Brisbane Suburb Profiles

Profiles of suburbs and localities around Queensland have been developed to give investors, homebuyers and other interested parties a quick overview of the facilities and housing available in a particular area. Limited research has also been included and should be used as a guide only. Buyers and sellers serious about making a property transaction are advised to undertake independent enquiries and investigations to satisfy themselves that any details herein are true and correct.

To view a suburb profile, please choose from the following suburb list

Acacia Ridge

Algester

Calamvale

Coopers Plains

Drewvale

Eight Mile Plains

Kuraby

Macgregor

Nathan

Mount Gravatt

Parkinson

Robertson

Runcorn

Stretton

Sunnybank

Sunnybank Hills

*The information provided is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

 

Acacia Ridge

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 13.5 km from CBD
Features Variety of post war cottages.
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for the calendar year 2004 was $220,000.
Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the September 2004 quarter was $200.
Commentary

Acacia Ridge is 13.5 km south of the Brisbane CBD and is an older suburb of the City established after the Second World War.

The style of older housing in the suburb reflects the era in which it was established with many of the homes being weatherboard post-war cottages, some housing commission homes and the occasional brick and tile low set home.

In the last few years Acacia Ridge has experienced some new housing developments in isolated pockets, much of this sold to investors.

There are many community facilities located in and around the neighbouring suburbs of Algester and Sunnybank Hills - Sunnybank Shopping Centre being the major retail outlet in the area.

Recreational facilities abound including the renowned Brandon Park with its Leagues, Soccer, and Netball Clubs.

Educational institutions are located at Acacia Ridge also with the Acacia Ridge Primary School, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary, Watson Road Primary, and the Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School. High schools are located in nearby Sunnybank and Salisbury.

There is also a large retirement village located in the suburb.

Apart from the residential area of Acacia Ridge, the suburb is also home to light industrial facilities in a technology park area.

According to the 2001 Census there were 6,648 people living in the suburb with a median age of 33. The median individual income was between $300 and $399 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 54% were either fully owned or being purchased; 42% were being rented.

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Algester

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 16 km from CBD
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $279,750.
Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in 2004 was $250. The median weekly rent paid for a 2-bedroom unit in this area was $155 for the same period.
Commentary

The suburb of Algester is 16 km SE of the Brisbane CBD and borders the neighbouring suburbs of Calamvale and Sunnybank Hills.

Established in the 1970s, the suburb's housing consists of both old and newer brick veneer and brick and tile homes as well as units and townhouses.

A popular family area, most of the buyers are owner occupiers and investors made up less than 30 per cent of sales in 2003.

Very little vacant land is left for housing development in Algester and construction of units, townhouses and other property continues in neighbouring Parkinson and Calamvale.

Transport in the area consists of Brisbane City Council buses and the main road to Brisbane is the Beaudesert Road. There is no train line in Algester.

Residents of Algester are a short five-minute drive from shopping and other retail facilities in Parkinson, Calamvale or Sunnybank.

The old shopping centre in the suburb is under new ownership a supermarket is expected to open soon.

Schools in the area include the Algester and St Stephens Catholic primary schools, while high school students travel to Calamvale.

According to the 2001 Census there were 7,201 people living in the suburb with a median age of 33. The median individual income was between $400 and $499 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 73% were either fully owned or being purchased; 23% were being rented.

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Calamvale

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 17 km from CBD
Features New residential developments, new commercial facilities.
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in 2004 was $344,000.
Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $240.
Commentary

The suburb of Calamvale is 17 SE of the Brisbane CBD and borders the neighbouring suburbs of Stretton and Algester.

A vibrant suburb, Calamvale is home to a mix of newer style brick homes and some acreage properties (although there are few remaining). The suburb has seen extensive residential and commercial development in the last few years.

No longer dependent on the surrounding suburbs for facilities such as schools, Calamvale boasts a contemporary feel with new retail outlets and emergency services supported by modern infrastructure.

The main road to Brisbane is the Beaudesert Road that runs north south through the centre of the suburb.

According to the 2001 Census there were 9,173 people living in the suburb with a median age of 30. The median individual income was between $300 and $399 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 67% were either fully owned or being purchased; 29% were being rented.

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Coopers Plains

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 12 km from CBD
Features Proximity to Southeast Freeway and BCC Busway, rail station
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $283,000.

Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $230.
Commentary

The Brisbane suburb of Coopers Plains is 12 km South of the CBD and borders on to Sunnybank.

Coopers Plains has experienced sustained growth over the last 5 years and given the upgrading of the Southeast Freeway and the Busway to the City, the area is assured continued growth and popularity into the future.

There is also a railway station in Coopers Plains heading north to the City and South to Beenleigh and the Gold Coast. A large proportion of the suburb is commercial and light industrial, but it is likely further residential development will occur in the coming years.

Most of the housing in the suburb is 25 to 30 years old brick style high and low sets. Built in the 70s, these homes are now frequently being renovated using the popular rendering method. There are also a number of more modern homes in this suburb dating back seven to eight years.

The area is developing infrastructure as the community base increases. Most of the educational, retail and commercial facilities are located in neighbouring suburbs, especially Sunnybank; however the popular Garden City Shoppingtown is located in nearby Macgregor and attracts shoppers from far and wide.

Local educational facilities include the Coopers Plains Primary School and the suburb is next door to Griffith University Nathan Campus and the QEII Hospital.

In this area factors such as the improvement of infrastructure and low interest rates suggest capital growth of around 10% in the coming years. The first homeowners grant for new homes has also bolstered land sales in the area.

There are a few blocks of land available in Coopers Plains for residential development.

Recreational facilities in the suburb include the large connecting Brittain Park, Maughan Park and Beryl Roberts Park. A cycle way runs through this area.

According to the 2001 Census there were 4,021 people living in the suburb with a median age of 35. The median individual income was between $300 and $399 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 61% were either fully owned or being purchased; 34% were being rented.

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Drewvale

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 19.5 km from CBD
Features Sparsely populated with semi-rural feel, proximity to Logan Motorway
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $340,000.
Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $240.
Commentary

The suburb of Drewvale is 19.5 South of the Brisbane CBD and borders the neighbouring suburbs of Calamvale, Parkinson and Algester.

The area is mainly made up of examples of newer homes anywhere between 25 and 5 years old - especially low and high set brick homes. There are some examples of older style homes left over from the early days of the suburb.

The area is sparsely populated with a semi-rural feel, although a number of recent residential developments are changing the make-up of the suburb. There was a lot of farmland prior to the development of new housing estates with a few houses still on large acreage blocks.

The main road to Brisbane is the Beaudesert Road and the Logan Motorway is located close by making it convenient to get to the Gold Coast.

Most of the community infrastructure and facilities are located in neighbouring Calamvale. These include educational facilities and sporting facilities.

According to the 2001 Census there were 6,212 people living in the Drewvale/Parkinson area with a median age of 30. The median individual income was between $300 and $399 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 79% were either fully owned or being purchased; 17% were being rented.

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Eight Mile Plains

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 13 km from CBD
Features Proximity to Southeast Freeway, close to Garden City Shopping Centre
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $400,500.
Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $235.
Commentary

Eight Mile Plains is 13 km SE of the Brisbane CBD and is one of the newer residential areas of Brisbane bordered by Sunnybank and McGregor.

Given the upgrading of the Southeast Freeway and the new Busway to the City, this area is assured continued growth and popularity into the future.

As would be expected in such a new suburb, the housing styles of the newly developed areas are high and low set brick and tile homes. There are few examples of older-styles houses - post-war weatherboard cottages left over from the days when the suburb was first established.

The area is developing infrastructure as the community base increases. Most of the educational, retail and commercial facilities are located in neighbouring suburbs, especially Sunnybank and Garden City Shoppingtown in MacGregor.

According to the 2001 Census there were 11,153 people living in the suburb with a median age of 32. The median individual income was between $300 and $399 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 63% are either fully owned or being purchased; 32% were being rented.

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Kuraby

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 17 km from CBD
Features Elevated area, Kuraby rail station
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $360,000.
Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $220.
Commentary

The suburb of Kuraby is 17 km SW of the Brisbane CBD and borders the suburbs of Underwood, Stretton and Runcorn.

According to REIQ research Kuraby has seen exceptional growth in terms of its median house price growth in recent years compared with neighbouring suburbs. The main reason for this is the attractive topographical elevation of the area, creating an atmosphere of leafy bushland tranquility. The suburb has also undergone extensive residential development in the last few years.

