Bethania - Waterford

Bethania - Waterford lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Bethania-Waterford's population is approximately 13,161 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 8.5% since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,125 people. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 13,056 residents in June 2024 and 204 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,042 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bethania-Waterford's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (7.8%), making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for the area, with an expected increase of 2,078 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.9% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Bethania - Waterford when compared nationally

Bethania-Waterford has seen approximately 62 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 313 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 3.1 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five years.

This high demand significantly outpaces new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $216,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $28.6 million in commercial development approvals, indicating strong local business investment.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bethania-Waterford has slightly higher development activity, with a 21.0% increase per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although development activity has somewhat decreased recently. The new developments in Bethania-Waterford primarily consist of detached houses (88.0%) and medium to high-density housing (12.0%), preserving the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. The population density is around 916 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bethania-Waterford is projected to grow by approximately 1,968 residents by 2041. Construction activity is keeping pace with this expected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population continues to rise.

Bethania - Waterford has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail project, Rosebank Estate development, Holmview Central Shopping Centre's Stage 2 Expansion, and the Beenleigh Train Station Upgrade. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Bethania - Waterford remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Bethania-Waterford has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.9% and an employment growth of 3.3% in the past year as of September 2025.

There are 6,172 residents employed, matching Greater Brisbane's unemployment rate of 4.0%, but workforce participation is lower at 52.3%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is particularly high, at 1.5 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 3.3% employment compared to 8.9% regionally.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, labour force by 2.0%, and unemployment fell by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and a 0.5 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bethania-Waterford's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though these are illustrative estimates and do not account for local population changes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Bethania - Waterford SA2 was $48,242 and average income was $52,319. This is below Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 13.99% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income for Bethania - Waterford SA2 is approximately $54,991 and average income is $59,638 as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 indicates that incomes in Bethania - Waterford fall between the 20th and 25th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. The $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band includes 31.6% of individuals (4,158) in Bethania - Waterford, similar to surrounding regions at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 80.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

Bethania - Waterford is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Bethania-Waterford, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.7% houses and 25.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bethania-Waterford was 31.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.8% and rented ones at 38.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,597, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $355, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Bethania-Waterford's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863, and rents were less than the national average of $375.

Bethania - Waterford has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.0% of all households, including 25.5% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 15.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

Educational attainment in Bethania - Waterford aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 15.6%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (31.2%). Educational participation is high at 29.6%, comprising 11.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Bethania-Waterford has 38 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus routes. There are 22 individual routes operating in total, facilitating 1,599 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 284 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 228 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 42 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Bethania - Waterford is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Bethania-Waterford faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% of the total population (around 6,080 people), compared to 50.0% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.2% and 10.2% of residents respectively.

However, 60.1% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in Greater Brisbane. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 22.8% (around 2,999 people), than Greater Brisbane's 16.7%. Senior health outcomes present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Bethania - Waterford was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bethania-Waterford has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 14.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bethania-Waterford, comprising 48.3% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category makes up 1.3% of the population, slightly higher than the 1.2% regional average.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.3%), Australian (23.6%), and Other (9.8%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Maori is overrepresented at 3.1%, compared to the regional average of 2.6%; New Zealand-born residents make up 1.5% versus 1.4% regionally; and Samoan residents comprise 1.7%, slightly higher than the 1.5% regional average.

Bethania - Waterford's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Bethania-Waterford has a median age of 38, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 10.3% of Bethania-Waterford's population, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 9.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 9.2% to 10.3%, whereas the 85+ cohort has decreased from 4.4% to 3.4%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Bethania-Waterford's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 50%, reaching 2,035 people from the current 1,352. Those aged 65 and above are projected to account for 66% of population growth. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.