Underwood (Qld)

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Based on evaluations of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Underwood (Qld) is estimated to be approximately 7,651 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 842 people (12.4%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 6,809 residents. The shift is calculated from a resident population of 7,527, estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2025) and a further 177 validated new addresses since the Census date. This size of population translates to a density ratio of 1,826 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average observed across national locations evaluated by Districts. The 12.4% growth in the suburb of Underwood (Qld) since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (6.7%), as well as the national average, making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth for the area, contributing about of total population gains during recent periods.

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Underwood benefits from a highly educated workforce, with strong representation in essential services, and an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 4,134 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.3%, and workforce participation aligns closely with Greater Brisbane's 70.4%. Based on Census figures, a moderate 14.1% of residents worked from home, though the influence of COVID-19 lockdowns should be kept in mind.

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According to Districts' aggregation of the most recent postcode level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Underwood recorded a median taxpayer income of $50,587, while the average stood at $61,960. These figures are below the national average and compare to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,334 (median) and $68,999 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Underwood cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Income analysis indicates that the largest cohort consists of 36.1% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,762 residents), which aligns with broader regional trends showing 33.3% in this bracket. High housing costs absorb of income, yet strong earnings still place disposable income at the th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income index places it in the th decile.

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The dwelling mix in Underwood, as measured at the most recent Census, consisted of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to the Brisbane metro profile of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership in Underwood trailed the Brisbane metro rate, standing at 23.8%, with the remaining dwellings occupied by those with a mortgage (48.4%) or tenants (27.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Brisbane metro average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $400, compared to Brisbane metro's figures of $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Underwood's mortgage payments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are higher than the national figure of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 82.0% of all households, comprising 46.6% couples with children, 22.2% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households represent the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 15.2% and group households accounting for 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 3.1 people is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment in Underwood exceeds broader benchmarks, with 35.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 16.2% in the SA4 region and 20.6% in the SA3 area. This significant educational advantage positions the locality well for knowledge-intensive opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 23.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational and technical skills are also prominent, with 30.7% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (18.9%).

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Public transport analysis shows 19 active transit stops operating within Underwood comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 287 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically situated 306 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average. Some 14.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Analysis of health indicators demonstrates strong outcomes across Underwood, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with both young and old cohorts experiencing low rates of common health conditions, and the rate of private health insurance found to be relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,960 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

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Underwood ranks highly for cultural diversity, with 47.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 47.2% born overseas. The main religion in Underwood is Christianity, which accounts for 36.7% of people in Underwood. However, the most notable overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 16.7% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

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With a median age of 34, Underwood is slightly younger than the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 and is substantially below Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Underwood has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (15.1%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (3.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.9% to 13.8% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 15.5% to 14.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 point to substantial demographic changes for Underwood. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at , adding residents to reach . On the other hand, both to and to age groups will see reduced numbers.

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Underwood currently has an estimated 489 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 296 children aged 0-2 and 196 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 1% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 450 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 921. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.1 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.