Ipswich (Qld)

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Based on examination of ABS population updates for the wider region, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Ipswich's population is estimated at around 2,571 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 103 people (4.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,468 people. The variation is derived from the resident population of 2,570, estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 615 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Ipswich features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 10.8%, and 13.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,190 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 6.5% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.3%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (59.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of Ipswich's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The suburb of Ipswich's median income among taxpayers is $42,670 and the average income stands at $47,603, which compares to figures for Greater Brisbane's of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $47,517 (median) and $53,011 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Ipswich all fall between the 9th and 10th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 25.8% of residents (663 people), unlike trends the region where fall within the - range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile.

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Dwelling structure within Ipswich, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 67.7% houses and 32.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Ipswich was lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 18.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.2%) or rented (57.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Brisbane metro average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Ipswich's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 52.0% of all households, comprising 18.1% couples with children, 18.5% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 48.0%, with lone person households at 42.5% and group households comprising 5.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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Educational qualifications in Ipswich trail regional benchmarks, with 22.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (27.7%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 40 active transport stops operating within Ipswich comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 77 individual routes, collectively providing 3,172 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 179 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 79%, with 11% walking and 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average. Some 13.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Critical health challenges are evident across Ipswich, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,184 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The national average is 55.7%.

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Ipswich was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.0% of its population being citizens, 82.4% born in Australia, and 90.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Ipswich was found to be Christianity, which makes up 48.4% of people in Ipswich. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

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With a median age of 45, Ipswich is notably exceeding the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 and is substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 12.0% compared to Greater Brisbane, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 10.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 10.2% to 12.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 11.5% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Ipswich's age profile will evolve significantly by . Leading the demographic shift, the to group will grow by ( people), reaching from .

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Ipswich currently has an estimated 115 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 83 children aged 0-2 and 56 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 31% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 29% by 2041 (to approximately 148 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 249. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.3 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.