Browns Plains (Qld)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region and fresh addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the resident count for the suburb of Browns Plains (Qld) is projected to be approximately 8,035 in May 2026. This represents a gain of 1,403 individuals (21.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a total of 6,632 residents. This shift is calculated from a local population of 7,910, determined by Districts through analyzing the latest ERP release by the ABS (June 2025) and incorporating an additional 255 verified new addresses since the Census date. This size of population results in a density of 1,569 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical figure observed across nationwide locations tracked by Districts. The 21.2% expansion in the suburb of Browns Plains (Qld) since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%), as well as the state, positioning the area as a regional growth leader. Population expansion here was mostly fueled by interstate relocation, which accounted for roughly 41.0% of the overall population rise in recent times, though all components including overseas migration and natural increase remained positive contributors.

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The local workforce is evenly distributed between professional and industrial roles, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, alongside an unemployment rate of 7.7%, compiled by Districts from regional statistics. As of March 2026, 3,538 local residents are employed, while the jobless rate sits 3.4% higher than the Greater Brisbane level of 4.3%, indicating room for progress, and labor force participation is notably lower (62.4% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.4%). Census data indicates that a small 8.1% of working residents performed their jobs from home, though the influence of COVID-19 containment measures should be kept in mind.

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Taxpayer income statistics for the area show a median of $49,912 and an average of $55,470, according to the most recent postcode-level ATO records compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. These figures sit below the national average, contrasting with a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799 in Greater Brisbane. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would stand at approximately $55,582 (median) and $61,771 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and individual incomes are all relatively low, placing between the 25th and 28th percentiles. The earnings distribution shows that the largest group, comprising 35.5% of local residents (2,852 people), falls in the $1,500 - bracket, which aligns with broader regional patterns where occupy this same bracket. Housing affordability pressure is major, leaving only of income after housing costs, placing the area in the nd percentile.

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Residential configurations in the area, according to the most recent Census, consisted of 78.1% free-standing houses and 21.9% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to the Brisbane metropolitan averages of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Furthermore, the rate of home ownership was lower than the Brisbane metropolitan average, standing at 19.6%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (31.9%) or occupied by tenants (48.4%). The median monthly home loan payment was significantly below the Brisbane metro average at $1,434, while the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $350, compared to Brisbane metro figures of $1,863 and $380 respectively. On a national scale, mortgage payments are notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents sit below the countrywide benchmark of $375.

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Family units make up the vast majority of households at 73.4%, which includes 29.7% couples raising children, 22.2% couples without children, and 19.5% single parents with children. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 26.6%, consisting of single-person households at 22.4% and group shared homes at 4.3% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.7 people is slightly larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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The locality faces educational barriers, with tertiary qualification rates (14.9%) sitting significantly below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This presents a clear challenge as well as a chance for focused educational programs. Undergraduate degrees are the most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.8%). Vocational and technical expertise is highly prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (30.6%).

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Public transport data identifies 24 active transit stops within the locality, consisting of various bus options. These transit locations are connected by 16 unique routes, which combine to support 3,162 weekly passenger trips. Transport connectivity is classified as good, with locals generally residing 317 meters away from the nearest boarding point. Due to the area's residential nature, the majority of workers travel outside the suburb, and private vehicles remain the primary choice for 92% of commuters. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per home. A relatively low 8.1% of workers performed their jobs from home, which was recorded during the 2021 Census and may reflect conditions during the pandemic.

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Public health metrics indicate major challenges for the area, based on Districts assessments of mortality patterns and chronic illness rates, with a notable incidence of common health issues across both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is relatively low at roughly 49% of the total population (~3,951 people). This is lower than the 55.8% recorded across Greater Brisbane and the national benchmark of 55.7%.

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The locality exhibits a higher degree of cultural diversity than most suburban markets, with 27.3% of residents using a non-English language at home and 34.9% of the population born outside Australia. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 42.3% of the local population. However, the most pronounced religious deviation is in Islam, which accounts for 6.5% of the community compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

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With a median age of 34, the locality is slightly younger than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and sits below the nationwide figure of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, the area has a larger proportion of residents aged 5 - 14 (15.1%) but a lower share of people aged 75 - 84 (3.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 14.0% to 15.8% of the local population, while the 25 to 34 group has shrunk from 15.5% to 14.4%. Future demographic models for 2041 suggest significant changes for the locality, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to grow the fastest at , adding residents to reach a total of whereas the to group is projected to rise by a modest ( people).

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Browns Plains currently has an estimated 570 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 368 children aged 0-2 and 245 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 19% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 588 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,025. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 14.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.