Meadowbrook (Qld)

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According to ABS population numbers for the wider region and new address verifications by Districts following the Census, Meadowbrook has an estimated residency of 3,678 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 609 residents (19.8%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 3,069 residents. The figure is derived from a resident base of 3,662 calculated by Districts using the ABS ERP release from June 2025, alongside 3 verified new addresses added since the Census. With this population level, the density stands at 637 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and room for potential expansion. The 19.8% expansion rate since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (8.4%) and the national benchmark, establishing the locality as a regional growth leader. This rise was driven heavily by arrivals from overseas, who made up roughly 61.0% of the overall population gains, though natural increase and interstate migration also contributed positive numbers.

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The local workforce displays a solid skill base with a strong presence in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of 8.3% and job growth of 1.7% over the past year, according to aggregated statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 2,179 residents in employment, with the local unemployment rate sitting 4.0% higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 4.3%, pointing to potential for workforce development, while participation rates are elevated at 77.1% compared to 70.4% across Greater Brisbane. Census records indicate that only 10.2% of workers did their jobs from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic restrictions.

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The median income for taxpayers in this postcode stands at $51,879, with an average of $56,233, according to ATO statistics aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. These figures sit below national statistics and compare to a median of $58,236 and 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 roughly $57,772 (median) and $62,621 (average) as of March 2026. According to the Census, household earnings sit at the 47th percentile ($1,701 weekly), while individual income sits at the 24th percentile. Looking at the income distribution, 40.0% of the population (1,471 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which is comparable to the 33.3% representation for this bracket across the wider region. Housing cost pressures are elevated, leaving of disposable income, which ranks in the th percentile.

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The housing stock in Meadowbrook at the time of the Census consisted of 85.6% standalone houses and 14.4% alternative dwellings, such as townhouses and flats, compared to 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings across the Brisbane metro area. Homeownership rates were slightly lower than the metropolitan average at 24.8%, with the remaining dwellings occupied by residents with a mortgage (37.8%) or renters (37.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,653 was lower than the Brisbane metro average of $1,863, whereas the median weekly rent was $385, compared to $380 metro-wide. On a national level, mortgage costs in the area are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rent payments are higher than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up 75.7% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 34.8%, couples without children at 24.5%, and single parent households at 14.4%. The remaining 24.3% are non-family households, including lone person households at 20.9% and group living situations at 3.3%. The median household size of 2.9 individuals is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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The community has lower rates of tertiary education, with 19.0% of residents holding a university qualification compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane. This highlights a clear area for educational programs and development. Bachelor degrees represent the main qualification at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.6%. Technical and vocational credentials are common, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificate qualifications (30.0%).

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Public transport studies show 18 active stops within the suburb of Meadowbrook, consisting of bus services. These locations are served by 5 distinct routes, which provide 496 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is rated as good, with residents living an average of 241 meters from their nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and 88% of working residents commute using a private vehicle, which remains the dominant travel choice. Car ownership averages 1.6 vehicles per household, which is higher than the regional average. A relatively low proportion of residents (10.2%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect conditions during pandemic restrictions.

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Health indicators highlight notable challenges within Meadowbrook, based on Districts analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates across both younger and older populations, alongside a relatively low rate of private health insurance, which covers approximately 49% of residents (~1,820 people). This is lower than the Greater Brisbane rate of 55.8% and the national rate of 55.7%.

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Meadowbrook shows higher levels of cultural diversity than most comparable markets, with 23.7% of the population using a non-English language at home and 36.8% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 48.6% of residents. The most significant statistical variation is the Islamic community, representing 5.7% of the population compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

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The median age of 37 years matches the national median of 38 and is close to the Greater Brisbane average of 36. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Meadowbrook has a larger share of residents aged 55 - 64 (13.1%) and a smaller share of people aged 25 - 34 (13.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket increased from 14.8% to 16.8% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 13.8% to 11.7%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 13.0% to 11.5%. Projections indicate that the age profile will shift by 2041, with the to cohort growing by to add residents, reaching a total of while the to group is expected to experience no growth, changing by natural language zero residents.

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Meadowbrook currently has an estimated 165 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 147 children aged 0-2 and 97 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 8% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 0% by 2041 (to approximately 165 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 392. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.