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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Wacol has an estimated 6,975 residents, up from 6,220 at the 2021 Census — a change of 755 people, or 12.1%. Growth has averaged 3.1% a year over five years, faster than 77% of areas nationally. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 59.5% of that increase. That puts 366 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, demographic analysis from AreaSearch indicates that the population of Wacol stands at approximately 6,975 residents. This represents an expansion of 755 people (12.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, which tallied 6,220 people. Such change is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population figure of 6,975 from June 2025 alongside 8 validated new addresses recorded following the Census date. With a density ratio of 365 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers ample room per resident and substantial scope for future expansion. Outperforming both the national average of 9.5% and the broader SA3 area, Wacol's 12.1% pace of growth since the 2021 census positions it as a regional standout.
The primary catalyst for this demographic expansion was interstate migration, accounting for roughly 59.5% of recent population gains, though natural growth and overseas migration also served as positive contributors. For each SA2 area, AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 that utilize 2022 as their base year. For locations lacking this coverage as well as all projections post-2032, Queensland State Government SA2 area figures released in 2023 (founded on 2021 data) are implemented. Because these state figures omit age cohort breakdowns, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings derived from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data across each respective age group. Looking at longer-term demographic trajectories, the locality is expected to track within the lower quartile of statistical areas assessed by AreaSearch. According to the most recent annual ERP population figures, Wacol is projected to expand by 229 persons to 2041, representing an overall increase of 3.3% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
21 new dwellings have been approved in Wacol over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That is 0.6 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
On an annual basis, Wacol averages approximately 4 residential dwelling approvals, totaling 21 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). With around 47 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), local housing demand heavily outpaces incoming supply, a dynamic that commonly fuels upward price pressure and heightened competition among purchasers. Furthermore, incoming residential construction averages an estimated building cost of $264,000 per dwelling, sitting underneath regional benchmarks and highlighting relatively affordable building options. In addition, $306.0 million in commercial development approvals was registered during this financial year, reflecting substantial private sector capital commitment.
Residential construction volumes in Wacol are substantially muted relative to Greater Brisbane, sitting 82.0% below regional average per person. This low level of new building activity tends to reinforce buyer demand and price resilience across established homes. Construction rates also sit well below the national average, reflecting the mature character of the suburb alongside possible planning constraints. Furthermore, all recent residential building activity consists of detached houses, preserving the neighborhood's low-density layout and catering to family households prioritizing spacious living. A ratio of 4351 people in the area per dwelling approval highlights this quiet, low-volume development landscape. Long-term demographic forecasts from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate indicate that Wacol will gain 229 residents by 2041. At prevailing rates of residential building, local construction activity appears sufficient to accommodate incoming demand, maintaining favorable conditions for prospective buyers while leaving room for population growth to potentially outperform baseline projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Wacol
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 10 current infrastructure and development projects inside Wacol, worth an estimated $1.41 billion. A further 55 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $11.9 billion. 14 are already under construction and 22 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure development, public works, and planning initiatives play a decisive role in shaping local growth and economic performance. In Wacol, AreaSearch has identified 23 major projects expected to influence the area. Key developments include the Waterford Business Park, Wacol Youth Remand Centre, Wacol Logistics Hub, and the South Queensland Correctional Facilities Expansion, with the most impactful projects detailed below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wacol Warehouse Complex - 200 Tile Street
The project comprises a multi-building industrial and warehousing complex across three stages, featuring five buildings accommodating 29 warehouse units with a combined gross floor area of 10,148 square metres. Development approval was granted by Brisbane City Council under Application A006248488. The scheme incorporates civil earthworks, dedicated car parking, and an integrated ecological corridor to preserve local biodiversity.
Wacol Youth Remand Centre
A new youth remand facility to accommodate approximately 50 young people, providing enhanced access to support services, including education, medical, and therapeutic programs. The project aims to address overcrowding in Queensland's youth detention system and improve rehabilitation outcomes for young offenders.
South Queensland Correctional Facilities Expansion
Queensland Corrective Services expansion program addressing custody capacity constraints across south-east Queensland. The program encompassed major infrastructure works including the delivery of the 1,500-bed Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre at Gatton and operational capacity enhancements at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre in Wacol.
