Wakerley
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Wakerley's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 9,906 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 460 individuals (4.9%) 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 results in a population density ratio of 1,905 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wakerley's growth rate of 4.9% since the census places it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.4%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth primarily drove population growth in the area, contributing approximately 52.2% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends indicate a growth rate just below the national median statistical areas' average, with an expected increase of 698 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, resulting in 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 has averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 49 homes. As of FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5 new residents arrive annually for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $304,000.

This financial year has seen $16.7 million in commercial approvals, 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 new construction has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. With around 7344 people per approval, Wakerley shows a mature, established area.

Future projections indicate Wakerley adding 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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely impacting the area, with key ones including Greenslopes Private Hospital, Wakerley Specialist Centre, Wakerley Park Residential Estate, The Sanctuary Wakerley, and Wakerley Gardens Estate. Below details 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's workforce is well-educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 0.9% as of June 2025, showing a 4.5% employment growth over the past year.

In June 2025, 6,223 residents were employed at an unemployment rate of 3.2%, below Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation was 77.2%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical services had an employment concentration of 1.2 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance had a limited presence with 14.3% compared to the regional 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over June 2024 to June 2025, employment increased by 4.5%, labour force grew by 4.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wakerley's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation 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 2022 shows Wakerley had a median taxpayer income of $71,231 and an average of $95,414. Nationally, these figures place Wakerley in the top percentile. For Greater Brisbane, the median was $55,645 and the average was $70,520. Based on a 13.99% growth in wages since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $81,196 (median) and $108,762 (average). Census data reveals Wakerley's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 92nd and 97th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.7% of residents (3,041 people) earn over $4,000 per week, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 33.3%. This affluence supports premium retail and service offerings, with housing accounting for 14.0% of income. Residents rank highly in disposable income (97th percentile) 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

In Wakerley, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.3% of dwellings were houses while 14.7% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Brisbane metropolitan area had 78.0% houses and 22.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wakerley stood at 21.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 57.1% and rented ones at 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, exceeding Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. Median weekly rent in Wakerley was $510 compared to Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Wakerley's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,383 versus the Australian 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 the remaining 11.7%, with lone person households at 10.1% and group households comprising 1.3%. 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

Educational attainment in Wakerley is notably high, with 38.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 23.7% in the broader SA4 region and 25.7% in Queensland as a whole. 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 and above holding such qualifications, 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. OneSchool Global QLD - Wakerley serves the area, with an enrollment of 289 students as of a recent report. The school demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 991) and offers balanced educational opportunities. All schools in the area provide integrated K-12 education for continuity throughout students' academic journey. However, local school capacity is limited, with only 2.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.6, leading many families to travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

The analysis of public transport in Wakerley shows that there are currently 23 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 6 individual routes providing service to the community. Together, these routes facilitate 377 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Wakerley is rated as good, with residents on average located approximately 289 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages around 53 trips per day, which equates to roughly 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

Wakerley shows excellent health outcomes with a low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Approximately 69% of Wakerley's total population (6,864 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 58.6%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

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

Wakerley 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

Wakerley has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 16.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 29.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wakerley, making up 56.2%, compared to 52.5% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.8%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (8.3%).

Notably, South African ancestry is overrepresented at 1.8% in Wakerley, compared to the regional average of 0.8%. New Zealand ancestry is also slightly higher at 1.4%, while Korean ancestry is notably higher at 0.7%, compared to regional averages of 1.3% and 0.2% respectively.

Wakerley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wakerley's median age is nearly 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wakerley has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 at 18.3%, but fewer residents aged 25-34 at 6.9%. This 5-14 concentration is well above the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and 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 cohort declined from 19.9% to 18.3%, and the 35 to 44 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. Meanwhile, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.