Wacol
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Wacol are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Wacol's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 7,011. This figure represents a growth of 791 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,220. The increase was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,908 in June 2024 and the addition of 8 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 367 persons per square kilometer. Wacol's growth rate of 12.7% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and its SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 50.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all factors including overseas migration and natural growth being positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied where necessary. Future population dynamics suggest a median increase is expected for the area, with an anticipated rise of 370 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of approximately 3.8% over the 17-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 from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 36 homes approved during this period. No dwellings have been approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling built over the past five financial years attracted an average of 22.1 people to the area.

This supply lagged demand significantly, likely leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties were constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $149,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, $306.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wacol had significantly less development activity, at 69.0% below the regional average per person as of recent data. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

The area's new construction has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. As of recent estimates, there are approximately 1697 people in the area per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Wacol will gain 267 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Wacol has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 24 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Wacol Youth Remand Centre, Waterford Business Park, Wacol Logistics Hub, and South Queensland Correctional Facilities Expansion. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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Employment conditions in Wacol face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wacol has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 13.8%. As of June 2025, there are 1,040 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 9.7%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Major employment industries include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 3.8% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area hosts more jobs than residents, with a worker-to-resident ratio of 2.0:1, indicating it serves as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby regions.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels in Wacol increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 1.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wacol's current employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though these estimates are illustrative and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Wacol is below the national average. The median income is $51,773 and the average income stands at $57,797. In contrast, Greater Brisbane has a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Wacol would be approximately $59,016 (median) and $65,883 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Wacol fall between the 3rd and 14th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.6% of the community earns $800 - 1,499 (2,075 individuals), differing from broader area 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 12th percentile nationally.

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

In Wacol, as per the most recent Census assessment, 87.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 12.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This contrasts with Brisbane metropolitan areas where 80.2% were houses and 19.8% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Wacol stood at 19.5%, with mortgaged properties at 22.4% and rented dwellings at 58.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, significantly lower than Brisbane's metro average of $1,630. The median weekly rent in Wacol was recorded at $290, compared to $355 in Brisbane metropolitan areas. Nationally, Wacol's mortgage repayments were notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wacol features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 27.8%, composed of 22.4% lone person households and 5.1% group households. The median household size is 2.8 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

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+, 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. Wacol's four schools have a combined enrollment of 368 students. The area has varied educational conditions across its schools, which include one primary school and three K-12 schools. Local school capacity is limited, with only 5.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.3, leading many families to travel to nearby areas for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

The transport analysis indicates that as of 2021 there are 32 active transport stops in Wacol. These include a mix of train and bus services. The stops are serviced by 50 individual routes, collectively providing 1,742 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 399 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages around 248 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 54 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Wacol is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Wacol, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% of Wacol residents (~3,428 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.2% and 9.8% of residents respectively. However, 64.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.1% in Greater Brisbane. As of 2021, 8.2% of Wacol residents are aged 65 and over (573 people), lower than the 13.6% in Greater Brisbane. Senior health outcomes largely mirror those of the general population.

Wacol was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wacol's population showed significant cultural diversity, with 23.2% born overseas and 32.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wacol, accounting for 47.7% of its population. Notably, Buddhism had a higher representation in Wacol at 7.3%, compared to 8.7% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (20.1%), English (19.6%), and Other (12.5%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Samoan was overrepresented in Wacol at 5.3%, compared to 2.7% regionally; Vietnamese had a lower representation at 7.3%, versus 11.3%; New Zealand was also slightly higher 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 years, but slightly younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wacol has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (23.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.1%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, Wacol's residents have aged by an average of 1.2 years, with the median age rising from 34 to 35 years. Specifically, the 45-54 age group has increased from 13.1% to 15.0%, while the 35-44 cohort has risen from 22.4% to 23.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 25.6% to 21.8%, and the 15-24 age group has dropped from 14.9% to 12.9%. Population forecasts for Wacol in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 45-54 cohort projected to grow by 26%, adding 277 residents to reach a total of 1,326. Meanwhile, both the 15-24 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.