Gailes (Qld)

Detail

According to evaluations of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts after the Census, the suburb of Gailes has an estimated population of 1,942 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 111 individuals (6.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,831 residents. This shift is derived from a resident population count of 1,941, calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of estimated resident population statistics alongside subsequent address validations. This population size represents a density of 1,578 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical density across national locations examined by Districts. The expansion was chiefly supported by natural increase, which accounted for approximately 59.0% of the overall population rise in recent times.

Detail

The workforce of the suburb of Gailes is split between white-collar and blue-collar occupations, with a prominent industrial and manufacturing presence, an unemployment rate of 10.1%, and an estimated job growth rate of 12.3% over the past year, according to Districts regional data aggregation. By March 2026831 local residents were employed. The unemployment rate is 5.7% higher than the Greater Brisbane benchmark of 4.3%, indicating potential for labor market improvements, while the labor force participation rate remains low at 59.6% compared to 70.4% in Greater Brisbane. Census data indicates that only 9.3% of workers operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic lockdowns.

Detail

According to the most recent postcode ATO statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Gailes registered a median income of $33,745 and an average of $38,424. These figures sit below national levels and contrast 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 yields updated estimates of roughly $37,578 for the median and $42,789 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that personal, family, and household incomes in the suburb of Gailes rank between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationwide. The largest income group contains 30.3% of residents (588 people) earning between $800 and $1,499, whereas the wider region is led by the - bracket at . Financial pressure is pronounced, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile.

Detail

The local housing stock at the time of the latest Census consisted of 87.0% standalone houses and 13.0% alternative housing types such as townhouses, apartments, or other dwellings, compared to Brisbane metro's breakdown of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. The home ownership rate stood below the Brisbane metro level at 21.4%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (32.5%) or occupied by tenants (46.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,213 was well below the metropolitan average, while the median weekly rent was $290, compared to Brisbane metro averages of $1,863 and $380 respectively. Nationally, mortgage repayments in the suburb of Gailes are significantly below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well under the national figure of $375.

Detail

Families make up 67.0% of local households, consisting of 22.9% couples with children, 20.3% couples without children, and 22.0% single-parent households. The remaining 33.0% are non-family households, which are divided into single-person households at 27.7% and group households at 4.5%. The median household size of 2.5 residents is slightly below the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Detail

The suburb of Gailes faces notable educational disparities, with university degree attainment rates of 13.7% sitting well below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This highlights an area of need as well as potential for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 8.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational and practical training is common, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.4%).

Detail

Public transit records indicate that 3 stops are active within the suburb of Gailes, offering bus services. These stops accommodate 1 distinct routes, which generate a combined total of 170 passenger journeys each week. Local transit access is rated highly, with the average distance to a stop being 363 meters. As the suburb is mostly residential, most workers travel outside the area for employment, with private cars being the primary transit mode at 91% and trains accounting for 7%. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.1 per household, below the metropolitan average, while 9.3% of residents work from home based on the 2021 Census, which was potentially affected by COVID-19 rules.

Detail

Significant health concerns are apparent in the suburb of Gailes, as indicated by Districts metrics for mortality and chronic illness rates, which affect both younger and older cohorts, combined with an exceptionally low private health insurance rate of roughly 42% of the population (~823 people). In comparison, private coverage stands at 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and averages 55.7% nationally.

Detail

The suburb of Gailes exhibits high levels of cultural diversity relative to most local markets, with 30.5% of residents born outside Australia and 23.5% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 50.2% of the population. A notable overrepresentation is found in the Buddhist community, which makes up 3.1% of residents compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

Detail

The median age of 35 years closely matches the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and is slightly below the national figure of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, the suburb of Gailes has a higher proportion of children aged 5 - 14 (14.3%) and a lower share of adults aged 35 - 44 (12.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 3.8% to 5.3%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.8% to 12.4%. Population projections for 2041 point to significant changes, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 48%, adding people to reach . Older residents aged + are expected to account for of total population growth, highlighting a clear aging trend, while declines are projected for the to and to groups.

Detail

Gailes currently has an estimated 124 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 74 children aged 0-2 and 49 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 15% by 2041 (to approximately 105 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 208. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.9 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.