As would be expected the housing styles of the newly developed areas of Kuraby are high and low set brick and tile homes. There are still some examples of older-styles houses - post war weatherboard cottages left over from the days when the suburb was first established.

The area is developing infrastructure as the community base increases - at the moment the suburb boast a State Primary School, a railway station that runs to the City and south to the Gold Coast, it has a shopping precinct with its main commercial district being serviced by the nearby suburbs of Underwood.

According to the 2001 Census there were 4,702 people living in the suburb with a median age of 39. The median individual income was between $400 and $499 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 65% were either fully owned or being purchased; 31% were being rented.

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Macgregor

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 13 km from CBD
Features Garden City Shopping Centre, good bus transport
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $386,000.

Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $235. The median weekly rent paid for a 2-bedroom unit in this area was $185 for the same period.
Commentary

The Brisbane suburb of Macgregor is 13 km SSE of the CBD and borders on to Upper Mount Gravatt and Sunnybank.

Macgregor has experienced strong growth over the last 5 years and given the upgrading of the Southeast Freeway and the new Busway to the City, the area is assured continued growth and popularity into the future.

Most of the housing in the suburb is 25 years old in style brick high and low set. Built in the 70s, these homes are now frequently being renovated using the popular rendering method.

There is very little land left for development.

Macgregor Park is an exclusive part of the suburb where houses are likely to fetch much higher prices than the average. These new homes are around 7 years old, high set brick rendered, and grand style houses.

The area is developing infrastructure as the community base increases. Most of the educational, retail and commercial facilities are located in neighbouring suburbs, especially Sunnybank, however the popular large and successful Garden City Shoppingtown is located in Macgregor and attracts shoppers from far and wide.

In this area factors such as the improvement of infrastructure and low interest rates suggest capital growth of around 10% in the coming years. The first homeowners grant for new homes has also bolstered land sales in the area.

According to the 2001 Census there were 5,179 people living in the suburb with a median age of 37. The median individual income was between $300 and $399 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 76% were either fully owned or being purchased; 20% were being rented.

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Mount Gravatt

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 8 km from CBD
Features Mount Gravatt Lookout, Griffith University, Moreton Institute of TAFE
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $325,000.

Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $240. The median weekly rent paid for a 2-bedroom unit in this area was $210 for the same period.
Commentary

Characterised by low set chamferboard houses with traditional Australian backyards Mount Gravatt is a popular suburb with a lot to offer. The view from the top of Mount Gravatt itself is spectacular in its scenery and remains a popular lookout for visitors to see Brisbane and the surrounding areas.

The majority of the dwellings, constructed in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, provide a contrast to the more recent Griffith University campus, shopping centres, schools and the new dedicated BCC Busway providing direct access to the CBD.

The suburb is only 8 kilometres south of the Brisbane GPO and is positioned between Logan Road and the South-East Freeway. Considering its close proximity to a variety of facilities the suburb is proving popular with growing families.

Excellent public transport and access to schools, shops and entertainment facilities are Mount Gravatt's key attractions. Schools in the area include Mt Gravatt High, Mt Gravatt East Primary School, Christian Outreach College and St Agnes Catholic Primary. Residents are also close to Griffith University and Moreton and Mt Gravatt East TAFE Institutions.

Local shops are complemented by major retailers located at Garden City Shopping Centre and Carindale Shopping Centre (approximately 15 minutes).

The obvious benefits and typical Australian lifestyle Mount Gravatt offers ensures that the suburbs popularity will continue to grow in the future guaranteeing real estate in the area remains a sound investment.

According to the 2001 Census there were 3,089 people living in the suburb with a median age of 36. The median individual income was between $300 and $399 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 62% were either fully owned or being purchased; 35% were being rented.

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Nathan

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 9 km from CBD
Features Griffith University Nathan Campus
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $291,250.

Median Weekly Rent Rental research not available.
Commentary

9 Km SE of the Brisbane CBD, the suburb of Nathan is essentially made up entirely of the Griffith University Nathan Campus and a small pocket of older style housing close by the campus.

The university is 25 years old and is nestled in the flora and fauna reserve of Toohey Forest's 175 hectares that are home to Nathan Campus. Nathan is a 10-minute drive from central Brisbane. Public transport connects the campus to Mt Gravatt, Garden City and the Brisbane CBD.

According to the 2001 Census there were 1,549 people living in the suburb with a median age of 22. The median individual income was between $200 and $299 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 60% were either fully owned or being purchased; 37% were being rented.

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Parkinson

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 19 km from CBD
Features Proximity to Logan Motorway
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $375,000.
Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $250. For a 2-bedroom unit, it was $155.
Commentary

The suburb of Parkinson is 19 south of the Brisbane CBD and borders the neighbouring suburbs of Calamvale, Drewvale and Algester.

The area is largely made up of homes built between 25 and 50 years ago - especially low and high set brick homes. There are some examples of older style homes left over from the early days of the suburb.

The area is sparsely populated with a semi-rural feel.

The main road to Brisbane is Beaudesert Road. The Logan Motorway is located close by making it convenient to get to the Gold Coast.

Most of the community infrastructure and facilities are located in neighbouring Calamvale. These include educational facilities and sporting facilities.

According to the 2001 Census (Parkinson was listed together with Drewvale) there were 6,212 people living in the area with a median age of 30. The median individual income was between $500 and $599 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 79% were either fully owned or being purchased; 17% were being rented.

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Robertson

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 12 km from CBD
Features Good access to Southeast Freeway and BCC Busway
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $502,950.

Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $235. The median weekly rent paid for a 2-bedroom unit in this area was $185 for the same period.
Commentary

The Brisbane suburb of Robertson is 12km South of the CBD and borders on to Coopers Plains and Sunnybank.

Robertson has experienced sustained growth over the last 5 years and given the upgrading of the Southeast Freeway and the new bus way to the City, the area is assured continued growth and popularity into the future.

Most of the housing in the suburb is 25 years old high and low set brick. Built in the 70s, these homes are now frequently being renovated using the popular rendering method. There are a number of more modern homes in this suburb dating back 10 or more years.

The area is developing infrastructure as the community base increases. Most of the educational, retail and commercial facilities are located in neighbouring suburbs, especially Sunnybank, however the popular large and successful Garden City Shoppingtown is located in nearby Macgregor and attracts shoppers from far and wide.

Local educational facilities include the Robertson Primary School and the suburb is next door to Griffith University Nathan Campus and the QEII Hospital.

There are a few blocks of land available in Robertson for residential development.

According to the last Census, the residential population of Robertson was 4,110 with a median age of 36 and a household size of 2.8. The median individual income was $275 and the median household income was $677.

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Runcorn

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 15 km from CBD
Features Close to Griffith University, Runcorn rail station
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $286,750.
Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $235.
Commentary

Only 15km from the Brisbane CBD Runcorn is a popular suburb with young and established families.

Neighbouring Sunnybank Hills, Kuraby, and Eight Mile Plains, its family focus can be seen in the walk and bike ways available in a number of local parks, and the local soccer and baseball fields.

Runcorn Primary and High Schools service the area's educational needs and Griffith University is in close proximity for those undertaking tertiary education.

Steady demand for housing in the area has seen extensive townhouse developments around Runcorn in recent years. They have been supplemented by developments in Kuraby and Ridgewood. Despite this, residencies in the local area remain predominantly single unit dwellings (houses).

While there are not many bargains left, some undeveloped acreage land is still available for buyers wanting to build their dream home.

Sunnybank Hills and Sunnybank Shopping Centres house all major retailers and cinema complexes only a short car trip away (5-10 minutes). Regular bus routes service the Shopping Centres and a local train station makes the Brisbane CBD easily accessible. Runcorn residents are also close to the Southeast Busway terminal at Eight Mile Plains.

According to the 2001 Census there were 12,347 people living in the suburb with a median age of 29. The median individual income was between $300 and $399 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 57% were either fully owned or being purchased; 39% were being rented.

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Stretton

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 17 km from CBD
Features Recent residential developments
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $480,000.

Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $240.
Commentary

The suburb of Stretton is 17 km south of the Brisbane CBD and borders the suburbs of Kuraby and Calamvale.

According to REIQ research Stretton has seen good growth in terms of its median house price growth in recent years compared with neighbouring suburbs. The suburb has also undergone extensive residential developments in the last few years.

The housing styles of the more recently developed areas of Stretton are high and low set brick and tile homes. There are still a few examples of older-styles houses - post war weatherboard cottages - left over from the days when the suburb was first established.

