Richlands (Qld)

Richlands lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025 the estimated population of Richlands (Qld) is around 6,597. This reflects an increase of 976 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,621. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,462, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 311 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,261 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Richlands's 17.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 62.0% 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,233 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 9.4% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Richlands when compared nationally

Richlands has seen approximately 72 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 362 homes were approved, with a further 27 approved in FY-26. On average, 0.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more choice while supporting potential population growth. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $332,000, below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26 alone, there have been $138.3 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Richlands records 233.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice and suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 52.0% detached dwellings and 48.0% medium and high-density housing, showing an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (28.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 143 people per approval, Richlands reflects a developing area. Future projections show Richlands adding 618 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Richlands has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Proposed Coles Shopping Centre at Progress Road, Former Masters Store Retail Centre Redevelopment, Inala Walking Network Plan, and Richlands Railway Station. 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.

Employment conditions in Richlands remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Richlands has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.5% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 3,275 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 70.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment concentrations include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Construction, however, is under-represented at 4.4% compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The worker-to-resident ratio of 1.0 indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force by 0.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced higher growth rates. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years. Applying these projections to Richlands' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

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

Richlands has a high national income level according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2022. Richlands' median income among taxpayers is $71,773 and the average income stands at $79,752. These figures compare to Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $81,814 for median income and $90,909 for average income as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Richlands cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. The data shows that 43.3% of Richlands' population (2,856 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the national figure where 33.3% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Richlands, with only 80.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 43rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Richlands displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Richlands' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 28.0% houses and 72.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Brisbane metro had 80.2% houses and 19.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Richlands was at 6.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.2% and rented ones at 73.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Brisbane metro's $1,630. Median weekly rent was $370 in Richlands, compared to Brisbane metro's $355. Nationally, Richlands' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 vs Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less at $370 compared to the national figure of $375.

Richlands features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 72.5% of all households, including 30.0% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 16.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.5%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households comprising 7.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

Richlands demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Richlands' educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. 31.3% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 18.8% in the SA4 region and 24.6% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 33.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (21.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.3% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.6% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education. Schools are located outside Richlands' immediate boundaries, requiring families to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Richlands has 21 operational public transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. A total of 30 routes service these stops, offering 1,799 weekly passenger trips collectively.

The accessibility of transport in Richlands is rated good, with residents typically located 329 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 257 daily trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 85 weekly trips per individual stop.

Richlands's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health outcomes data shows outstanding results across Richlands. Prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (3,879 people), compared to 49.5% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.4 and 6.7% of residents respectively. 80.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.1% across Greater Brisbane. As of 5th June 2021, the area has 5.9% of residents aged 65 and over (389 people), which is lower than the 13.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, requiring more attention than the broader population.

Richlands is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Richlands has a high level of cultural diversity, with 50.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 50.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Richlands, making up 41.6% of people there. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in the 'Other' category, which comprises 4.6% of Richlands' population compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Richlands are Other (25.9%), English (16.1%), and Australian (14.1%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Samoan is overrepresented at 4.6%, Vietnamese is underrepresented at 6.5% compared to regional averages, and Maori is slightly overrepresented at 2.2%.

Richlands hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Richlands's median age at 28 years is notably lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Richlands has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (25.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 has increased from 2.5% to 3.7%, while the proportion of those aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 26.8% to 25.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Richlands. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 25%, adding 141 people and reaching a total of 709 from 567. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort is projected to decline by 59 people.