Samford Valley

An assessment of population growth drivers in Samford Valley reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the Samford Valley statistical area's (Lv2) population is estimated at around 3,375. This reflects an increase of 167 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,208 people in the Samford Valley (SA2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,355 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional 73 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 166 persons per square kilometer in the Samford Valley (SA2). The area's population growth rate of 5.2% since the census positions it within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.2%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of statistical areas across the nation is anticipated. The Samford Valley (SA2) is expected to increase by 80 persons to reach a total population of 3,455 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 2.7% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Samford Valley when compared nationally

Samford Valley averaged approximately 11 new dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 56 homes were approved, with a further 7 approved in FY-26 to date. This translates to an average of 2.9 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $805,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $432,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Samford Valley has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 67th percentile nationally. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods.

Recent construction comprises approximately 85% standalone homes and 15% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 203 people per dwelling approval, Samford Valley shows characteristics of a low density area. Future projections suggest Samford Valley will add approximately 91 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

No changes can influence an area's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Significant projects include Ferny Hills Precinct Planning Project, Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme, Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) Interim Amendment No. 1, and Brisbane Northern Suburbs Corridor Capacity. The following list details those 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 of employment trends sees Samford Valley performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Samford Valley has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 5.0%.

As of September 2025, 1,929 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%, and workforce participation is similar at 64.5%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical employment is at 1.5 times the regional average, while retail trade employs only 7.1% of local workers compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.4%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 5.0%, labour force grew by 5.1%, leading to a slight unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points.

In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8% with a corresponding fall in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted slightly by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely matching the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Samford Valley's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider local population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Samford Valley has one of the highest incomes in Australia. The median income is $64,112 and the average income stands at $95,585. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures where the median income is $58,236 and the average income is $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $70,465 (median) and $105,057 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household incomes rank exceptionally at the 98th percentile ($3,250 weekly). The earnings profile shows that 38.5% of the population (1,299 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, unlike the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 33.3%. A substantial proportion of high earners (52.8% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout this suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 90.4% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Samford Valley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Samford Valley's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 92.2% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Samford Valley stood at 48.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.2% and rented ones at 4.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, surpassing Brisbane metro's average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Samford Valley was recorded as $660, higher than Brisbane metro's $440. Nationally, Samford Valley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Samford Valley features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 91.6% of all households, including 50.5% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 8.4%, with lone person households at 7.5% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 3.2 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.9.

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

Samford Valley's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 41.5% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 24.9% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in Queensland. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 27.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.9% and certificates for 17.7%. Educational participation is notably high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Samford Valley shows eight active transport stops currently operating, all of which are bus stops. There is one route serving these stops collectively offering 20 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically located 916 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are two trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Samford Valley's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Samford Valley shows excellent health outcomes, with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover is high at approximately 65% (2,196 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 60.6% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are most common, affecting 6.6% and 6.3% respectively, while 74.7% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.9%.

The area has 21.1% (712 people) aged 65 and over, more than Greater Brisbane's 16.2%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Samford Valley ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Samford Valley's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 78.3% of its population born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Samford Valley, making up 56.2% of people, compared to 52.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.4%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (10.4%).

Notably, South African ethnicity was overrepresented at 1.5%, Scottish at 9.8%, and Welsh at 0.8%.

Samford Valley hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Samford Valley's median age stands at 45, surpassing Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly exceeding the national norm of 38. The age group of 55-64 is strongly represented at 16.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 3.8%. This concentration of 55-64 year-olds is notably higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 4.3% to 6.4%, and the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 12.4% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 15.8% to 14.3%, and the 0 to 4 group fell from 4.6% to 3.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Samford Valley's age profile. Leading this shift, the 85+ group is expected to grow by 224%, reaching 208 from a current figure of 64. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 85% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.