🔍

McDowall

QLD 4053 • Greater Brisbane

7,612
Population (2021)
$129,272
Median Household Income
4.29 km²
Area
$470/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyEstablished SuburbBrisbane NorthLeafySchools

About McDowall

McDowall is an outer-northern Brisbane suburb about 13 km from the CBD, with a 2021 Census population of 7,612. It is a predominantly residential area with established family housing, green corridors and modern suburban amenity. Developed through the late 20th century, it now forms part of Brisbane's mature northern suburban belt. The suburb has a quiet, family-oriented character with strong local schooling presence.

Residents benefit from nearby shopping centres, parks and major road links to the city, airport and northern employment precincts. Daily life is suburban and practical, with community facilities and open-space networks supporting active lifestyles. Public transport is primarily bus-based, with rail accessed via surrounding stations. McDowall appeals to families and professionals seeking established housing and reliable access to inner-Brisbane services.

McDowall falls under postcode 4053 and is governed by Brisbane Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Aspley electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4053
Urban Area
Brisbane City - Outer North
LGA / Council
Brisbane
Federal Electorate
Lilley
State Electorate
Aspley
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.38°, 152.99°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
4.29 km²
Elevation
63m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$470
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
38 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.6%

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

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Grovely Station
5 km
Not walkable
Keperra Station
5.5 km
Not walkable
Mitchelton Station
6 km
Not walkable
Carseldine Station
6.5 km
Not walkable

Bus Services

  • Brisbane north bus routes — Brisbane CBD 35-55 min
  • Cross-suburban services — Chermside / Aspley / Everton Park 15-40 min
  • Feeder buses — Nearby rail stations 15-30 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
13 km
By Train
45-65 min (bus/drive to station + train)
By Bus
35-55 min
By Car (Peak)
30-55 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-30 min

🛣️ Direct and feeder bus services are typically the most practical public transport option.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Local parks and schools are accessible on foot in many pockets, though major errands often involve bus or car travel.

🛒 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 McDowall. 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
7,237
Census 2021
7,612
▲ 5.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$44,876
Personal Income 2021
$55,068
▲ 22.7% 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
$55,068 / yr
$1059/wk
Household
$129,272 / yr
$2486/wk
Family
$141,908 / yr
$2729/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,610
Born Overseas 1,843

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 288
  • 2. India 197
  • 3. New Zealand 193
  • 4. South Africa 121
  • 5. China 113
  • 6. Italy 82
  • 7. Philippines 58
  • 8. Scotland 44
  • 9. Malaysia 42
  • 10. Hong Kong 41

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 2,692
English 2,691
Irish 971
Scottish 820
Italian 583
German 454
Chinese 365
Indian 333
Dutch 127
Filipino 116

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,005
Both parents born in Australia
2,418
Both parents born overseas
1,021
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
57.0%
No Religion
34.6%
Hinduism
2.2%
Buddhism
1.1%
Islam
0.5%
Sikhism
0.5%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
489 (6.4%)
5-14 years
1,080 (14.2%)
15-19 years
489 (6.4%)
20-24 years
489 (6.4%)
25-34 years
806 (10.6%)
35-44 years
1,154 (15.2%)
45-54 years
1,080 (14.2%)
55-64 years
896 (11.8%)
65-74 years
703 (9.2%)
75-84 years
343 (4.5%)
85+ years
83 (1.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McDowall known for? +

McDowall is an outer-northern Brisbane suburb about 13 km from the CBD, with a 2021 Census population of 7,612. It is a predominantly residential area with established family housing, green corridors and modern suburban amenity.

How far is McDowall from Brisbane CBD? +

McDowall is approximately 13 km from Brisbane CBD. By car, the journey takes around 20-30 min off-peak and 30-55 min during peak hours.

Does McDowall have public transport? +

McDowall is served by Grovely Station (5 km away) on the Ferny Grove Line. Bus services also connect to Brisbane CBD. The commute to Brisbane CBD takes approximately 20-30 min by car.

What is the population of McDowall? +

According to the 2021 Census, McDowall has a population of approximately 7,612 residents. It is a well-established suburb within the Brisbane (City).

Is McDowall a good place to live? +

McDowall offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local amenities and services. It suits a range of residents from families to retirees, depending on personal preferences for pace of life and proximity to urban centres.

What is the postcode for McDowall? +

The postcode for McDowall, QLD is 4053.

What is the average income in McDowall? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in McDowall is about $1,059 per week (around $55,100 per year). The median household income is $2,486 per week and the median family income is $2,729 per week.

What is the age profile of McDowall? +

The median age in McDowall is 38. The largest age group is 35–44 (1,154 residents, around 15%). Around 27% of residents are under 20 and about 15% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is McDowall a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. McDowall 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 McDowall? +

In McDowall, the median weekly rent is $470, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,167 (2021 Census).