 and $70,520 for Greater Brisbane respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $61,770 and $70,074 based on a 13.99% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Petrie clustered around the 53rd percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, 40.1% of locals (3,661 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consumed 15.4% of income, but strong earnings placed 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

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 78.9% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Petrie was 25.5%, similar to Brisbane metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings were 44.2% and rented ones were 30.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Petrie was $1,725, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,625. Median weekly rent in Petrie was $360, the same as Brisbane metro's figure. Nationally, Petrie's mortgage repayments were lower ($1,725 vs Australia's average of $1,863), and rents were also less ($360 vs 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 comprise 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 in 2016 was 20.3%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials held by residents aged 15+ stood at 40.1%, with advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 28.5%. Current educational participation was high at 29.2%, including 10.1% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 5.0% in tertiary education.

Petrie's four schools had a combined enrollment of 1,835 students as of 2021, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1006) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision was balanced with three primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Petrie has 28 active public transport stops. These include train stations and bus stops. There are 85 different routes serving these stops.

Together, they facilitate 3,573 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 232 meters. On average, there are 510 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to around 127 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, with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 52% (~4,707 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area's rate of 58%.

This compares to 48.5% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (11.7%) and asthma (9.1%). About 64.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.8% across Greater Brisbane. Around 14.8% (~1,351 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, as of the 2016 Census, was predominantly born in Australia (80.6%), with a high proportion being Australian citizens (89.5%) and speaking English only at home (93.9%). The majority religion in Petrie was Christianity, practiced by 46.3% of residents, compared to 48.8% across Greater Brisbane. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.9%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notable differences existed in the representation of New Zealanders (1.3%, vs regional 1.1%), Welsh people (0.8%, vs 0.5%), and Maori (1.3%, vs 1.4%).

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

Petrie's median age is 38, which is slightly older than Greater Brisbane's 36 but equal to Australia's 38 years. The 55-64 age group makes up 12.5% of Petrie's population, higher than Greater Brisbane's figure, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 11.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 3.5% to 4.5% of Petrie's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 14.9% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Petrie's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 66%, adding 269 people and reaching 680 from the current 410. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 57% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are projected to experience population declines.