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

According to findings from AreaSearch, the resident count for South Brisbane stands at approximately 17,517 as of May 2026. Compared to the 14,243 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census, this represents a growth of 3,274 people (23.0%). This adjustment is calculated using the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population of 17,517 combined with 488 validated new addresses registered after the Census. Consequently, the local density reaches 8,671 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb within the top 10% of all Australian areas analyzed and highlighting the high demand for local land. The area's 23.0% expansion rate since the 2021 Census outpaced both state figures and the national benchmark of 9.3%, positioning the suburb as a leader in regional growth. The main driver of this expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 94.0% of the total population increase in recent times.

Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2. For areas not covered by these datasets, or for periods beyond 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 (using 2021 baseline data) are applied instead. Because the state-level figures do not include age group breakdowns, AreaSearch scales age groups proportionally using the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections based on 2022 data. Looking forward, the community is anticipated to experience rapid growth that ranks in the top 10 percent of statistical areas nationwide. The population is projected to increase by 12,695 persons by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a 16-year growth rate of 72.5%.

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

South Brisbane averages roughly 208 annual dwelling approvals, with 1,040 residential units approved throughout the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, and an additional 1,059 approved during FY-26 so far. An average of 3.7 people relocated to the area per built dwelling over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, showing that supply falls short of demand, which typically escalates buyer rivalry and drives up prices. The average construction value for new residences is $322,000. Additionally, commercial development approvals reached $302.5 million during the current financial year, indicating robust local business investment.

Per capita construction volumes in South Brisbane remain comparable to Greater Brisbane, maintaining a market balance in line with the broader metropolitan area, even though development pace has slowed down recently. This level of activity is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting positive builder sentiment. The composition of new developments is 1.0% detached houses and 99.0% multi-unit attached dwellings. A focus on higher-density projects provides more accessible price points suited to first-home buyers, investors, and downsizers. The area averages approximately 589 people for each approved dwelling, pointing to a mature residential market.

According to the most recent AreaSearch quarterly projections, South Brisbane is on track to add 12,695 residents by 2041. If the current rate of construction continues without accelerating, housing supply may fail to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting upward price movements.

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

Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and urban planning policies are key factors shaping the performance of a suburb. A total of 106 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a potential impact on the local area. Prominent developments include the Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC, Flourish Symphony, Callista on Park, and The Lanes West End, with the following list highlighting those of greatest local significance.

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 South Brisbane shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

The local workforce is characterized by high levels of education, with a strong concentration of professionals, an unemployment rate of 4.3%, and an estimated job growth rate of 1.7% over the preceding year. There were 11,311 employed residents recorded as of March 2026. The unemployment rate matches the 4.3% recorded across Greater Brisbane, while the participation rate of 72.7% is slightly above the Greater Brisbane average of 70.4%. Census records indicate that a moderate 22.9% of the working population operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

The primary employment fields for local residents are professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food services. Notably, the accommodation & food sector is highly represented, with a local share that is 2.1 times the regional average. Conversely, construction employment is lower, accounting for 4.6% of workers compared to the regional figure of 9.0%. With 2.3 workers for every local resident at the time of the Census, the area operates as a major employment center, drawing commuters from surrounding suburbs to fill more jobs than there are working residents.

AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that for the 12 months ending March 2026, local employment grew by 1.7% while the overall labor force expanded by 2.3%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. Over the same period, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2% and its labor force grow by 3.4%, resulting in a modest 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia help illustrate potential future demand patterns for South Brisbane. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been mapped against the local industry profile to estimate future trends. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests South Brisbane's employment could grow by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population projections.

