🔍

Fernvale

QLD 4306 • Greater Brisbane

3,629
Population (2021)
$92,092
Median Household Income
27.77 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
Semi-RuralFamily-FriendlyAffordableGrowth SuburbCommuter Belt

About Fernvale

Fernvale is a growing semi-rural township in Queensland's Somerset Region, located approximately 60 kilometres west of Brisbane's CBD along the Brisbane Valley Highway. With a population of 3,629 and a youthful median age of 35, the suburb has experienced significant growth as families and first-home buyers are drawn by affordable acreage blocks and a relaxed country lifestyle within reach of South-East Queensland. Median household income sits modestly below the state average, reflecting the area's working and middle-class character. The town serves as a service hub for the surrounding Brisbane Valley communities.

Fernvale offers a genuine country-town feel with a Woolworths supermarket, local cafes, and essential services centred along Brisbane Valley Highway. The nearby Lake Wivenhoe — one of South-East Queensland's most popular recreational waterways — is a drawcard for fishing, boating, and camping enthusiasts. Fernvale State School and local sporting clubs provide a strong community fabric, and the Indigenous community has a meaningful presence in local identity. The suburb is entirely car-dependent, with no rail service; residents typically commute to Ipswich or Brisbane by road.

Fernvale falls under postcode 4306 and is governed by Somerset Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lockyer electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4306
Urban Area
Esk - Kilcoy
LGA / Council
Somerset
Federal Electorate
Blair
State Electorate
Lockyer
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.46°, 152.67°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
27.77 km²
Elevation
85m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,630
Avg Household Size
3 people
Median Age
35 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Translink Rural Coach services — Ipswich (limited services) Approx. 60 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
60 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Ipswich then Ipswich Line to Brisbane (~1.5 hr total)
By Car (Peak)
60-90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
50-60 min

🛣️ Brisbane Valley Highway connects to Ipswich Motorway; primarily car-dependent

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Car is essential for most daily needs despite having a local supermarket; spread-out township layout

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    1455 Brisbane Valley Highway Fernvale 4306 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
282.4 / 100k
2yr Down 32.6% 10yr Down 43.6%
Motor vehicle theft
226.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 67.7%
Non-FV assault
973.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 163.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr Down 100.0% 10yr Down 100.0%
Steal from vehicle
267.5 / 100k
2yr Down 28.4% 10yr Up 31.9%
View all offence categories for Somerset →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,209
Census 2021
3,629
▲ 13.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$33,176
Personal Income 2021
$40,352
▲ 21.6% 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
$40,352 / yr
$776/wk
Household
$92,092 / yr
$1771/wk
Family
$98,280 / yr
$1890/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,060
Born Overseas 445

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 162
  • 2. England 111
  • 3. South Africa 19
  • 4. Philippines 14
  • 5. Germany 11
  • 6. Scotland 11
  • 7. Zimbabwe 10
  • 8. Netherlands 8
  • 9. United States 8
  • 10. Taiwan 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,608
Australian 1,562
Scottish 407
Irish 342
German 323
Australian Aboriginal 229
Italian 68
Dutch 66
New Zealander 65
Maltese 35

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,470
Both parents born in Australia
543
Both parents born overseas
473
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
50.3%
Christianity
42.1%
Buddhism
0.5%
Islam
0.3%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
257 (7.1%)
5-14 years
678 (18.7%)
15-19 years
231 (6.4%)
20-24 years
145 (4.0%)
25-34 years
459 (12.6%)
35-44 years
543 (15.0%)
45-54 years
485 (13.4%)
55-64 years
399 (11.0%)
65-74 years
303 (8.3%)
75-84 years
102 (2.8%)
85+ years
20 (0.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fernvale known for? +

Fernvale is known for its country-town character, proximity to Lake Wivenhoe (South-East Queensland's largest water reservoir), and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail popular with cyclists. The town has its own Woolworths and is one of the Somerset Region's fastest-growing communities.

How far is Fernvale from Brisbane? +

Fernvale is approximately 60 kilometres west of Brisbane's CBD along the Brisbane Valley Highway, a drive of about 55–65 minutes.

Does Fernvale have public transport? +

Fernvale has limited public transport with occasional bus services to Ipswich and Brisbane. Most residents rely on private vehicles for daily commuting.

What is the population of Fernvale? +

The 2021 Census recorded 3,629 residents in Fernvale, one of the Somerset Region's larger and fastest-growing semi-rural communities in South East Queensland.

Is Fernvale a good place to live? +

Fernvale is a great option for families and lifestyle seekers wanting affordable acreage or semi-rural living within an hour of Brisbane. Lake Wivenhoe, the rail trail, and the town's growing retail scene make it a practical and attractive country-town base.

What is the postcode for Fernvale? +

The postcode for Fernvale is 4306, covering the Fernvale area in Queensland's Somerset Region west of Brisbane.

What is the average income in Fernvale? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Fernvale is about $776 per week (around $40,400 per year). The median household income is $1,771 per week and the median family income is $1,890 per week.

What is the age profile of Fernvale? +

The median age in Fernvale is 35. The largest age group is 5–14 (678 residents, around 19%). Around 32% of residents are under 20 and about 12% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Fernvale a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Fernvale is part of the Somerset 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 Fernvale? +

In Fernvale, the median weekly rent is $350, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,630 (2021 Census).