Capalaba (Qld)

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Evaluating demographic trends, the suburb of Capalaba has an estimated population of approximately 19,151 in May 2026, according to calculations from broader ABS population adjustments and recent addresses verified by Districts following the Census. This indicates a growth of 1,149 people (6.4%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 18,002 people. The adjustment is derived from a baseline of 19,017 residents, projected by Districts using the ABS (June 2025) ERP update, combined with 163 validated new addresses registered after the Census date. This population translates to a density of 1,024 persons per square kilometer, matching typical benchmarks observed in Districts evaluations. The suburb of Capalaba registered a 6.4% expansion rate since the 2021 census, outpacing the wider SA3 area (5.4%) to lead the region in growth. Demographic expansion in the locality was largely fueled by overseas arrivals, who accounted for roughly 52.0% of total population increases over recent times.

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The workforce profile of Capalaba is highly skilled, featuring strong participation in the construction industry, a jobless rate of 4.2%, and an estimated job market expansion of 4.0% over the previous year. Data compiled for March 2026 shows 10,993 employed residents, alongside an unemployment rate that sits 0.1% below the Greater Brisbane figure of 4.3%. Labor participation remains typical, standing at 73.5% relative to the 70.4% recorded across Greater Brisbane. Census records indicate that 14.8% of local workers operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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Taxation statistics from the ATO for financial year 2023 show that personal earnings in Capalaba fall below national averages, with a median of $55,547 and an average of $64,431. These amounts compare to a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799 in Greater Brisbane. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of $61,857 (median) and $71,750 (average) for March 2026. In the 2021 Census, family, household, and individual earnings in the suburb were positioned moderately, sitting between the 49th and 50th percentiles. The primary income group consists of 36.0% of residents (6,894 residents) receiving $1,500 - 2,999 per week, matching the metropolitan distribution where fall within this range. Residential expenses account for of earnings, yet disposable income remains at the th percentile, and the SEIFA index for income places the area in the th decile.

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The mix of housing types in Capalaba at the time of the latest Census stood at 77.7% detached houses and 22.2% alternative structures like townhouses, apartments, or other residences, compared to 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings in metropolitan Brisbane. Rates of outright home ownership reached 30.4%, exceeding the Brisbane metro standard, while the remaining occupied properties were either being purchased with a mortgage (43.1%) or occupied by renters (26.4%). Monthly mortgage payments typically sat at a median of $1,785, which is lower than the Brisbane metropolitan median of $1,863, while weekly rents recorded a median of $385 against the metropolitan figure of $380. When compared to Australian baselines, local home loan repayments are below the national median of $1,863, whereas rental costs run higher than the national median of $375.

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The domestic landscape is led by family units which account for 73.4% of households, consisting of couples with offspring at 31.6%, couples without offspring at 27.5%, and single parent structures at 13.4%. Independent or shared arrangements constitute the remaining 26.6%, containing single-person households at 23.6% and group living situations at 2.9%. The average household size stands at 2.6 residents, aligning with the Greater Brisbane average.

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Local educational attainment metrics indicate that the proportion of residents with tertiary degrees is 18.6%, falling short of the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This highlights room for improvement through focused local learning programs. Undergraduate Bachelor degrees represent 13.8% of qualifications, with postgraduate degrees at 3.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational education and practical skillsets are highly represented, with 42.2% of individuals aged 15+ holding technical certifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificate qualifications at 30.6%.

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Assessments of local transport infrastructure indicate that 117 public transit stops, consisting of bus services, operate in Capalaba. These facilities are connected to 21 distinct transit lines, which handle a combined 1,141 passenger journeys each week. Local transit access is rated highly, with average resident proximity to the closest stop measured at 229 meters. Because the locality is mostly residential, commuting patterns show that a majority of workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 91%. Household vehicle rates average 1.6 cars per residence, exceeding regional norms. Additionally, 14.8% of residents worked from their homes at the time of the 2021 Census, a figure potentially affected by COVID-19 conditions.

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Based on Districts' analysis of mortality and long-term illness data, public health challenges are evident in Capalaba, with common medical issues prevalent across both youth and elderly demographics. Private healthcare coverage is slightly above the baseline for typical SA2 regions, representing approximately 53% of all residents (~10,098 people), compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 55.8%.

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The suburb exhibits higher than average multicultural characteristics, with 10.4% of residents speaking non-English languages in their households and 22.8% having been born outside Australia. Christianity represents the primary religious affiliation, claimed by 50.8% of the local population. However, the most distinct variation in religious representation is observed in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of residents, equal to the 0.1% baseline across Greater Brisbane.

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At 39, the median age in Capalaba is slightly above the Greater Brisbane mark of 36 and nearly identical to the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, there is a larger proportion of residents in the 65 - 74 range (10.9%) but fewer in the 25 - 34 bracket (11.9%). Since the 2021 Census, individuals aged 75 to 84 increased from 5.0% to 6.9% of the total population. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age segment decreased from 13.2% to 11.9%, while the 55 to 64 bracket fell from 13.2% to 11.9%. By 2041, Capalaba is expected to experience significant shifts in its age distribution. Driven by this demographic transition, the to age group will grow by ( people), expanding from to . This aging trend is prominent, with individuals aged and over accounting for of all expected population gains. Meanwhile, contractions are forecasted for the to and to cohorts.

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Capalaba currently has an estimated 1,129 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 668 children aged 0-2 and 444 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 6% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 20% by 2041 (to approximately 905 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,903. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.