Wakerley

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wakerley's population is around 9,829 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 383 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,446 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,820 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 133 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,890 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wakerley's 4.1% growth since the census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 52.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 698 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 7.0% in total 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 has averaged around 9 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 49 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 5 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $304,000. Additionally, $16.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wakerley has significantly less development activity (77.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is likewise lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. At around 7344 people per approval, Wakerley shows a mature, established area.

Future projections show Wakerley adding 689 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Wakerley has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Greenslopes Private Hospital Wakerley Specialist Centre, Mayfair Village Shopping Centre Expansion, Wakerley Park Residential Estate, and The Sanctuary Wakerley, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 0.9%, and 5.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,367 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.2% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (85.5% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 27.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 14.3% employment compared to 16.1% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 5.3% while the labour force increased by 5.3%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane, where employment rose by 3.2%, the labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wakerley. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wakerley's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Wakerley SA2's median income among taxpayers is $74,437, with an average of $95,689. This is among the top percentile nationally, and compares to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $81,814 (median) and $105,172 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Wakerley, between the 92nd and 96th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $4000+ bracket dominates with 30.7% of residents (3,017 people), diverging from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 33.3%. The area demonstrates considerable affluence 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 rank residents within the 96th percentile for disposable income and 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

Dwelling structure within Wakerley, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Wakerley was lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 21.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (57.1%) or rented (21.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Brisbane metro average at $2,383, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $510, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Wakerley's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 88.3% of all households, comprising 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%, with lone person households at 10.1% and group households comprising 1.3% of the total. The median household size of 3.1 people 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

Educational attainment in Wakerley significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 23.7% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in QLD. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 25.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (18.6%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 23 active transport stops operating within Wakerley, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 377 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 289 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 27.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 53 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Wakerley, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (6,752 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 7.4% and 6.6% of residents, respectively, while 77.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 10.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,037 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 16.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 29.7% born overseas. The main religion in Wakerley is Christianity, which makes up 56.2% of the population. This compares to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wakerley are English, comprising 28.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.2% of the population, and Other, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 1.8% of Wakerley (vs 0.6% regionally), New Zealand at 1.4% (vs 1.0%) and Korean at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Wakerley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 37 years, Wakerley's median age nearly matches the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and is very close to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Wakerley has a higher concentration of 45 - 54 residents (18.0%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (6.7%). This 45 - 54 concentration is well above the national 12.0%. Since the 2021 Census, demographic aging is evident with the median age advancing from 36 to 37 years. Key changes show the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.3% to 14.0% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 18.9% to 16.6% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 19.9% to 17.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Wakerley. The 55 to 64 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 301 people (29%) from 1,044 to 1,346. Conversely, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.