Chelmer (Qld)

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According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, combined with updated addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Chelmer has an estimated residency of approximately 3,276 individuals as of May 2026. This represents a contraction of 49 people (1.5%) from the 2021 Census, when the population was recorded at 3,325 individuals. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 3,276, which was determined by Districts through analyzing the latest ABS ERP figures from June 2025 alongside an additional 4 validated new addresses post-Census. With this population level, the density ratio stands at 2,275 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio observed across nationwide locations tracked by Districts. Net growth in the suburb of Chelmer was largely powered by arrivals from overseas, which represented roughly 94.0% of the overall population increases in recent times.

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Chelmer features a workforce with high levels of education, particularly in professional service industries, alongside an unemployment rate of only 2.2%, according to Districts figures compiled from statistical districts. In March 2026, there were 1,751 employed residents, and the local unemployment rate was 2.1% lower than the 4.3% rate recorded across Greater Brisbane, while participation in the labor force was slightly lower than typical levels, standing at 66.6% compared to 70.4% in Greater Brisbane. Census records indicate a substantial 38.1% of working residents performed their jobs from home, although this figure may be influenced by pandemic lockdown restrictions.

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The suburb of Chelmer shows a median taxpayer income of $64,146 and an average of $97,345 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is exceptionally high nationally, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $71,433 (median) and $108,403 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Chelmer, between the 94th and 99th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 42.7% earning $4000+ weekly (1,398 residents), unlike trends the surrounding region where fall within the - range. Chelmer demonstrates considerable affluence with earning over per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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According to the most recent Census data, residential housing structures in Chelmer consisted of 94.6% stand-alone houses and 5.4% other housing types like duplexes, apartments, or alternative dwellings, compared to the Brisbane metropolitan split of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Furthermore, the rate of home ownership in Chelmer stood significantly higher than the metropolitan average at 39.5%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with mortgages (44.9%) or tenants (15.6%). The median monthly cost for mortgage holders in the area was $3,000, which is considerably higher than the Brisbane metropolitan average of $1,863, while the median weekly rental cost was $490, compared to $380 across the Brisbane metro area. On a national level, Chelmer's mortgage payments are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, while rents exceed the national median of $375.

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Family units constitute the vast majority of households at 82.0%, which is made up of 48.4% couples raising children, 25.0% couples without children at home, and 7.8% single parents. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 18.0% of households, with single-person residences at 15.2% and share-houses representing 2.4%. The typical household size of 3.0 individuals is larger than the 2.6 average observed across Greater Brisbane.

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Academic credentials in Chelmer are significantly higher than broader regional averages, as 56.1% of residents aged 15+ have earned tertiary degrees, compared to 25.7% throughout QLD and 30.4% across Australia. This elevated education profile positions the population well for professional and knowledge-based career opportunities. Bachelor-level degrees represent the largest share at 34.9%, with postgraduate degrees at 15.8% and graduate diplomas at 5.4%. Technical and vocational training accounts for 17.4% of qualifications for individuals aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificate-level courses (8.5%).

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An analysis of public transit options shows 10 transit stops operating in Chelmer, offering a combination of rail and bus services. These stops support 90 separate routes, which combine to deliver 2,763 passenger journeys each week. Local transit access is classified as good, with residents living an average of 338 meters from their nearest stop. Because this is a predominantly residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with private cars remaining the primary transit method at 77%, followed by 15% using trains and 3% traveling by bicycle. Households own an average of 1.7 motor vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. A substantial 38.1% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era arrangements.

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An evaluation of health indicators demonstrates positive outcomes for Chelmer residents, based on Districts analysis of mortality statistics and the occurrence of long-term illnesses. The occurrence of standard medical conditions remains low across the broader population, though it rises above national averages in older, higher-risk groups, and the proportion of residents with private health insurance is remarkably high, covering approximately 66% of the population (2,154 people). In comparison, private coverage stands at 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and 55.7% nationally.

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Chelmer exhibits higher cultural diversity than average, with 13.3% of residents communicating in a language other than English in their homes, and 25.7% of the population having been born overseas. The predominant religious affiliation in the area is Christianity, chosen by 53.5% of residents, compared to 47.8% recorded across Greater Brisbane.

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With a median age of 41, Chelmer's population is noticeably older than the Greater Brisbane median of 36 and slightly older than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Brisbane region, the 15 - 24 age bracket is significantly larger (representing 18.0% of the local population), whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller (5.2%). This local concentration of young adults aged 15 - 24 sits well above the national level of 12.7%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has expanded from 14.7% to 18.0% of the population, and the 75 to 84 bracket has increased from 4.7% to 6.4%. By contrast, the 5 to cohort declined from to , and the to group shrank from to . Demographic forecasts suggest Chelmer's age structure will shift considerably by . The cohort aged and over is set to expand rapidly, growing by individuals () from to . Furthermore, the combined groups aged and over will account for of the total population growth, pointing to a graying local demographic. Conversely, the cohorts aged to and to are projected to shrink in size.

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Chelmer currently has an estimated 114 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 71 children aged 0-2 and 46 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 30% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 11% by 2041 (to approximately 102 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 402. Birth rates in the area have averaged 6.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.