2021 Census Overview: Bulimba, Hawthorne, Balmoral, Morningside: Next Census is 2026!

Our four inner-eastern suburbs of Brisbane—Bulimba, Hawthorne, Balmoral, and Morningside—share a riverside or near-riverside setting and lie within easy reach of the city’s CBD. Each suburb combines leafy streets, village-style shopping strips, and established residential precincts, yet they vary in size and demographic profile.

Across these suburbs, population figures range from 3,827 in Balmoral to 11,755 in Morningside. Bulimba recorded 7,407 residents, while Hawthorne was home to 5,090 people. Median ages span from 34 years in Morningside to 40 years in Bulimba, with Hawthorne at 37 and Balmoral at 39—indicating that while Bulimba and Balmoral attract more settled households, Morningside and Hawthorne draw a somewhat younger cohort of professionals and families.

Household composition reflects a strong family orientation. Families number 2,074 in Bulimba, 1,354 in Hawthorne, 1,054 in Balmoral, and 3,042 in Morningside, with average household sizes from 2.3 people in Morningside up to 2.6 in Hawthorne. Total private dwellings range from 1,702 in Balmoral to 5,369 in Morningside, and motor vehicle ownership remains high across all suburbs (1.6 to 1.8 vehicles per dwelling).

These suburbs command premium housing costs. Median weekly rents sit at $500 in Bulimba and Balmoral and $430 in Hawthorne and Morningside, while median monthly mortgage repayments stretch from $2,132 in Morningside to $2,809 in Hawthorne. Corresponding median weekly household incomes range between $2,280 in Morningside and $3,029 in Hawthorne, underscoring the affluence and high living standards across the precinct.

Age-group breakdowns further illustrate each suburb’s character. Bulimba and Hawthorne show concentrated cohorts in the 35–54 age bracket, Balmoral peaks among 35–44 year-olds, and Morningside features its largest segments in the 25–39 range. This mix of mid-life professionals, young families, and first-home buyers highlights the precinct’s diversity of lifestyle and housing options.

Overall, Bulimba, Hawthorne, Balmoral, and Morningside collectively present as some of Brisbane’s most desirable inner-city suburbs. Their riverside charm, strong household incomes, established community infrastructure, and proximity to the CBD make them attractive to a broad spectrum of residents—from young professionals and growing families through to established homeowners.

Bulimba

Bulimba is a vibrant riverside suburb in Brisbane, Queensland, with a population of 7,407 people recorded in the 2021 Census. The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with 48.9% male and 51.1% female residents. The median age in Bulimba is 40 years, slightly above the national median, reflecting a mature and settled community. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 0.9% of the population.

The suburb is home to 2,074 families, with an average of 1.8 children per family among those with children. Households typically consist of 2.4 people, and there are 3,249 private dwellings in total. Most homes have access to 1.7 motor vehicles on average, indicating a relatively high level of car ownership.

Housing costs in Bulimba are notably above average, with a median weekly rent of $500 and median monthly mortgage repayments of $2,800. This aligns with the suburb’s strong income levels—households earn a median weekly income of $2,868, suggesting a relatively affluent population.

In terms of age distribution, Bulimba has a significant concentration of residents in their late 30s to early 50s. The largest age groups include those aged 35–39 (8.3%), 40–44 (8.0%), 50–54 (8.0%), and 45–49 (7.9%). This demographic profile points to a community of professionals and families in mid-life stages.

Overall, Bulimba presents as a well-established, family-friendly suburb with strong income levels, high housing costs, and a mature population. Its riverside location and proximity to Brisbane’s CBD make it a desirable place to live for professionals and families alike.

Reference: https://dbr.abs.gov.au/region.html?lyr=sa2&rgn=305021114

Hawthorne

Hawthorne is a charming inner-city suburb of Brisbane, known for its riverside appeal and village-like atmosphere. According to the 2021 Census, Hawthorne had a population of 5,090 residents. The gender distribution was slightly skewed toward females, with 47.7% male and 52.3% female, and the median age was 37 years, reflecting a youthful and dynamic community.

The suburb included 1,354 families, with an average of 1.8 children per family among those with children. Households typically had 2.6 people, and there were 2,115 private dwellings in total. Most homes had access to 1.8 motor vehicles, indicating a high level of car ownership.

Hawthorne’s housing costs were substantial, with a median weekly rent of $430 and median monthly mortgage repayments of $2,809. These figures are consistent with the suburb’s strong income levels—median weekly household income was $3,029, placing it among Brisbane’s more affluent areas.

Age distribution in Hawthorne showed a strong presence of adults in their 30s to 50s. The largest age groups included those aged 50–54 (8.9%), 45–49 (8.4%), and 40–44 (8.4%), suggesting a well-established population of professionals and families.

Overall, Hawthorne offers a blend of riverside serenity and urban convenience. Its elevated income levels, family-friendly demographics, and proximity to the Brisbane CBD make it a highly desirable suburb for those seeking both lifestyle and location.

Reference: https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/305021116

Balmoral

Balmoral is a leafy, riverside suburb located just east of Brisbane’s CBD, known for its elevated lifestyle and proximity to the Brisbane River. According to the 2021 Census, Balmoral had a population of 3,827 residents. The gender distribution was nearly even, with 48.5% male and 51.5% female, and the median age was 39 years, indicating a mix of young professionals and established families.

The suburb comprised 1,054 families, with an average of 1.8 children per family among those with children. Households typically had 2.5 people, and there were 1,702 private dwellings in total. Most homes had access to 1.8 motor vehicles, reflecting a car-friendly lifestyle.

Housing costs in Balmoral were relatively high, with a median weekly rent of $500 and median monthly mortgage repayments of $2,600. These figures align with the suburb’s strong income levels—median weekly household income was $2,589, suggesting a well-off community.

Age distribution in Balmoral showed a strong presence of adults in their 30s and 40s. The largest age groups included those aged 35–39 (8.2%), 40–44 (7.9%), and 45–49 (7.4%), reinforcing Balmoral’s appeal to working professionals and families.

Overall, Balmoral offers a blend of affluence, convenience, and community charm. Its elevated position, access to quality amenities, and proximity to the city make it one of Brisbane’s most desirable suburbs.

Reference: https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/IQS305021113

Morningside

Morningside is a lively inner-eastern suburb of Brisbane, offering a mix of residential charm and urban convenience. According to the 2021 Census, Morningside had a population of 11,755 people. The gender distribution was fairly balanced, with 48.3% male and 51.7% female, and the median age was 34 years, making it one of the younger suburbs in the area.

The suburb included 3,042 families, with an average of 1.7 children per family among those with children. Households typically had 2.3 people, and there were 5,369 private dwellings in total. Most homes had access to 1.6 motor vehicles, reflecting moderate car ownership.

Housing costs in Morningside were relatively high, with a median weekly rent of $430 and median monthly mortgage repayments of $2,132. These figures align with the suburb’s solid income levels—median weekly household income was $2,280, suggesting a comfortable standard of living.

Morningside’s age profile reveals a youthful and active population. The largest age groups included those aged 30–34 (11.8%), 25–29 (10.5%), and 35–39 (10.8%), indicating a strong presence of young professionals and young families. Notably, 2.0% of residents identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Overall, Morningside presents as a dynamic and well-connected suburb with a youthful demographic, solid income levels, and a mix of housing options. Its proximity to the Brisbane CBD and access to public transport make it an attractive choice for professionals, families, and first-home buyers alike.

Reference: https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/SAL31922

Content: Oxford Street Bulimba Marketing
Reference: www.abs.gov.au