The area is developing infrastructure as the community base increases - at the moment the neighbouring suburb of Kuraby boasts a State Primary School, a railway station that runs to the City and south to the Gold Coast, it has a shopping precinct with its main commercial district being serviced by the nearby suburbs of Underwood and Calamvale.

In this area factors such as the improvement of infrastructure and low interest rates suggest price growth of around 10% in the coming years. The first homeowners grant for new homes also bolstered land sales in the outer southern suburbs.

According to the 2001 Census (Stretton was listed together with Karawatha) there were 3,125 people living in the area with a median age of 31. The median individual income was between $300 and $399 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 83% were either fully owned or being purchased; 11% were being rented.

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Sunnybank

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 14 km from CBD
Features Proximity to ANZ Stadium, Sunnybank rail station
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $346,000.
Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $235. The median weekly rent paid for a 2-bedroom unit in this area was $185 for the same period.
Commentary

Sunnybank is an outer southern Brisbane suburb that grew rapidly during the 1960s and is today a thriving community.

The suburb boasts its own private hospital and railway station. It is also close to the Nathan campus of Griffith University and the world-class ANZ Stadium.

This elevated leafy modern suburb is located 14 kilometres south of Brisbane's central business district. It is also one of Brisbane's largest suburbs in terms of population.

Sunnybank housing styles tend to be about 25 years old low set and high set brick - as well as timber homes. Ex-housing commission weatherboard post-war homes dating back to the original settlement are also available.

The suburb has grown significantly over the past 20 years. The catalyst for much of the growth was the construction of the Southeast Freeway to Mains Road during the late 1970s, which resulted in Sunnybank Hills being easily accessible to the Brisbane's central business district.

The suburb is serviced by several shopping centres, which include the extensive Sunnybank Hills Shopping Town. Several primary schools and a city council library are some of the other community facilities that also service the suburb.

There are regular Cityexpress services to the Brisbane CBD and the northern portion of the suburb is serviced by the Citytrain rail service at Sunnybank station.

According to the 2001 Census there were 7,785 people living in the suburb with a median age of 37. The median individual income was between $300 and $399 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 69% were either fully owned or being purchased; 25% were being rented.

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Sunnybank Hills

Local Government Authority Brisbane
Location 14 km from CBD
Features Good public transport, elevated positioning
Median Price REIQ research shows that the median house price in the suburb for 2004 was $335,000.

Median Weekly Rent The median weekly rent paid for a 3-bedroom house in this area in the Sept 2004 quarter was $235. The median weekly rent paid for a 2-bedroom unit in this area was $185 for the same period.
Commentary

Sunnybank Hills is an outer southern Brisbane suburb and is even more elevated than its neighbour Sunnybank. The suburb has made good growth in terms of median house price over the last 5 years.

The suburb boasts its own private hospital and railway station. It is also close to the Nathan campus of Griffith University and the world-class ANZ Stadium.

This elevated leafy modern suburb is located 20 kilometres south of Brisbane's central business district. It is also one of Brisbane's largest suburbs in terms of population.

The suburb has grown significantly over the past 20 years. The catalyst for much of the growth was the construction of the Southeast Freeway to Mains Road during the late 1970s, which resulted in Sunnybank Hills being easily accessible to the Brisbane's central business district.

Sunnybank Hills' housing styles tend to be about 25 years old low set and high set brick - as well as timber homes. Ex-housing commission weatherboard post-war homes dating back to the original settlement are also available. There are more modern brick and tile homes in Sunnybank Hills than any other style.

The suburb is serviced by several shopping centres, which include the extensive Sunnybank Hills Shopping Town. Several primary schools and a city council library are some of the other community facilities that also service the suburb.

There are regular Cityexpress services to the Brisbane CBD and the northern portion of the suburb is serviced by the Citytrain rail service at Sunnybank station.

According to the 2001 Census there were 15,631 people living in the suburb with a median age of 34. The median individual income was between $300 and $399 per week. Of all occupied private dwellings 69% were either fully owned or being purchased; 25% were being rented.

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Real Estate Institute Queensland Brisbane

Suburb Profiles are courtesy of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) further suburb profiles for other areas of Brisbane.May be obtained by visiting the REIQ website at www.reiq.com.au