Zillmere

Zillmere has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Zillmere is around 10,148, reflecting an increase of 825 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.8% rise from the previous population count of 9,323. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of a resident population of 10,132 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,772 persons per square kilometer, placing Zillmere in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area at 7.7%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 60% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data, for each age cohort. Examining future trends, lower quartile growth is anticipated nationally, with Zillmere expected to expand by 378 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 3.6% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Zillmere recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Zillmere shows approximately 25 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 126 homes. As of FY-26, nine approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.6 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand exceeds supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $562,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, $22.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Zillmere has 14.0% less building activity per person and ranks at the 28th percentile nationally for areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Recent construction consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% attached dwellings, favouring higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 600 people per dwelling approval, Zillmere reflects a highly mature market. By 2041, AreaSearch projects an increase of 362 residents in Zillmere.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of seventeen projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Pioneer Estate, Zillmere Station Transit Oriented Development, Carseldine Village - 5-Star Green Star Community, and Beams Road Level Crossing Removal & Overpass. The following list provides details on those projects 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 reveals Zillmere recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Zillmere has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 8.4% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 10.5%. As of December 2025, 5747 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.3%, 0.2 percentage points higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was at 74.1%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 14.6% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing, with a notable specialisation in the latter at 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, education & training had lower representation at 7.2%.

Employment opportunities locally might be limited as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 10.5% and labour force grew by 9.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2%, labour force grow by 3.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 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 Zillmere's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Zillmere's median income among taxpayers is $52,737. The average income in the suburb is $63,042. Both figures are below the national average. In Greater Brisbane, the median income is $58,236 and the average is $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Zillmere's median income would be approximately $58,728 as of March 2026, with an average of around $70,204. Census 2021 data indicates personal income ranks at the 47th percentile ($788 weekly), and household income at the 30th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates in Zillmere with 33.1% of residents (3,358 people). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile.

Zillmere displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Zillmere's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 55.0% houses and 45.1% other dwellings. In Brisbane metro, this was 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Zillmere stood at 18.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.2% and rented ones at 54.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,677, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Zillmere's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Zillmere features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 60.2% of all households, including 21.3% couples with children, 22.3% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.8%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households comprising 6.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Zillmere fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational qualifications in Zillmere trail regional benchmarks; 27.1% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to the SA4 region's 33.8%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (24.6%).

Educational participation is high; 29.5% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (8.6%), tertiary education (6.4%), and secondary education (6.2%).

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

Zillmere has 58 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 40 individual routes that facilitate 2,471 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent with residents typically located 152 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 76%, followed by train at 13% and bus at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 14.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 353 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Zillmere is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Zillmere faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 52% of the total population (~5,295 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, impacting 10.8 and 8.4% of residents respectively. However, 67.2% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 69.2%. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 14.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,451 people), with senior health outcomes generally in line with national rankings.

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

Zillmere's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 31.0% born overseas and 23.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Zillmere, comprising 44.5% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category made up 5.6% of Zillmere's population, higher than Greater Brisbane's 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (24.4%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (14.4%), with the latter significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 9.4%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Samoan was represented at 0.9% in Zillmere, Maori at 1.1%, and Filipino at 2.2%, compared to regional averages of 0.9%, 1.1%, and 1.2% respectively.

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

Zillmere's median age is 34, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Zillmere has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of Zillmere's population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 15.0% to 16.3%, while the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has decreased from 12.7% to 11.7%. By 2041, Zillmere's population is forecasted to experience significant demographic changes. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 20%, adding 230 residents and reaching a total of 1,357. This growth is primarily driven by demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 58% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.