Brisbane City
Statistical Area - sa2

Brisbane City lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Brisbane City's population was around 18,097 as of Aug 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 4,787 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,310 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,884 in June 2024 and an additional 1,407 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 7,635 persons per square kilometer, placing Brisbane City in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The city's growth rate of 36.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.6%) and the state's growth rate. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Looking ahead, exceptional population growth is predicted over the period to 2041, with Brisbane City expected to increase by 14,600 persons, recording a total gain of 74.0% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Brisbane City was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Brisbane City has averaged approximately 481 new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data from the ABS is on a financial year basis: 2,406 homes over the past five financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), with no approvals yet recorded in FY-26. On average, 1.6 new residents have been added per dwelling constructed annually over these five years. This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $721,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26 alone, commercial approvals totalled $1175.5 million, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Brisbane City has 116.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers ample choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent building activity consists solely of townhouses or apartments, catering to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers seeking accessible entry options. With around 24 people added per dwelling approval, Brisbane City exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections anticipate an addition of 13,387 residents by 2041, with current development levels aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Future projections show Brisbane City adding 13,387 residents by 2041. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Brisbane City has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 124 projects impacting Brisbane. Major projects include Queen's Wharf Brisbane, Cross River Rail, Adelaide Street Tunnel for Brisbane Metro, and Waterfront Brisbane. The following details key projects relevant to the area.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Brisbane City maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Brisbane City has a highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.3% in the past year, experiencing an estimated employment growth of 3.9%.

As of June 2025, there are 11,389 residents employed and the unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, with workforce participation at 67.5%. Employment concentration in professional & technical services, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance sectors is notable. The area has a particularly high employment concentration in accommodation & food, being 2.5 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 10.2% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. With 11.0 workers per resident as of the Census, Brisbane City functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

In the period between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.9% while the labour force grew by 2.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 4.4%, labour force grew by 4.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National forecasts indicate total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Brisbane City's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8%% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Brisbane City had a median taxpayer income of $49,753 and an average income of $83,490 in the financial year 2022. Greater Brisbane's corresponding figures were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. By March 2025, estimated median and average incomes stood at approximately $55,579 and $93,267 based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since the financial year 2022. Brisbane City's household, family, and personal incomes clustered around the 62nd percentile nationally as per Census data. Income brackets indicated that 5,899 residents earned $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, comprising 32.6% of the population, aligning with broader area trends at 33.3%. Housing costs consumed 20.7% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 51st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

Brisbane City features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Brisbane City, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 6.2% houses and 93.9% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Brisbane metropolitan area had 12.9% houses and 87.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brisbane City stood at 16.5%, with mortgaged properties at 16.6% and rented dwellings at 66.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Brisbane metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $460 compared to Brisbane metro's $2,000 and $440 respectively. Nationally, Brisbane City's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863 as of 2016, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Brisbane City features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 45.0% of all households, including 9.0% that are couples with children, 29.7% that are couples without children, and 4.6% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 55.0%, with lone person households at 41.7% and group households comprising 13.2%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 1.9.

Educational attainment in Brisbane City aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Brisbane City has a notably high educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 53.0% holding university qualifications. This exceeds the state (QLD) average of 25.7% and the national average of 30.4%. The most common qualification is Bachelor degrees, held by 33.9% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.8%, and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational pathways account for 22.7%, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 11.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 39.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 24.4% in tertiary education, 2.3% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing primary education. Schools serving Brisbane City include Indie School, Logan - Brisbane City Campus and Albert Park Flexible School, collectively educating 94 students. The area shows typical Australian school conditions with balanced opportunities (ICSEA: 997). Secondary education is dominated by two schools, while primary students typically attend nearby catchments due to limited local capacity (0.5 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 18.1). Note that for some schools, enrolment data may refer to the parent campus if indicated as 'n/a'.

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

Brisbane City's public transport analysis indicates 159 active stops operating within the city. These comprise a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. A total of 409 individual routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 47,938 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as excellent, with residents on average located 82 meters from their nearest stop. Service frequency averages 6,848 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 301 weekly trips per individual stop.

Brisbane City's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Brisbane City shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% (11,093 people), compared to 64.3% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.0 and 5.9% of residents respectively.

A total of 79.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 75.5% in Greater Brisbane. As of the latest data (20XX), 9.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,759 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Brisbane City is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Brisbane City has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 54.3% born overseas. The predominant religion in Brisbane City is Christianity, accounting for 33.5% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 5.8% compared to the regional average of 3.9%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (20.4%), Other (15.8%), and Australian (13.6%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: Korean at 3.3% (vs regional 1.3%), Spanish at 0.9% (vs 1.0%), and Chinese at 12.4% (vs regional 7.7%).

Brisbane City hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Brisbane City has a median age of 31 years, which is younger than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and significantly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Brisbane City has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (30.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 29.8% to 30.8% of Brisbane City's population. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 age cohort has decreased from 10.4% to 9.2%, and the 35 to 44 age group has dropped from 14.8% to 13.6%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Brisbane City's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to grow steadily, with an increase of 2,701 people (48%), from 5,577 to 8,279 residents.