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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, South Brisbane's population is around 17,434 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,191 people (22.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,243 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,130 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 489 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 8,630 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought-after resource. South Brisbane's 22.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 63.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to expand by 14,231 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 79.9% 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 has averaged around 208 new dwelling approvals per year, with 1,040 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 852 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 4.7 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $322,000. Additionally, $302.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, South Brisbane has similar development levels (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area, though building activity has slowed in recent years. This activity is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity consists of 1.0% detached dwellings and 99.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. At around 573 people per approval, South Brisbane is a mature, established area.

Population forecasts indicate South Brisbane will gain 13,927 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 111 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC, Arc Residences, Future South Bank Master Plan, and Symphony, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

South Brisbane has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

South Brisbane possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and 1.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 11,231 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (74.0% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 4.6% employment compared to 9.0% regionally. With 2.3 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.1% while the labour force increased by 1.6%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within South Brisbane. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to South Brisbane's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The South Brisbane SA2's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The South Brisbane SA2's median income among taxpayers is $56,966 and the average income stands at $82,375, which compares to figures for Greater Brisbane of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,611 (median) and $90,538 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in South Brisbane cluster around the 60th percentile nationally. The data shows the predominant cohort spans 35.4% of locals (6,171 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 77.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places 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

Dwelling structure within South Brisbane, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 4.4% houses and 95.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within South Brisbane lagged that of Brisbane metro, at 13.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (14.9%) or rented (71.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Brisbane metro average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $470, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, South Brisbane's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 49.2% of all households, comprising 12.2% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 50.8%, with lone person households at 39.0% and group households comprising 11.7% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in South Brisbane significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 55.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead 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+; advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (10.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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

Public transport analysis reveals 42 active transport stops operating within South Brisbane, comprising a mix of ferry, train, and buses. These stops are serviced by 148 individual routes, collectively providing 21,608 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 113 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 43%, with 25% walking and 17% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 22.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3,086 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 514 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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across South Brisbane, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (10,442 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.3% and 6.1% of residents, respectively, while 79.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 6.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,199 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 44.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 55.5% born overseas. The main religion in South Brisbane is Christianity, which makes up 29.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 4.7% of the population, compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in South Brisbane are English, comprising 18.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%, Chinese, comprising 17.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.4%, and Other, comprising 14.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 2.4% of South Brisbane (vs 0.5% regionally), Spanish at 0.9% (vs 0.4%) and Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).

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

With a median age of 29, South Brisbane is notably under the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 and similarly considerably younger than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (29.1%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (5.3%) than in Greater Brisbane. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 5.9% to 6.5% of the population. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 25.9% to 24.8%. By 2041, South Brisbane is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 3,563 people (70%) from 5,068 to 8,632.