Wakerley

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

Wakerley's population is 9,906 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 460 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,446. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: 9,820 in June 2024 and an additional 133 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,905 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Wakerley's growth rate of 4.9% since the Census is within 1.5 percentage points of its SA3 area (6.4%). Natural growth contributed approximately 52.2% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted. Note that these state projections lack age category splits; thus, proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the national median statistical areas' average. By 2041, Wakerley is expected to grow by 698 persons, reflecting a total gain of 6.2% over the 17 years.

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

Wakerley averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 49 homes. As of FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded. Historically, each dwelling constructed has resulted in an average of 5 new residents per year between FY21 and FY25. This indicates a significant demand exceeding supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value for new properties is approximately $304,000. In the current financial year, commercial approvals worth $16.7 million have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in Wakerley compared to Greater Brisbane, where it is 77.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings due to market maturity and possible development constraints. All new constructions in Wakerley have comprised detached dwellings, maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 7344 people per approval, it indicates a mature, established area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wakerley is projected to add approximately 612 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Wakerley has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the region. Key projects are Greenslopes Private Hospital, Wakerley Specialist Centre, Wakerley Park Residential Estate, The Sanctuary Wakerley, and Wakerley Gardens Estate. Below is a list detailing those 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Wakerley places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Wakerley has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 0.8% and it experienced a 6.0% employment growth in the past year as of September 2025.

There are 6,329 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 77.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (14.3%), professional & technical services (28.9%), and education & training (11.7%). Professional & technical employment is notably high, at 1.2 times the regional average.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 6.0% while labour force grew by 5.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8%. Statewide in Queensland, employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, aligning with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wakerley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Wakerley SA2 had a median income of $71,231 and an average income of $95,414. This places it in the top percentile nationally. For comparison, Greater Brisbane had 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, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $81,196 (median) and $108,762 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Wakerley rank between the 92nd and 96th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.7% of residents earn over $4,000 per week (3,041 people), differing from the surrounding region where 33.3% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. This affluence is reflected in premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, with residents ranking in the 96th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Wakerley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Wakerley, as per the latest Census, 85.3% of dwellings were houses while 14.7% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This differs from Brisbane metro's composition of 78.0% houses and 22.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wakerley stood at 21.8%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 57.1% and rented dwellings making up 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,383, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Wakerley was $510 compared to Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Wakerley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,383 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wakerley features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 88.3% of all households, including 55.6% couples with children, 22.1% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for 11.7%, with lone person households at 10.1% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Wakerley exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Wakerley is notably high, with 38.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 23.7% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in Queensland as a whole. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.8% and certificates for 18.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.6% in primary education, 10.2% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows that as of January 2023, there are 23 active public transport stops in Wakerley. These stops are served by a mix of buses operating along six individual routes, collectively offering 377 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated good, with residents typically located 289 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, service frequency stands at 53 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 16 weekly trips per stop.

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

Wakerley shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. As of 30 June 2021, approximately 69% (6,864 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 58.6%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.4 and 6.6% of residents respectively. A total of 77.5% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.4%. As of 2021, 10.0% (992 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 16.7%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Wakerley, compared to most local markets, exhibited high cultural diversity with 16.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 29.7% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion in Wakerley, accounting for 56.2%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 52.5%. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.8%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (8.3%).

Notably, South African ancestry was disproportionately high at 1.8% in Wakerley compared to 0.8% regionally, while New Zealand stood at 1.4% versus 1.3%, and Korean at 0.7% against 0.2%.

Wakerley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wakerley's median age is nearly 37 years, close to Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wakerley has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.9%). The 5-14 age group is well above the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.3% to 13.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort increased from 16.5% to 17.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 19.9% to 18.3%, and the 35 to 44 age group dropped from 18.9% to 17.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Wakerley's age profile. The 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow by 35%, adding 350 residents to reach 1,346. In contrast, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.