Bethania - Waterford
Statistical Area - sa2

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, according to AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 13,153 as of August 2025. This figure indicates an increase of 1,028 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,125. The growth is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 13,056 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses of 201 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,041 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bethania-Waterford's growth rate of 8.5% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA3 area's 7.7%, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future population trends project an above median growth for the area, with an expected increase of 2,078 persons to 2041 based on the latest numbers, representing a total increase of 15.0% over the 17 years.

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

Bethania-Waterford has seen approximately 97 new homes approved annually. Development approval data, produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, shows 486 dwellings approved between FY20 and FY25, with 3 recorded so far in FY26. Over these five years, an average of 3.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. This has resulted in demand significantly outpacing supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $390,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. Additionally, $28.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum. When measured against Greater Brisbane, Bethania-Waterford records somewhat elevated construction activity, with 21.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. New building activity comprises 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 916 people per approval, Bethania-Waterford shows a mature, established area. Looking ahead, it is expected to grow by 1,976 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Bethania - Waterford has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Coomera Connector Stage 1, Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail, Rosebank Estate, and Holmview Central Shopping Centre Stage 2 Expansion. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

The employment landscape in Bethania - Waterford shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Bethania-Waterford has a diverse workforce with equal white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 4.0% and employment growth of 5.3% in the past year as of June 2025.

There are 6,349 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, below Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 52.3%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is high, at 1.5 times the regional average.

Professional & technical jobs are underrepresented at 3.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Local employment opportunities seem limited as Census data shows fewer working residents than total population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment grew by 5.3%, labour force by 4.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 4.4% and a 0.4 percentage point unemployment decrease. Statewide in Queensland as of Sep-25, employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5%, with employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national 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 growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

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

Income data from AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2022 shows median income in Bethania - Waterford was $48,242 and average income was $52,319. This is lower than Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,891 (median) and $58,446 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census reports household, family and personal incomes in Bethania - Waterford falling between the 20th and 25th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 31.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the region where 33.3% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.9% of income remaining after housing costs, 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). This compared to Brisbane metro's 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bethania-Waterford stood at 31.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.8%) or rented (38.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,597, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $355, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Bethania-Waterford's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure 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 make up 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 has lower university qualification rates at 15.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are 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%, with primary education at 11.1%, secondary education at 8.3%, and tertiary education at 3.4%.

Bethania - Waterford's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 2,294 students as of the reported date. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1021) with balanced educational opportunities, including 2 primary schools and 1 K-12 school.

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

Bethania-Waterford has 38 operational public transport stops, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 22 different routes, facilitating a total of 1,599 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents generally situated 284 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 228 daily trips across all routes, translating to roughly 42 weekly trips per individual 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. Only approximately 46% of its total population (~6,076 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 50.0% and the 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.

Conversely, 60.1% report having no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 66.8%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.8% (2,997 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.7%. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with the broader population's health profile.

Bethania - Waterford was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bethania-Waterford, found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, had 14.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.0% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion in Bethania-Waterford, comprising 48.3% of people there. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, which made up 1.3% compared to 1.2% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.3%), Australian (23.6%), and Other (9.8%). Notably, Maori (3.1%) and New Zealand (1.5%) born residents were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.6% and 1.4%, respectively. Samoan-born residents also showed a slight increase at 1.7%.

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

Bethania - Waterford's median age is 38, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 36 but equal to Australia's 38 years. The 75-84 age group makes up 10.3% of Bethania-Waterford's population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 45-54 cohort comprises 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 indicate significant shifts in Bethania-Waterford's age structure. Notably, the 75-84 group is expected to grow by 51% (682 people), reaching a total of 2,035 from its current figure of 1,352. The aging population trend is evident with those aged 65 and above accounting for 66% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.