South Brisbane

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

South Brisbane's population, as of November 2025, stands at around 16,912. This figure reflects an increase of 2,669 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,243. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,130 in June 2024 and an additional 487 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 8,372 persons per square kilometer, placing South Brisbane in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 18.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth 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 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using a base year of 2022. Future population trends indicate exceptional growth over the period, with South Brisbane expected to expand by 14,231 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 85.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

South Brisbane averaged approximately 208 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, 1,040 homes were approved, with a further 648 approved in FY-26 to date. Over the past five financial years, an average of 4.7 people moved to South Brisbane for each dwelling built.

This significant demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $322,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $302.5 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, South Brisbane has similar per capita development levels, suggesting market stability aligned with regional patterns, although building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, South Brisbane's development activity is well above average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area.

Recent construction comprises 1% detached houses and 99% townhouses or apartments, favouring higher-density living which can be more affordable for entry-level buyers, downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. As of now, South Brisbane has approximately 573 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 14,449 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

South Brisbane has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 109 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC, 164 Melbourne Street, Arc Residences, and Symphony. The following list details projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market in South Brisbane demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

South Brisbane has a highly educated workforce with professional services strongly represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3%.

As of September 2025, there were 11,161 residents employed, matching Greater Brisbane's unemployment rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading industries include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food, with notable concentration in the latter at 2.1 times the regional average. Construction employs only 4.6% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The area hosts more jobs than residents, attracting workers from surrounding areas with a ratio of 2.3 workers per resident.

Over the past year, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force by 1.2%, keeping unemployment broadly flat while Greater Brisbane recorded higher growth and falling unemployment. In Queensland as of 25-Nov, employment contracted slightly (0.01%), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts project employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggest South Brisbane's employment could increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years based on its industry mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The South Brisbane SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $56,465 and an average of $81,466 in the financial year 2022. This was among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since the financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $64,364 (median) and $92,863 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in South Brisbane were at the 60th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 35.4% of residents (5,986 people), similar to regional levels where 33.3% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 77.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 47th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

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

South Brisbane's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 4.4% houses and 95.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 12.9% houses and 87.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Brisbane was at 13.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 14.9% and rented ones at 71.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, below Brisbane metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $470, compared to Brisbane metro's $440. Nationally, South Brisbane's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

South Brisbane features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 49.2% of all households, including 12.2% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 50.8%, with lone person households at 39.0% and group households comprising 11.7%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

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

South Brisbane's residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 55.0% hold university qualifications compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% in Australia. This advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 35.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%).

Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 10.4%. Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 45.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 27.6% in tertiary education, 5.5% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing primary education.

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

South Brisbane has 47 active public transport stops. These include ferry, train, and bus services. There are 163 different routes operating, resulting in 28,455 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 113 meters. On average, there are 4,065 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 605 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

South Brisbane demonstrates excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (10,282 people), compared to 64.3% across Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.3 and 6.1% of residents respectively.

A total of 79.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 75.5% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 6.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,124 people), lower than the 10.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

South Brisbane has a culturally diverse population, with 44.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 55.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in South Brisbane, comprising 29.9% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 4.7% versus 3.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.6%), Chinese (17.3%, substantially higher than the regional average of 7.7%), and Other (14.2%). Korean (2.4%) is notably overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.3%. Spanish (0.9%) and Russian (0.6%) also show slight overrepresentation compared to their respective regional averages of 1.0% and 0.5%.

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

South Brisbane has a median age of 29, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent, making up 29.6% of the population, while those aged 5-14 make up a smaller proportion at 5.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has decreased from 25.9% to 25.0%. By 2041, South Brisbane's age composition is projected to change significantly, with the 25-34 age cohort expected to rise substantially by 3,620 people (72%), from 5,011 to 8,632.