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

Underwood (Qld) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 7,495 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 686 people (10.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,809 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,415 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 140 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,788 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Underwood (Qld) (SA2)'s 10.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 6.4% and 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, 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 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 the Underwood (Qld) (SA2), with the area expected to increase by 1,084 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 shows Underwood had around 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. The average number of new residents per dwelling over these five years was 2.4. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $626,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $9.0 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting 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. Building activity shows 37.0% detached houses and 63.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living that suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, marking a departure from the current 85.0% house dominance. Underwood has around 172 people per approval, indicating a developing area. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Underwood to grow by 1,004 residents through to 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Looking ahead, Underwood is expected to grow by 1,004 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Penrose Place Estate, Underwood Central, South East Busway extension to Springwood (scheduled for completion in 2024), and Eight Mile Plains Shopping Centre Expansion (commenced July 2021). The following list details those most relevant:.

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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's workforce is well-educated with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of September 2025, lower than the Greater Brisbane rate of 4.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.9%. There were 4,231 residents employed in September 2025 with an unemployment rate 1.5% below Greater Brisbane's rate and workforce participation at 67.8%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, construction, and notably transport, postal & warehousing which is 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 worker-to-resident ratio was 0.9 as at Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.9% while labour force grew by 2.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% with unemployment falling by 0.5 percentage points. Statewide in Queensland, as of 25-November-25, employment contracted by 0.01% while the state unemployment rate was 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, covering May-25 to May-30 and May-35 periods, project overall growth of 6.6% and 13.7% respectively. Applying these projections to Underwood's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes without considering population projections.

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

Underwood suburb's median income among taxpayers was $50,587 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $61,960 during the same period. These figures were below Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,600 (median) and $68,100 (average), based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Underwood's household, family, and personal incomes clustered around the 57th percentile nationally. The income band of $1,500 - 2,999 captured 36.1% of the community (2,705 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region where 33.3% fell within this range. High housing costs consumed 16.5% of income. Despite this, disposable income ranked at the 64th percentile nationally, and Underwood's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

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

Underwood's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 77.9% houses and 22.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Underwood was at 23.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.4% and rented ones at 27.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,638. The median weekly rent figure for Underwood was recorded at $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $320. Nationally, Underwood's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

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 residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications at 35.0%, compared to the SA4 region's 16.2% and the SA3 area's 20.6%. This educational advantage is driven by bachelor degrees (23.2%), postgraduate qualifications (8.8%), and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.7% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (18.9%). Educational participation is notably high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary (12.2%), secondary (8.6%), and tertiary (6.2%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

Transport analysis shows 19 active transport stops in Underwood. These comprise a mix of buses served by 3 routes offering 287 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 306 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 41 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 15 weekly trips per stop.

Underwood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Underwood's health outcomes data shows excellent results, with younger age groups having particularly low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 52% (~3,879 people) have private health cover, compared to 49.7% in Greater Brisbane.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.5%) and mental health issues (5.4%). A total of 78.6% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the 68.5% in Greater Brisbane. Underwood has 11.2% (839 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to being above average compared to the broader 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 level of cultural diversity, with 47.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 47.2% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Underwood, comprising 36.7% of the population. Islam is overrepresented, making up 16.7%, which is substantially higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 7.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (19.9%), English (16.2%), and Australian (15.1%). Notably, Korean (4.1%) and Indian (9.1%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 2.3%, respectively. Samoan representation is lower than the regional average at 1.2%.

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

Underwood has a median age of 34, which is slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly below 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 75-84 (3.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 2.8% to 3.5% of Underwood's population, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 15.5% to 14.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Underwood, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to grow by 34%, adding 335 residents to reach a total of 1,325. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.