🔍

Chelmer

QLD 4068 • Greater Brisbane

3,325
Population (2021)
$176,904
Median Household Income
1.44 km²
Area
$490/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyHeritageRiversideAffluentQuiet

About Chelmer

Chelmer is a leafy, low-density residential suburb located about 9.8 kilometres south-west of the Brisbane CBD, nestled in a bend of the Brisbane River. With a population of approximately 3,325 as of the 2021 census, it falls under the City of Brisbane's Tennyson Ward. The suburb is characterised by a mature demographic with a median age of 41 and strong household incomes, reflecting its established, affluent character. Chelmer's predominantly Anglo-Celtic heritage is evident in its community profile, with English, Australian, Irish, and Scottish ancestries being the most common.

Chelmer is prized for its collection of historic Queenslander homes — timber-and-tin classics with broad verandahs — sitting alongside newer brick residences on generous allotments. The suburb is highly family-oriented, with strong school enrolments across government and independent sectors, and is served by Chelmer Railway Station providing a direct rail link to the Brisbane CBD. The nearby Brisbane River foreshore offers pleasant walking and cycling trails, while Graceville and Indooroopilly provide broader retail and dining options just minutes away.

Chelmer falls under postcode 4068 and is governed by Brisbane Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Miller electorate.

📰 Featured In

💰 Top 50 Suburbs in Queensland by Median Household Income

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4068
Urban Area
Brisbane City - Inner South-West
LGA / Council
Brisbane
Federal Electorate
Moreton
State Electorate
Miller
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.51°, 152.98°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
1.44 km²
Elevation
11m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$490
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$3,000
Avg Household Size
3 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.6%

6 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Chelmer
0.5 km
6 min
Graceville
1.2 km
15 min

Bus Services

  • Route 444, 451 — Brisbane CBD (Roma Street) 25-35 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
10 km
By Train
20 min to Central via Ipswich/Rosewood Line from Chelmer station
By Car (Peak)
20-35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15-20 min

🛣️ Excellent rail access via Chelmer station; close to Coronation Drive arterial

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Local parks and the railway station are walkable, but most daily errands require a car or train trip

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Brisbane Local Government Area, which contains Chelmer. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
832.9 / 100k
2yr Down 25.0% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
371.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 77.2%
Non-FV assault
713.9 / 100k
2yr Up 17.9% 10yr Up 138.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
29 / 100k
2yr Down 15.0% 10yr Up 83.4%
Steal from vehicle
616.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 28.4%
View all offence categories for Brisbane →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,998
Census 2021
3,325
▲ 10.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$50,648
Personal Income 2021
$66,664
▲ 31.6% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$66,664 / yr
$1282/wk
Household
$176,904 / yr
$3402/wk
Family
$202,800 / yr
$3900/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,419
Born Overseas 837

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 188
  • 2. New Zealand 77
  • 3. China 54
  • 4. South Africa 49
  • 5. India 41
  • 6. United States 37
  • 7. Hong Kong 32
  • 8. Scotland 26
  • 9. Vietnam 25
  • 10. Malaysia 23

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,353
Australian 1,098
Irish 565
Scottish 503
German 174
Chinese 168
Italian 113
Dutch 69
New Zealander 64
Indian 56

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,689
Both parents born in Australia
951
Both parents born overseas
541
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.9%
No Religion
41.2%
Hinduism
1.5%
Buddhism
1.0%
Islam
0.4%
Judaism
0.1%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
164 (4.9%)
5-14 years
568 (17.1%)
15-19 years
269 (8.1%)
20-24 years
221 (6.6%)
25-34 years
190 (5.7%)
35-44 years
449 (13.5%)
45-54 years
513 (15.4%)
55-64 years
394 (11.8%)
65-74 years
290 (8.7%)
75-84 years
158 (4.8%)
85+ years
115 (3.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chelmer known for? +

Chelmer is known for its beautiful collection of heritage Queenslander homes — timber-and-tin classics on generous allotments — and its peaceful riverside setting just under 10 kilometres from Brisbane's CBD. Chelmer railway station provides direct city access.

How far is Chelmer from Brisbane CBD? +

Chelmer is approximately 9.8 kilometres south-west of the Brisbane CBD, with train services from Chelmer station taking about 20 minutes to Central station.

Does Chelmer have public transport? +

Chelmer is very well connected by public transport. Chelmer railway station on the Ipswich/Rosewood Line provides frequent direct services to Brisbane CBD. Bus routes also connect to surrounding suburbs.

What is the population of Chelmer? +

The 2021 Census recorded approximately 3,325 residents in Chelmer, an established and sought-after suburb within the City of Brisbane.

Is Chelmer a good place to live? +

Chelmer is an excellent suburb for families and professionals who want heritage character, river proximity, and easy city access in a quiet leafy setting. Its historic homes and strong community make it one of Brisbane's most desirable inner-west addresses.

What is the postcode for Chelmer? +

The postcode for Chelmer is 4068, covering parts of Brisbane's inner-western suburbs on the south side of the Brisbane River.

What is the average income in Chelmer? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Chelmer is about $1,282 per week (around $66,700 per year). The median household income is $3,402 per week and the median family income is $3,900 per week.

What is the age profile of Chelmer? +

The median age in Chelmer is 41. The largest age group is 5–14 (568 residents, around 17%). Around 30% of residents are under 20 and about 17% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Chelmer a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Chelmer is part of the Brisbane LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Chelmer? +

In Chelmer, the median weekly rent is $490, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $3,000 (2021 Census).