Cedar Vale (Qld)

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Cedar Vale's total population is estimated at approximately 3,261 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population numbers for the wider district and address registrations validated by Districts since the Census. This represents a gain of 405 individuals (14.2%) relative to the 2,856 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. The calculation is derived from an Estimated Resident Population of 3,186 calculated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release, supplemented by 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. With 207 persons per square kilometer, the community maintains a low density that offers spacious living and capacity for future housing. The 14.2% expansion rate outpaces the national growth average of 9.3% and the state average, positioning the locality as a regional growth leader. Net interstate migration was the primary driver, accounting for roughly 75.0% of recent population gains, though natural increase and overseas arrivals also made positive contributions.

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The local workforce features a balanced mix of white-collar and blue-collar workers, with construction representing a notably large share of employment, while the unemployment rate sits at a low 2.6%, based on aggregated statistical area statistics. As of March 2026, there are 1,692 employed residents. The local unemployment rate is 1.7 percentage points below the 4.3% recorded for Greater Brisbane, while the rate of workforce participation aligns closely with the metropolitan average of 70.4%. Census records show that a low 11.4% of residents worked from home, although this figure may be influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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Taxpayer data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year indicates that incomes in the suburb of Cedar Vale are below the national average. Local taxpayers recorded a median income of $53,108 and an average income of $61,995, compared to metropolitan averages of $58,236 and $72,799 in Greater Brisbane. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be roughly $59,141 for the median and $69,038 for the average. Census records show household incomes are highly ranked at the 81st percentile, at $2,261 weekly. In terms of earnings distribution, 43.8% of the population, or 1,428 people, earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is higher than the regional rate of 33.3% in this bracket. Housing costs consume of household income, while disposable income ranks at the st percentile, and the local SEIFA index for income places the area in the th decile.

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Census data indicates that the dwelling mix in Cedar Vale consists of 99.4% detached houses and 0.6% alternative housing types, such as townhouses or apartments, compared to a metro Brisbane split of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. The home ownership rate stands at 24.7%, slightly below the Brisbane metropolitan average, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (67.4%) or tenants (7.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,950 is higher than the Brisbane metro average of $1,863, while the median weekly rent is $460, compared to $380 regionally. Nationally, local mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also higher than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 88.2%, consisting of couples with children at 48.5%, couples without children at 28.5%, and single parent households at 10.9%. Non-family households account for the remaining 11.8%, with single-person households representing 10.0% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 3.2 individuals is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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The community has lower rates of higher education, with 11.5% of residents holding a university qualification compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This presents an opportunity for targeted educational support. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.4%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.6% and postgraduate degrees at 1.5%. Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 45.2% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificate credentials at 33.7%.

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Public transport services in Cedar Vale consist of a single active transit stop served by buses. This stop is connected to a single route, offering a total of 98 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is low, with residents living an average of 2245 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential character of the suburb, the vast majority of workers commute to other areas, and private vehicles are the primary mode of travel for 96% of commuters. Households average 2.4 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. A low 11.4% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era circumstances.

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Mortality data and chronic illness statistics analyzed by Districts point to health challenges in Cedar Vale, with common medical issues present in both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance is low at approximately 52% of the population, representing about 1,688 people, compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

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Cultural diversity is below regional averages, with 85.3% of residents born in Australia, 90.8% holding citizenship, and 96.0% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 44.3% of the community. The most distinct variance is in the Other category, which represents 0.6% of residents, compared to 1.3% in Greater Brisbane.

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The median age of 37 years in Cedar Vale is very close to the Greater Brisbane median of 36 and the national median of 38. Compared to the wider Brisbane area, the suburb has a higher share of children aged 5 to 14 at 15.9%, but a smaller share of young adults aged 25 to 34 at 9.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 13.0% to 14.7%, while the 5 to 14 group decreased from 17.0% to 15.9%. Demographic models indicate the age structure will change by 2041, with the 45 to 54 bracket projected to grow fastest at 38%, adding residents to total .

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Cedar Vale currently has an estimated 189 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 116 children aged 0-2 and 77 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 7% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 211 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 384. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.