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 around 9,865 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 419 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,446. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,865 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 133 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,897 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wakerley's growth rate of 4.4% since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 64.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends suggest a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas, with an expected growth of 613 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 6.2% in total over the 16 years.

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

Wakerley has averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 49 homes. In FY26 so far, 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, with new properties constructed at an average expected cost of $304,000.

In the current financial year, commercial approvals valued at $16.7 million have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wakerley has significantly less development activity, 77.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. The area's development activity is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in Wakerley over this period has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

With approximately 7344 people per approval, Wakerley demonstrates a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Wakerley is projected to add 613 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 26thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Greenslopes Private Hospital, Wakerley Specialist Centre, Mayfair Village Shopping Centre Expansion, Wakerley Park Residential Estate, and The Sanctuary Wakerley. 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 a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 0.9%, lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 4.1%. In December 2025, 6367 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2% below Greater Brisbane's rate.

Workforce participation was high at 84.5%. According to Census data, 27.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, the area has a high concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence, at 14.3% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. In the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 5.3%, while labour force grew by an equal percentage, keeping unemployment broadly stable at 4.8%. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane, where employment rose by 3.2% and unemployment fell slightly to 3.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Wakerley's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 2023 shows Wakerley SA2 had a median income of $74,437 and an average of $95,689 among taxpayers. Nationally, these figures place Wakerley in the top percentile. Comparing to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799 highlights this difference. Considering a 11.36% growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $82,893 (median) and $106,559 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Wakerley rank between the 92nd and 96th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 30.7% of residents earn over $4,000 per week, with a total of 3,028 people falling into this bracket. This contrasts with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 33.3%. The area's affluence is evident with 50.1% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, while strong earnings place residents 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

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Wakerley comprised 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Brisbane metro's 85.3% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wakerley stood at 21.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (57.1%) or rented (21.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Weekly rent in Wakerley was recorded at $510 compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Wakerley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 11.7%, consisting of 10.1% lone person households and 1.3% group households. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is 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

Wakerley's educational attainment is notably high, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ having university qualifications compared to 23.7% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in Queensland. Bachelor degrees are 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+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (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

Wakerley has 23 active public transport stops, all bus services. Six routes operate here, offering a total of 377 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 289 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the primary mode of transport, used by 91% of residents. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

In 2021 Census data, 27.1% of residents worked from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 53 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 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's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 69% of Wakerley's total population (6,777 people) have private health cover, which is notably higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 55.8%.

This figure is also above the national average of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues were found to be the most common medical conditions in Wakerley, affecting 7.4% and 6.6% of residents respectively. A total of 77.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Wakerley has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 10.4% (1,023 people) compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Wakerley are strong and align with national rankings.

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's population showed high cultural diversity, with 16.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 29.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wakerley, accounting for 56.2%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestral groups were English (28.8%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (8.3%).

Notably, South Australian ancestry was overrepresented at 1.8% in Wakerley versus 0.6% regionally, New Zealand at 1.4% versus 1.0%, and Korean at 0.7% versus 0.5%.

Wakerley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 37 years, Wakerley's median age is close to the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wakerley has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (18.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.2%). This 45-54 concentration is higher than the national average of 12.0%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, demographic aging is evident with Wakerley's median age increasing from 36 to 37 years. Notable changes include the 15-24 age group growing from 11.3% to 14.5%, and the 45-54 cohort increasing from 16.5% to 18.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 19.9% to 17.2%, and the 35-44 age group has dropped from 18.9% to 16.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Wakerley. The 55-64 age cohort is projected to increase by 287 people (28%), from 1,038 to 1,326. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.