Caboolture QLD suburb profile: population, housing and growth in 2026

We put Caboolture's estimated population at 35,807 as of May 2026 — up 21.2% on the 2021 Census count. Located 45 km north of the Brisbane CBD, it is one of South East Queensland's fastest-growing suburbs and a significant regional hub in its own right.

For the full data set, see the Caboolture suburb profile.

Growth at more than double the state rate

Caboolture added roughly 6,260 residents between the 2021 Census and mid-2026 — a 21.2% increase that is well above the Queensland average. The 10-year compound annual growth rate sits at 3.2%, making it one of the faster-growing large suburbs in South East Queensland.

That growth is driven by the suburb's position on the Brisbane–Moreton Bay corridor: land is available, the median house price is below Brisbane metro levels, and the rail link provides a direct commute to the city.

House-dominated housing stock

77.5% of Caboolture's dwellings are detached houses — higher than the Brisbane metro average of 73.5% and vastly above inner-city suburbs. Semi-detached homes account for 19.7%, and apartments are just 2.2%. This is a suburb where families can find houses with yards at price points that have become harder to find closer to the CBD.

Tenure reflects that affordability: 43.6% of residents rent, 34.9% hold a mortgage, and 21.5% own outright. The mortgage share is higher than Brisbane's inner suburbs, suggesting Caboolture is attracting buyers who are priced out of closer-in markets.

What housing actually costs

At the 2021 Census, the median monthly mortgage repayment in Caboolture was $1,561 — below the Brisbane metro average. Median weekly rent was $310 according to Census data, though the DFFH Rental Report puts the current figure at $564 per week (new bonds lodged), up 3.2% year on year. The gap between the Census figure and the DFFH figure reflects five years of rent growth and the difference between a stock-wide median and new-tenancy pricing.

Transport: rail-connected but car-dependent

Caboolture has 94 active transit stops served by 88 routes carrying 2,665 weekly trips. The suburb sits on the Caboolture rail line, providing a direct service to Brisbane CBD — a key drawcard for commuters.

However, the transit access rating is moderate. The average distance between stops is higher than inner Brisbane, and the majority of residents still commute by car. Caboolture is transit-connected in a way that many outer suburbs are not, but it is not walkable in the way inner-city suburbs are.

Schools and services

Caboolture has a full complement of schools and community services, consistent with its role as a regional hub. The suburb's amenity scores reflect its developing status: supermarket access scores 29 (mean distance 2.0 km), GP access scores 22 (1.8 km), and child care scores 14 (956 m). These are lower than inner-Brisbane figures but typical for a growth corridor suburb where retail and service infrastructure is still catching up to population growth.

What the data does not tell you

Districts does not hold a current median house or unit price for Caboolture — the suburb profile tracks demographics and housing costs from Census data. Recent recorded sales are available on the profile page. Where a number is missing here, Districts does not estimate one. Our approach is documented in our methodology.

Caboolture suburb FAQ

Is Caboolture a good suburb for families?

Caboolture's 77.5% detached-house stock, below-average mortgage repayments, and direct rail link to Brisbane make it a practical option for families who need space and can tolerate a longer commute. The growth rate suggests many families are making exactly that calculation.

How far is Caboolture from Brisbane?

Caboolture is approximately 45 km north of the Brisbane CBD. The Caboolture rail line provides a direct train service, making it one of the outer northern suburbs with genuine public transport access to the city.

Is Caboolture growing fast?

At 21.2% growth since the 2021 Census, Caboolture is growing at more than double the Queensland average. The 10-year compound annual growth rate of 3.2% confirms this is a sustained trend, not a one-off spike.

What is the rental market like in Caboolture?

The DFFH Rental Report puts the median weekly rent at $564 for new bonds, up 3.2% year on year. The Census median of $310 reflects the broader stock. Caboolture's rental market is tightening but remains more affordable than Brisbane's inner suburbs.

Compare Caboolture against the rest of Queensland on the Queensland suburbs list.