Ripley

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Ripley is around 10,150, reflecting a significant increase since the 2021 Census. The suburb's population grew by 5,862 people (136.7%) from 4,288 in 2021. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,488 based on latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and an additional 2,031 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 788 persons per square kilometer, inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Ripley's growth rate exceeded both national average (8.9%) and state average, making it a significant growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed around 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts using ABS Greater Capital Region projections from 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate exceptional growth, placing the suburb in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, with an expected expansion of 20,968 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 174.1% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Ripley was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Ripley averaged approximately 516 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 2,581 homes were approved, with an additional 263 approved so far in FY-26. This translates to about 1.5 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these past five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $392,000, which is below regional norms, suggesting more affordable housing options are available in Ripley. In FY-26, approximately $12.7 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development in the area. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Ripley has seen an 891.0% increase in new home approvals per person, offering buyers ample choice and reflecting robust developer interest in the area. The majority of new developments consist of detached houses (96.0%), with only 4.0% being medium or high-density housing, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Ripley currently shows characteristics of a growth area, with around 10 people moving in for each dwelling approval.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Ripley is projected to add approximately 17,670 residents by 2041. Although construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, buyers may face increasing competition as the population continues to grow.

Ripley 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 25 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Satterley Ripley Valley Estate, HB Land Bellevue Estate, Ripley Valley Master Planned Community, and AVJennings Cadence Estate. 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.

The employment environment in Ripley shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Ripley has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.

Employment stability has been maintained over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 3,688 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Ripley is high at 76.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Residents are concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade.

Public administration & safety is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Professional & technical services are under-represented, at 4.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, labour force increased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.1%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a decrease in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ripley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Ripley's median income among taxpayers was $56,829 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $64,943 during the same period. In Greater Brisbane, the median income was $55,645 and the average income was $70,520. By September 2025, estimates suggest Ripley's median income would be approximately $64,779 and the average income around $74,029, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, personal income in Ripley ranked at the 79th percentile ($1,011 weekly), while household income was at the 59th percentile. In terms of income distribution, 46.4% of residents (4,709 people) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupied this bracket. High housing costs consumed 17.9% of income in Ripley, yet strong earnings placed disposable income at the 57th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Ripley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Ripley's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ripley stood at 11.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.3% and rented ones at 42.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,718, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Ripley was $375, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Ripley's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

Ripley has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 74.4% of all households, including 34.6% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.6%, consisting of 21.5% lone person households and 3.5% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

Ripley performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Ripley trail's educational qualifications benchmark at 23.3% of residents aged 15+, compared to Greater Brisbane's 30.5%. Bachelor degrees lead with 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, held by 43.6% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (31.6%). Educational participation is high at 31.4%, with 10.9% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Ripley Central State School serves Ripley, enrolling 390 students as of the latest data point. The school focuses on primary education, with ICSEA score of 996 indicating typical Australian school conditions. Secondary options are available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 3.8 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 17.9, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Ripley has seven active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route, providing a total of 152 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents on average located 430 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Ripley's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Ripley with younger cohorts seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~5,373 people), leading that of the average SA2 area and comparing to 49.9% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues impacting 10.1% of residents and asthma impacting 8.6%. Meanwhile, 73.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.2% across Greater Brisbane. As of 6th April 2021, the area has 6.1% of residents aged 65 and over (619 people), which is lower than the 15.3% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but require more attention than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Ripley was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ripley's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 22.7% of its population born overseas and 16.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Ripley, accounting for 45.6% of its population. Notably, the category 'Other' comprised 2.5% of Ripley's population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, Australian and English were the top two represented groups, each comprising 26.9% of Ripley's population, followed by Other at 8.7%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: Samoan was overrepresented at 1.4%, compared to 0.9% regionally, Maori at 1.3% (vs 0.9%), and New Zealand at 1.0% (vs 0.9%).

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

Ripley has a median age of 29, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and the Australian median of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 25-34 are most prominent (21.4%), while those aged 65-74 are comparatively smaller (4.1%) compared to Greater Brisbane. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 15.1% to 17.8%, and the 5 to 14 cohort has grown from 13.6% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 24.4% to 21.4%. By 2041, Ripley's age composition is expected to change significantly, with the 35 to 44 age cohort projected to grow exceptionally by 2,939 people (163%), from 1,806 to 4,746.