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 since the Census Petrie statistical area's population is estimated at around 9,125 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 403 people (4.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,722 people. 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, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the Petrie (SA2) was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected, with the Petrie (SA2) expected to expand 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Petrie has received approximately 8 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 42 homes. In FY-26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded. This translates to about 5.8 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. The supply of new dwellings is substantially lagging demand, which typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $446,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $3.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting Petrie's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Petrie shows significantly reduced construction activity, at 82.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, construction activity has intensified recently. Nationally, Petrie's building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity in Petrie shows a split of 25.0% detached houses and 75.0% townhouses or apartments.

This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 87.0% houses. Petrie has an estimated population density of around 697 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Petrie is expected to grow by approximately 917 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Petrie 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 fifteen projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones 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 projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Petrie recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Petrie's workforce consists of skilled individuals, 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 stood at 4.5%, 0.5 percentage points higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was 66.5%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade had particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

In contrast, professional & technical services employed only 6.4% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.6%, while labour force grew by 5.0%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.3 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Brisbane, where employment rose by 3.8%, the labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Queensland to November 25 showed employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Job and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts for May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Petrie. These projections estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Petrie's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Petrie had a median income among taxpayers of $54,189. The average income stood at $61,474. This is below the national average of $62,439 and compares to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,559 (median) and $67,566 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Petrie cluster around the 53rd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows 40.1% of the population fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 33.3% occupy this bracket. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, placing disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth 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). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 78.9% houses and 21.2% 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 in Petrie was $1,725, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,625. The median weekly rent in Petrie was $360, the same as Brisbane metro's figure. 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 account for 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 constitute 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 was 20.3% in 20XX, 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 were held by 40.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 28.5%. Educational participation was high, with 29.2% enrolled in formal education as of XXXX-XX-XX.

This included 10.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing 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 individual routes that collectively facilitate 3,553 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 222 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 507 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 118 weekly trips per 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% (~4704 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Brisbane's 49.4%.

Mental health issues affect 11.7%, while asthma impacts 9.1% of residents. About 64.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.8% in Greater Brisbane. Around 14.8% (1350 people) are aged 65 and over, broadly aligning 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 shows lower cultural diversity, with 80.6% born in Australia and 93.9% speaking English only at home. The majority of Petrie residents are citizens, comprising 89.5%. Christianity is the predominant religion in Petrie, at 46.3%, slightly below Greater Brisbane's 48.8%.

In terms of ancestry, English (30.9%) and Australian (27.3%) are the most prevalent, followed by Irish (8.8%). Notably, New Zealanders make up 1.3% of Petrie's population compared to the regional average of 1.1%, Welsh residents are at 0.8% versus 0.5%, and Maori representation stands at 1.3%.

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

Petrie's median age is 38, slightly higher 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 compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.5% to 4.5% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.9% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Petrie's age structure. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 66%, reaching 680 people from 410. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 57% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.