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 is around 9,906 as of August 2025. This reflects an increase of 460 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,446. 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 1,905 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wakerley's growth rate of 4.9% since the census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Examining future trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the area projected to grow by 698 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 6.2% 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 approximately 9 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is provided by the ABS on a financial year basis, with a total of 49 approvals over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, and 1 approval so far in FY26. On average, each home built over these years has accommodated around 5 new residents. This supply has significantly lagged demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $1,000,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, commercial approvals have reached $16.7 million, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wakerley has significantly less development activity, with 77.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. The area's level of development is also below national averages, reflecting its maturity and potentially indicating planning constraints.

All new construction in recent years has comprised detached dwellings, sustaining Wakerley's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. As of now, there are approximately 7344 people per dwelling approval in the area, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, projections indicate that Wakerley is expected to grow by 612 residents through to 2041. 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 32ndth percentile nationally

The performance of a local area can significantly be influenced by changes to its infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Four projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Among these key projects are Mayfair Village Shopping Centre Expansion, New Special School on Brisbane's Bayside, Manly Road Residences, and Wynnum Manly Lota Foreshores Master Plan. The following details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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 0.9% and it saw a 4.5% employment growth in the past year as of June 2025.

There are 6,223 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 77.2%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, which are 1.2 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 14.3% of Wakerley's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 4.5%, labour force by 4.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Greater Brisbane's 4.4% employment growth, 4.0% labour force growth, and 0.4 percentage point unemployment rate drop. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts suggest a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but localised projections may vary based on industry-specific trends in Wakerley's employment mix.

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

Wakerley has a median taxpayer income of $71,231 and an average of $95,414 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is significantly higher than the national average, with Greater Brisbane's median income being $55,645 and average income $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $79,572 (median) and $106,587 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Wakerley's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 92nd and 97th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 30.7% of locals fall into the $4000+ category, contrasting with the regional pattern where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates at 33.3%. Economic strength is evident through 50.1% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, which supports elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income, and strong earnings place residents within the 97th 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

Wakerley's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. In comparison, Brisbane metro had 78.0% houses and 22.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wakerley stood at 21.8%, with mortgaged properties at 57.1% and rented ones at 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,383, surpassing Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent in Wakerley was $510, higher than Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Wakerley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,383 compared to 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, consisting of couples with children (55.6%), couples without children (22.1%), and single parent families (10.3%). Non-family households make up 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 notable with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding 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, comprising 14.6% in primary, 10.2% in secondary, and 5.2% in tertiary education.

OneSchool Global QLD - Wakerley, established in 2017, serves the local educational needs with an enrollment of 289 students as of 2021. The school offers integrated K-12 education and demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 991). However, limited local school capacity (2.9 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 13.6) leads many families to travel nearby for schooling.

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

Transport analysis in Wakerley shows 23 active public transport stops operating. These are mixed bus stops serviced by six routes, collectively providing 377 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 289 meters from the nearest stop.

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

Wakerley demonstrates excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. As of 2021, approximately 69% of Wakerley's total population of 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 in Wakerley are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.4% and 6.6% of residents respectively. Notably, 77.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.4% across Greater Brisbane. In terms of demographics, 10.0% of Wakerley's residents are aged 65 and over (992 people), which is lower than Greater Brisbane's 16.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Wakerley align closely with the general population's health 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, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets. 16.5% of its population spoke a language other than English at home, while 29.7% were born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion, with 56.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 52.5%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (28.8%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (8.3%). Notably, South African ancestry was overrepresented at 1.8% in Wakerley versus the regional 0.8%. New Zealand ancestry was also slightly higher at 1.4%, compared to 1.3% regionally, while Korean ancestry was notably higher at 0.7% versus 0.2%.

Wakerley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wakerley's median age is nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, while also close to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wakerley has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (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 Wakerley's age profile will evolve significantly. The 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow by 35%, adding 350 residents to reach a total of 1,346. In contrast, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.