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

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 used, 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 ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of national statistical areas, with the area expected to grow by 698 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 7.0% 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 significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition, with new properties being constructed at an average expected cost of $304,000.

In the current financial year, $16.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Brisbane, where Wakerley has 77.0% less development activity per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Furthermore, all new construction has been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for buyers seeking space. With around 7344 people per approval, Wakerley exhibits characteristics of a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wakerley is projected to add 689 residents by 2041.

If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects expected to impact the region. Notable ones include Greenslopes Private Hospital, Wakerley Specialist Centre, Mayfair Village Shopping Centre Expansion, Wakerley Park Residential Estate, and The Sanctuary Wakerley. The following list 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 has an educated workforce with prominent professional services. Its unemployment rate is 0.8%, lower than the estimated Greater Brisbane rate of 4.0%. In September 2025, 6,329 residents were employed, with a local unemployment rate of 3.2%.

Workforce participation was high at 84.9%. Home workership stood at 27.1%, considering Covid-19 impacts. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Professional & technical employment is notably concentrated, at 1.2 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence, at 14.3% compared to 16.1% regionally. Local job opportunities appear limited, as indicated by resident vs working population counts. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment rose by 6.0%, labour force by 5.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In Greater Brisbane, employment rose by 3.8%, labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wakerley's mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.8% in five years and 13.9% in ten years, although this is a simplified 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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode-level ATO data for the financial year ending June 2023, Wakerley SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $74,437 and an average income of $95,689. Nationally, these figures place Wakerley in the top percentile. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's median income was $58,236 with an average of $72,799. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $81,814 (median) and $105,172 (average), based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since June 2023. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Wakerley rank between the 92nd and 96th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 30.7% of residents (3,017 people) earn over $4,000 per week, unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket predominates at 33.3%. This affluence is reflected in the area's high disposable income ranking (96th percentile) and SEIFA income decile (9th). Housing accounts for 14.0% of income.

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, with the remaining 14.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% 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, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Wakerley was $510, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Wakerley's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 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 comprise 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

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 broader SA4 region and 25.7% across Queensland as a whole. The most common university qualification is the Bachelor degree, held by 25.8% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications are held by 8.9%, while graduate diplomas account for 3.7%.

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas are held by 12.8%, while certificates make up 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 operational public transport stops, all for buses. These are covered by six different routes, offering a total of 377 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically living 289 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, and cars remain the primary mode of transport at 91%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, a significant 27.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 53 trips per day across all routes, equating 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's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (6,752 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.4 and 6.6% of residents respectively, while 77.5% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane.

The area has 10.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,037 people), 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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 16.5% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 29.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wakerley, comprising 56.2%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (28.8%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (8.3%).

Notably, South African ancestry was higher at 1.8% in Wakerley than the regional average of 0.6%, New Zealand at 1.4% compared to 1.0%, and Korean at 0.7% versus 0.5%.

Wakerley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wakerley's median age at 37 years is close to Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wakerley has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (18.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.7%), with the former figure significantly above the national average of 12.0%. Between the 2021 Census and now, median age has increased from 36 to 37 years, reflecting demographic aging. Key changes include growth in the 15-24 age group from 11.3% to 14.0%, and increase in the 55-64 cohort from 8.9% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group has decreased from 18.9% to 16.6%, and the 5-14 age group has fallen from 19.9% to 17.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant changes in Wakerley's demographics, with the 55-64 age cohort projected to increase by 301 people (29%), from 1,044 to 1,346. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.