Wacol

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

Wacol's population was approximately 6,975 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 755 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,220. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,975 in June 2025 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 365 persons per square kilometer. Wacol's growth rate of 12.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.3%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 59.5% to population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses 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 adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future population dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth, with the area expected to increase by 246 persons to reach approximately 7,219 by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 3.5% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wacol according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Wacol averaged approximately 7 new dwelling approvals per year between FY21 and FY25. A total of 36 homes were approved during these five financial years, with no approvals recorded so far in FY26. On average, around 22.1 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over this period.

This indicates substantial demand outstripping supply, which can lead to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties were constructed at an average expected cost of $149,000, lower than regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, $306.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wacol has significantly less development activity, with 70.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Nationally, Wacol's development levels are also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in Wacol between FY21 and FY25 comprised detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With an estimated 1697 people per dwelling approval, this reflects a quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Wacol will gain 246 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Wacol 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 23 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Waterford Business Park, Wacol Youth Remand Centre, Wacol Logistics Hub, and South Queensland Correctional Facilities Expansion. The following list details those likely 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.

Employment drivers in Wacol are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Wacol has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 13.3%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth is 8.8%.

As of December 2025, there are 1,086 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 9.2%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation in Wacol is low at 20.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, only 8.4% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Manufacturing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence with 3.8%, compared to 8.9% regionally. There are 2.0 workers for every resident, indicating Wacol functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 8.8% while labour force increased by 7.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.2%, labour force expand by 3.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Wacol's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Wacol SA2 is below the national average. The median income is $53,710 and the average income stands at $60,401. In contrast, Greater Brisbane has a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Wacol would be approximately $59,811 (median) and $67,263 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports that household, family, and personal incomes in Wacol all fall between the 2nd and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 29.6% of residents earn $800 - $1,499 weekly (2,064 residents), differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wacol, with only 80.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

Wacol is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Wacol's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.2% houses and 12.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wacol was at 19.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.4% and rented ones at 58.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Wacol was $290, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Wacol's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wacol features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.2% of all households, including 27.0% couples with children, 16.3% couples without children, and 27.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 22.4% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Wacol faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.9%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.5%). Vocational pathways account for 18.4% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 3.1% and certificates at 15.3%. Educational participation is high, with 68.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 24.2% in primary education, 24.2% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 32 active transport stops in operation within Wacol. These include a mix of train and bus services. A total of 59 individual routes service these stops, collectively facilitating 1,655 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 399 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 81%, while train usage stands at 11%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 236 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 51 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wacol is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Wacol faces significant health challenges as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~3,431 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.2% and 9.8% of residents respectively. However, 64.0% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 7.8% of residents aged 65 and over (545 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Wacol's population showed high cultural diversity, with 23.2% born overseas and 32.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Wacol, comprising 47.7%. Buddhism was significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 7.3% of Wacol's population.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (20.1%), English (19.6%), and Other (12.5%). Notably, Samoan (5.3%) and Vietnamese (7.3%) populations were higher than regional averages, while New Zealand was slightly overrepresented at 1.3%.

Wacol hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Wacol's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36, but slightly younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wacol has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (23.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.2%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.3%. Between the 2021 Census and now, Wacol's residents have aged by an average of 1.3 years, with the median age rising from 34 to 35. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has increased from 13.1% to 15.0%, while those aged 35-44 have risen from 22.4% to 23.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 25.6% to 21.2%, and those aged 15-24 have dropped from 14.9% to 12.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Wacol, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 age group (26%), adding 269 residents to reach a total of 1,314. Meanwhile, both the 35-44 and 25-34 age groups are expected to decrease in number.