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

According to postcode-level ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, South Brisbane SA2 taxpayers had a median income of $56,966 and an average income of $82,375. These figures place the area among the higher income bands in Australia, compared to a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799 across Greater Brisbane. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 suggest a median income of approximately $63,437 and an average of $91,733. In the 2021 Census, individual, family, and household incomes in the area hovered around the 60th percentile nationwide. The most common weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, containing 35.4% of taxpayers (6,201 residents), which is similar to the wider region's share of 33.3%. Housing costs exert substantial pressure, leaving residents with only 77.9% of their income, which ranks in the 47th percentile, while the SEIFA index for income places the area 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

According to the latest Census, the housing mix in South Brisbane consisted of 4.4% separate houses and 95.7% alternative housing structures (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwellings), whereas the wider Brisbane metro area recorded 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Brisbane stood at 13.2%, which is lower than the metropolitan average, with the remaining residences being mortgaged (14.9%) or occupied by tenants (71.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,950 exceeded the Brisbane metro median of $1,863, and the median weekly rent of $470 was also higher than the metro average of $380. On a national level, South Brisbane's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably higher than the national median of $375.

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

Families make up 49.2% of all households in the area, consisting of couples with children at 12.2%, couples without children at 28.5%, and single parents at 6.9%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 50.8%, with single-person households representing 39.0% and group households making up 11.7% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 persons 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

The level of education in South Brisbane is significantly higher than broader averages, with 55.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% throughout QLD and 30.4% across Australia. This educational profile positions the community well for professional and knowledge-based career paths. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 35.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 16.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational qualifications are held by 21.1% of the population aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificate-level courses (10.4%).

Participation in study is very high within the suburb, with 45.7% of all residents enrolled in an educational program. This student cohort includes 27.6% attending tertiary institutions, 5.5% in secondary schools, and 3.8% in primary education.

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

Analysis of the transport network shows 42 active transit stops in South Brisbane, offering a combination of ferry, train, and bus options. These stops support 148 distinct routes that deliver 21,608 passenger trips each week. Transport connectivity is excellent, with residents living an average of 113 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers commute out of the area; private vehicles remain the main commuting choice at 43%, followed by walking at 25% and bus travel at 17%. The average number of vehicles per household is 0.4, which is lower than the metropolitan average. Census data from 2021 shows that 22.9% of residents worked from home, which may reflect the impact of pandemic conditions.

The average daily service frequency is 3,086 trips across all transit routes, which translates to roughly 514 weekly trips at each individual transit stop.

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

Health indicators show excellent outcomes across South Brisbane based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, which reveals a very low rate of common health issues across all age demographics. Furthermore, private health insurance uptake is exceptionally high, covering approximately 60% of the population (10,492 people), compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 55.8%.

The most frequent health issues reported by residents are mental health conditions and asthma, affecting 8.3% and 6.1% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 79.8% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Residents aged 65 and older represent 6.6% of the local population (1,159 people), which is below the Greater Brisbane proportion of 15.1%. The health status of these senior residents remains very strong, with national rankings aligning closely with those of the broader community.

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 ranks among the most culturally diverse locations in the nation, with 55.5% of residents born outside Australia and 44.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 29.9% of the population. However, the most distinct religious deviation is Buddhism, which is practiced by 4.7% of the population compared to 2.0% across the Greater Brisbane region.

Regarding family heritage based on parental birthplaces, the three largest ancestry groups are English at 18.6% (lower than the regional average of 26.8%), Chinese at 17.3% (significantly higher than the regional average of 3.4%), and Other at 14.2%. There are also notable differences in other ethnic communities: Korean ancestry is highly represented at 2.4% (compared to 0.5% regionally), Spanish at 0.9% (compared to 0.4%), and Russian at 0.6% (compared to 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 has a younger population profile than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and the Australian median of 38. The 25 - 34 year-old age cohort is highly represented at 30.4% of the population, which is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%, while children aged 5 - 14 make up a smaller share at 5.0% compared to Greater Brisbane. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 increased from 29.4% to 30.4%, while the 15 to 24 age group decreased from 25.9% to 24.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, the age distribution is projected to change, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 64%, adding 3,391 people to rise from 5,321 to 8,713.