Wacol Logistics Hub
18.2 hectare industrial complex with six warehouses acquired by JD Property for $153M. Major employment hub with proximity to transport networks and Richlands corridor.
QUAD WEST Industrial Estate
14,772sqm industrial estate over two standalone buildings with 13.5m internal clearance, ESFR sprinkler systems, and high-quality office accommodation.
Maplewood Estate
An exclusive residential development offering 12 premium lots in Wacol, with sizes ranging from 456sqm to 1528sqm. The estate is located with direct frontage onto a golf course, offering a modern and convenient lifestyle.
Waterford Business Park
Waterford Business Park comprises 45 architecturally designed strata-titled industrial units across multiple modern warehouse complexes. Developed by Norhart Developments on a prime 2.1-hectare parcel, the project provides functional industrial headquarters near the Ipswich Motorway and Logan Motorway corridors.
Progress Road Neighbourhood Shopping Centre
Proposed neighbourhood shopping centre anchored by a full-line Coles supermarket with approximately 18 specialty retail tenancies, food and service outlets, around 265 car parking spaces and associated access works. As of the latest publicly available information, the proposal remains in the planning phase with no confirmed construction commencement announced.
1,122 residents of Wacol are employed, from a labour force of 1,284. Unemployment sits at 12.6%, with participation at 20.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 13,335, about 191% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Wacol features a diverse labour force spanning both blue-collar and white-collar roles, anchored by prominent industrial and manufacturing sectors. The local unemployment rate stands at 12.6%, accompanied by an estimated employment expansion of 12.4% over the past year. As of March 2026, 1,122 residents are employed, although unemployment sits 8.3% above the 4.3% rate recorded across Greater Brisbane, indicating potential for improvement. In addition, the labour force participation rate of 20.6% trails the Greater Brisbane benchmark of 70.1% substantially. Census findings showed that only 8.4% of working residents operated from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be noted.
The leading sources of resident employment are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, alongside retail trade. Manufacturing displays exceptional local concentration, capturing a workforce proportion 2.5 times higher than the broader region. In contrast, professional & technical roles account for only 3.8% of employment locally compared to 8.9% regionally. At the Census, the presence of 2.0 workers for every resident underscores Wacol's role as a major regional employment center that draws in substantial commuter labour from neighboring suburbs. AreaSearch evaluation of ABS and SALM records indicates that over the twelve months to March 2026, Wacol recorded a 12.4% lift in employment alongside a 10.0% rise in the labour pool, driving a 1.9 percentage points reduction in local unemployment. Over the identical timeframe, Greater Brisbane saw employment expand by 3.2% and the labour force grow by 3.4%, accompanied by a 0.1 percentage points uptick in unemployment. National employment projections published by Jobs and Skills Australia in Mar-26 provide additional context regarding future workforce requirements. Across the nation, total employment is projected to rise 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trajectories vary by sector. When applied to Wacol's industrial composition via simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes (omitting localized demographic forecasts), local jobs are projected to grow by 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Wacol is $1,204 a week (about $63,000 a year), with median personal income at $485 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $53,710 a year against an average of $60,401. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxation statistics compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place income levels across the Wacol SA2 beneath nationwide averages. Taxpayer median income in the SA2 is $53,710 while average income reaches $60,401, trailing the Greater Brisbane figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Accounting for an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 indicate a median of roughly $59,811 and an average of $67,263. In the 2021 Census, Wacol ranked between the 2nd and 13th percentiles nationally across personal, family, and household earnings.
