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 was approximately 16,912 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 2,669 people, representing an 18.7% increase 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, making land in the area highly sought after. The 18.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the state's average, positioning South Brisbane as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where utilized. Future population trends predict exceptional growth for South Brisbane, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas across the nation by 2041. The area is expected to expand by 14,231 persons over this period, reflecting an increase of 85.4% in total population 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 approximately 208 new dwelling approvals annually. Between the financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 1,040 homes were approved, with an additional 592 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 4.7 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This significant demand outpaces supply, typically exerting upward pressure on prices and intensifying competition among buyers. The average value of new homes being constructed is $732,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26 alone, commercial development approvals have reached $302.5 million, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, South Brisbane maintains comparable new home approvals per capita, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

Nationally, this level of development is well above average, indicating strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist predominantly of townhouses or apartments (99.0%), with a small proportion being detached houses (1.0%). This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. South Brisbane reflects a highly mature market, with approximately 573 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 14,449 residents (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting 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 likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC, 164 Melbourne Street, Arc Residences, and Symphony. The following details projects likely most relevant.

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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 strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, lower than the national average of 5.1% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.4%. As of June 2025, 11,134 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is 0.3% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in South Brisbane is broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food.

Employment specialization is particularly high in accommodation & food, with a share of 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 9.0%. The area functions as an employment hub with 2.3 workers for every resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 3.4% while labour force grew by 2.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data from Nov-25 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%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Brisbane's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

South Brisbane SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $56,465 and an average income of $81,466 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. By September 2025, estimates based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income would be approximately $64,364 and the average income $92,863. The 2021 Census showed household, family, and personal incomes in South Brisbane clustered around the 60th percentile nationally. The largest income segment comprised 35.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 5,986 residents in this bracket. This aligns with the regional pattern where this cohort also represents 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 77.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 47th percentile. 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 structures, 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 was $1,950, below the Brisbane metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $470, compared to Brisbane metro's $440. Nationally, South Brisbane's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 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 account for 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 make up 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, matching 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 has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 55.0% holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses both Queensland's state average of 25.7% and Australia's national average of 30.4%. The area's educational advantage is evident in the types of qualifications held: bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.1%, and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational pathways account for 21.1% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 10.7% and certificates 10.4%.

Educational participation is high in South Brisbane, 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, operating from June 2021. These comprise a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. As of this month, these stops are serviced by 163 individual routes, collectively providing 28,455 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 113 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 4,065 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 61% (10,282 people), compared to 64.3% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.3 and 6.1% of residents respectively.

A total of 79.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 75.5% across Greater Brisbane. As of December 2021, 6.7% (1,124 people) of South Brisbane's population is aged 65 and over, lower than the 10.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors align with those of 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 44.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 55.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in South Brisbane, accounting for 29.9% of people. Buddhism is more prevalent in South Brisbane compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 4.7% versus 3.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.6%), Chinese (17.3%), and Other (14.2%). Notably, Korean (2.4%) and Russian (0.6%) are overrepresented in South Brisbane compared to regional averages of 1.3% and 0.5%, respectively.

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

South Brisbane's median age is 29, lower than Greater Brisbane's 36 and Australia's 38. The most prominent age group is 25-34 year-olds at 29.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 27.1%. The 5-14 age group is smaller at 5.3% versus Greater Brisbane's 10.7%. Nationally, the 25-34 age group comprises 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates a decline in the 15-24 cohort from 25.9% to 25.0%. By 2041, South Brisbane's 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase significantly by 3620 people (72%), reaching 8632 from an initial 5011.