Underwood (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Underwood are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Underwood's population is estimated at around 7495 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 686 people (10.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6809 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7415, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 140 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1788 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Underwood's 10.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.4%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb 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. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected for Underwood (Qld), with the suburb expected to increase by 1084 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 13.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Underwood has had approximately 49 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 248 homes. As of FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has added around 2.4 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $626,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year, $9.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing limited commercial development focus compared to Greater Brisbane. Underwood records 151.0% more new home approvals per person than Greater Brisbane, offering greater choice for buyers. New building activity comprises 37.0% detached houses and 63.0% attached dwellings, favouring higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points suited to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, currently at 85.0% houses, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Underwood reflects a developing area with around 172 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Underwood is expected to grow by approximately 1,004 residents through to 2041.

With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Underwood has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects expected to impact the region. Notable ones include Penrose Place Estate, Underwood Central, South East Busway extension to Springwood (scheduled for completion in June 2021), and Eight Mile Plains Shopping Centre Expansion (commencing late 2020). 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.

Underwood ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Underwood has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, below the national average. In the year ending September 2025, employment grew by 2.9%.

As of this date, 4,231 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is 75.2%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census data, 14.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Notably, transport, postal & warehousing has employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 7.1% of Underwood's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The ratio of 0.9 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, while the labour force grew by 2.3%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and a 0.5 percentage point reduction in unemployment over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Underwood's employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Underwood's current employment mix.

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

The suburb of Underwood has an income level below the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Underwood is $50,587, and the average income stands at $61,960. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's figures are $58,236 (median) and $72,799 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $55,600 (median) and $68,100 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Underwood cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. The income band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 36.1% of the community (2,705 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region where 33.3% fall within this range. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 64th percentile nationally. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Underwood is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The latest Census data for Underwood shows that 84.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In Brisbane metro, this was 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Underwood stood at 23.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.4% and rented ones at 27.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Underwood was $1,950, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,863. The median weekly rent in Underwood was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Underwood's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 82.0% of all households, including 46.6% couples with children, 22.2% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 15.2% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Underwood's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 35.0% hold university qualifications compared to the SA4 region's 16.2% and the SA3 area's 20.6%. This educational advantage positions Underwood strongly for knowledge-based opportunities, led by bachelor degrees at 23.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent in Underwood, with 30.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 18.9%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.2% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Underwood has 19 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together provide 287 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 306 meters from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 89%, while bus usage stands at 6%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Underwood, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.1% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 41 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Underwood's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Underwood. AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (around 3,879 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.5 and 5.4% of residents respectively. Around 78.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (899 people), lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Underwood has a high cultural diversity, with 47.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 47.2% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 36.7%. Islam is overrepresented at 16.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's average of 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (19.9%), English (16.2%), and Australian (15.1%). Korean (4.1%) is notably overrepresented, as are Indian (9.1%) and Samoan (1.2%).

Underwood hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Underwood's median age is 34, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Underwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75-84 age group has increased from 2.8% to 3.9% of Underwood's population, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 15.5% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial changes in Underwood's population. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 32%, adding 320 residents and reaching a total of 1,325. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.