East Brisbane

Population growth drivers in East Brisbane are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

East Brisbane's population is approximately 6,834 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 716 people, marking a 11.7% growth since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,118. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,661 in June 2024 and an additional 89 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,654 persons per square kilometer, placing East Brisbane in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 11.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

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 the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. East Brisbane is expected to grow by 1,147 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 14.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions East Brisbane among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

East Brisbane has recorded approximately 74 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling 373 homes. So far in FY26, 6 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 1 person moves to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years (FY21-FY25), indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand and providing ample buyer choice while allowing for population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built in the area is $770,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY26, $17.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, East Brisbane records 125.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity shows that 4.0% are standalone homes, while 96.0% are townhouses or apartments, indicating a focus on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix of 44.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The area has approximately 671 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an established market. Population forecasts indicate East Brisbane will gain 974 residents by 2041 (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Population forecasts indicate East Brisbane will gain 974 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

East Brisbane has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include East Brisbane State School Redevelopment & Vertical School Expansion, Brisbane Arena, Banksii, 169 Wellington Road, and Cross River Rail - Woolloongabba Station. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in East Brisbane shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

East Brisbane has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 5.8% in September 2025, showing an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year.

As of this date, 4,441 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.8% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was at 72.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 3.4% compared to the regional average of 6.4%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7%, and labour force increased by 0.7%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with unemployment falling by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that East Brisbane's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The East Brisbane SA2 had an extremely high national income level according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers was $60,633 and the average income stood at $90,697, comparing favourably with Greater Brisbane's figures of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $69,116 (median) and $103,386 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all ranked highly in East Brisbane, between the 69th and 82nd percentiles nationally. Distribution data showed that the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominated with 32.0% of residents (2,186 people), mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupied this bracket. East Brisbane demonstrated considerable affluence with 31.1% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consumed 17.2% of income, but strong earnings still placed disposable income at the 67th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

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

East Brisbane's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 44.2% houses and 55.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 52.7% houses and 47.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Brisbane was at 18.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (24.7%) or rented (57.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,500. Median weekly rent in East Brisbane was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $440. Nationally, East Brisbane's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 54.2% of all households, including 18.3% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 6.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 45.8%, with lone person households at 32.2% and group households comprising 13.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.4.

East Brisbane demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

East Brisbane's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 50.5% have university qualifications, compared to the Queensland average of 25.7% and the Australian average of 30.4%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area, positioning it well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 32.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%).

Vocational pathways account for 24.9% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above - advanced diplomas comprise 10.3% and certificates make up 14.6%. Educational participation is high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.7% in tertiary education, 6.0% in primary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

East Brisbane has 23 active public transport stops, a mix of ferries and buses. These stops are served by 14 different routes, offering a total of 2,527 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living 128 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 361 trips per day across all routes, which equals about 109 weekly trips per individual stop.

East Brisbane's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout East Brisbane. Prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 67% of the total population (4,558 people), compared to 73.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 10.9% of residents and asthma affecting 7.7%. 72.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.9% across Greater Brisbane. East Brisbane has 9.7% of residents aged 65 and over (664 people), lower than the 11.3% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

East Brisbane's population showed high cultural diversity, with 20.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 31.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 40.9%. Notably, Judaism had an equal representation of 0.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane.

For ancestry, the top groups were English (25.9%), Australian (19.2%), and Other (11.2%). Some ethnicities showed notable differences: French was slightly higher at 0.9% versus 0.8% regionally, Irish was slightly lower at 10.7% compared to 11.1%, and Spanish was marginally higher at 0.7%.

East Brisbane's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

East Brisbane's median age is 33 years, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, East Brisbane has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (27.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the proportion of East Brisbane's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 25.2% to 27.3%, while the proportion of those aged 15 to 24 has declined from 16.3% to 14.4%. The proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has also decreased, from 7.7% to 6.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that East Brisbane's age profile will change significantly by the year 2041. The strongest projected growth is in the 45-54 cohort, with a 29% increase adding 243 residents to reach a total of 1,083. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups.