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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Richlands (Qld)'s population is estimated at around 6797 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1176 people (20.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5621 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6658, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 319 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1299 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Richlands' 20.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.9%), along with the national average, 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, 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 1216 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 5.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Richlands among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Richlands has seen approximately 69 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 347 homes were approved, with an additional 35 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1 person per year moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years, indicating that supply has met or exceeded demand.

This has provided greater buyer choice and supported potential population growth above projections. The average value of new dwellings developed was approximately $331,000. In FY-26 alone, $85.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Richlands shows 219.0% higher development activity per person as of the latest data. This should provide buyers with ample choice, although building activity has slowed in recent years.

The area's development activity is significantly above the national average, indicating strong developer interest. New development consists of approximately 61.0% detached houses and 39.0% townhouses or apartments, offering an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. Richlands reflects a developing area with around 108 people per approval. Looking ahead, Richlands is expected to grow by approximately 399 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current 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 16 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Proposed Coles Shopping Centre - 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.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Richlands maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Richlands has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 5.1% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 4.7%. As of September 2025, 3,360 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is 1.1% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Richlands is lower at 66.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. Based on Census responses, 13.0% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area has notable concentration in transport, postal & warehousing, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.4%. The worker-resident ratio is 1.0, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7% and labour force grew by 3.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Richlands's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

The suburb of Richlands has a high national income level according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Richlands is $71,834 and the average income stands at $79,816. These figures compare to Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799 respectively. Based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $78,953 (median) and $87,726 (average). Census data from 2021 shows that income levels in Richlands cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 43.3% of the population, equating to 2,943 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the metropolitan region where 33.3% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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

The latest Census data shows that in Richlands, 28.0% of dwellings are houses and 72.1% are other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In Brisbane metro, these figures were 73.5% and 26.5%, respectively. 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 in Richlands was $1,517, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863. The median weekly rent in Richlands was $370, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Richlands' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 27.5%, with lone person households at 19.3% and group households at 7.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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 is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 31.3% hold 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 also prevalent, with 33.9% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 12.5% and certificates make up 21.4%.

Educational participation is high in Richlands, with 34.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.6% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Richlands shows that there are currently 21 active transport stops operating within the area. These include a mix of train and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 38 individual routes which provide a combined total of 1,799 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good with residents typically located approximately 329 meters away from their nearest transport stop. As Richlands is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transportation remains the car at 81%, while train usage stands at 12%.

On average, there are 1.2 vehicles owned per dwelling in Richlands which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 13% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages around 257 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 85 weekly trips per individual stop.

Richlands's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Richlands residents show positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks.

Common health issues affect both young and old equally. Private health cover is high at 59% (3,998 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8%. Mental health issues and asthma are most common, impacting 7.4% and 6.7% respectively. 80.3% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Only 6.6% (448 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Senior health outcomes rank above average, matching national averages.

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 predominant religion in Richlands, comprising 41.6% of its people. Notably, the category 'Other' makes up 4.6% of Richlands' population, compared to 1.3% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other', at 25.9%, is substantially higher than the regional average of 9.4%. English ancestry, at 16.1%, is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%. Australian ancestry, at 14.1%, is also lower than the regional average of 23.2%. Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: Samoan at 4.6% (regional average 0.9%), Vietnamese at 6.5% (regional average 0.8%), and Maori at 2.2% (regional average 1.1%).

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

Richlands's median age is 28 years, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Richlands has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (25.2%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (4.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 2.5% to 4.1%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 26.8% to 25.2%. Population forecasts for Richlands in 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 20% (115 people), reaching a population of 707 from 591. Conversely, the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are projected to experience population declines.