Individual earnings are concentrated in the $800 - 1,499 weekly bracket, encompassing 29.6% of residents (2,064 people), contrasting with Greater Brisbane where 33.3% earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 tier. Cost pressures are notable, with retained income at 80.4%, placing the suburb in the 11th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Wacol had 873 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 87% detached houses and 1% apartments. 22% are owned with a mortgage, 58% rented and 20% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $290 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 24.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the residential landscape in Wacol is composed of 87.2% separate houses and 12.9% other dwellings (incorporating semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures), compared with 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings across Brisbane metro. Outright home ownership in Wacol trails the metropolitan benchmark at 19.5%, while 22.4% of homes carry a mortgage and 58.1% are occupied by renters. Typical monthly mortgage costs stand at $1,300, well beneath the Brisbane metro figure of $1,863, while median weekly rent is $290 compared to $380 across Brisbane metro. On a national scale, Wacol's mortgage obligations sit well below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are markedly below the $375 national benchmark.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Wacol counted 873 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 979 today, averaging 2.8 people each. 27% are couples with children, against 16% couples without children. 22% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family arrangements constitute 72.2% of all households in Wacol, broken down into 27.0% couple families with children, 27.0% single parent families, and 16.3% couples without children. Non-family living situations make up the remaining 27.8%, consisting of 22.4% lone person households and 5.1% group households. The average household size in the area is 2.8 people, surpassing the Greater Brisbane figure of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
10.9% of adults in Wacol hold a university qualification, including 9.3% with a bachelor degree and 1.1% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 94% of areas nationally. A further 15.3% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 368 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 870 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Higher education attainment presents a key development area in Wacol, where 10.9% of residents hold university qualifications compared to 30.5% across Greater Brisbane. Among tertiary degree holders, bachelor degrees represent 9.3%, postgraduate degrees comprise 1.1%, and graduate diplomas account for 0.5%. Technical and vocational training forms a major pathway, with 18.4% of the population aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, consisting of 15.3% with certificates and 3.1% holding advanced diplomas. Participation in learning programs is exceptionally strong throughout Wacol, with 68.7% of the community engaged in formal education. This enrollment consists of 24.2% attending primary school, 24.2% in secondary school, and 6.0% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Wacol means driving: households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.0% of residents in Wacol report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 95% of areas nationally. 4.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 8.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch health metrics indicate notable wellbeing challenges across Wacol, with chronic conditions and mortality figures impacting both younger and older demographics. Private health insurance coverage is comparatively subdued at approximately 49% of residents (~3,431 people), below the Greater Brisbane benchmark of 55.8% and the nationwide level of 55.7%. Mental health conditions and asthma represent the most widespread health issues recorded in Wacol, affecting 11.2 and 9.8% of the local population respectively. Meanwhile, 64.0% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Elevated rates of chronic illnesses are evident among working-age individuals.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 7.5% of the community (522 people), lower than the 15.0% proportion across Greater Brisbane, with senior health indicators broadly matching overall national patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Wacol is largely Australian-born, at 76.8% of residents, with 32.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (20.1%) and English (19.6%). 7.8% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is a defining attribute of Wacol, with 23.2% of the local population born abroad and 32.6% using a language other than English at home. Christianity forms the predominant religious affiliation, practiced by 47.7% of residents. In addition, Buddhism is markedly represented at 7.3% of the community, significantly exceeding the Greater Brisbane benchmark of 2.0%. Regarding ancestral background, the three most common ancestries declared in Wacol are Australian at 20.1%, English at 19.6% (below the regional proportion of 26.8%), and Other at 12.5%. The suburb also exhibits significant representation from specific ethnic groups, including Vietnamese at 7.3% (against 0.8% regionally), Samoan at 5.3% (against 0.9% regionally), and New Zealand at 1.3% (against 1.0% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Wacol is 35, younger than 84% of areas nationally. That is 1 year older than at the 2021 Census. 34.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Wacol exhibits a relatively youthful demographic distribution, with adults aged 25 - 44 comprising 45.7% of the population as at August 2026 compared to 30.6% across Greater Brisbane, while children and youth aged 0 - 24 represent 23.2% against a regional share of 31.8%. The estimated median age in August 2026 is 35, up from 34 at the 2021 Census and 1 year below the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 from that Census. The most noticeable cohort shift since the Census occurred among residents aged 45 - 64, rising from 20.7% to an estimated 23.7%.
Projections to 2041 anticipate this middle-aged and pre-retiree group will absorb the bulk of demographic expansion, increasing by 439 residents (27%) to reach 2,089. The sharpest pace of growth will occur within senior cohorts aged 65+, expanding 53% to 798, while the 25 - 44 age bracket is projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Wacol
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Sep 2026 last month all 10 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Sep 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 8 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (6,220 at the 2021 Census → 6,975 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (310011276). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.