Waterford West
Statistical Area - sa2

Waterford West has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Waterford West's population was around 8,555 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 740 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,815 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,496 in June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,440 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Waterford West's growth rate of 9.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (7.8%) and the national average. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 43.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest a slight increase below the median of national areas by 2041. Based on the latest population numbers, Waterford West is expected to expand by 874 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 9.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Waterford West among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Waterford West has averaged approximately 33 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 166 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of 4.2 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply.

Consequently, this typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers. The average value of new homes being constructed is $196,000, which is lower than regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaling $3.6 million have been recorded, reflecting the area's predominantly residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Waterford West shows comparable new home approvals per capita, helping maintain market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. The current new development composition is 40% standalone homes and 60% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing stock, which is currently 77% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 892 people per dwelling approval, Waterford West reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate that Waterford West will gain approximately 815 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Waterford West has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Cantabria Village Estate, Yarrabilba Priority Development Area, Waterford West Community Hub & Town Centre Redevelopment, and The Parks at Stoneleigh Estate. Below is a list of 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.

Employment performance in Waterford West has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Waterford West has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 6.6%.

Over the past year, employment grew by 7.0%. As of June 2025, 3,809 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Brisbane's at 4.1%, and workforce participation is lower at 50.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing, with manufacturing notably concentrated at 1.7 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services employ only 3.3% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 7.0%, labour force grew by 4.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% with a smaller reduction in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025, project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waterford West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Waterford West's median taxpayer income was $50,190 and average was $53,837 in financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $55,645 and average of $70,520. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will reach approximately $57,212 and average will be around $61,369, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Waterford West fall between the 15th and 17th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.9% of residents (2,643 people), similar to regional levels at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 15th percentile.

Waterford West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Waterford West's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.6% houses and 23.4% other dwellings. This compares to Brisbane metro's 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waterford West was at 26.2%, similar to Brisbane metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.4% and rented ones at 41.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,452, lower than the Brisbane metro average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Waterford West was $320, compared to Brisbane's $360. Nationally, Waterford West's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $375.

Waterford West features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 67.2% of all households, including 27.9% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 16.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 28.5% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

Waterford West faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.8%, substantially lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (31.5%). Educational participation is high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 13.4% in primary, 9.7% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Waterford West State School and Marsden State High School serve a total of 4,633 students. The area has varied educational conditions across Waterford West, with one primary and one secondary institution providing conventional educational provision. It functions as an education hub, offering 54 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 19.3, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis in Waterford West shows 25 active public transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 9 individual routes. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 732.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 311 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 104 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Waterford West is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Waterford West faces significant health challenges with a considerably higher prevalence of common conditions compared to average. Among older age cohorts, this prevalence is even higher. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,020 people), compared to 50.0% across Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and asthma (9.0%). 65.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in Greater Brisbane. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.8%, with 1,523 people, compared to 16.7% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Waterford West 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

Waterford West, as per the data, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 23.9% of its residents speaking languages other than English at home and 34.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Waterford West, accounting for 47.1% of the population. However, Islam showed significant overrepresentation, comprising 6.0% compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 3.3%.

In terms of ancestry, English (25.3%), Australian (22.3%), and Other (16.1%) were the top three groups in Waterford West, with 'Other' being substantially higher than the regional average of 10.9%. Notably, Maori (4.0% vs 2.6%), Samoan (3.0% vs 1.5%), and New Zealand (1.0% vs 1.4%) ethnic groups were also overrepresented in Waterford West compared to the regional averages.

Waterford West's population is younger than the national pattern

Waterford West's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years but younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Waterford West has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 13.2% to 14.4%, while the population aged 25-34 has declined from 14.1% to 12.2%. By 2041, Waterford West's population is projected to undergo significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 50%, adding 290 residents to reach a total of 865. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 62% of the population growth, indicating a trend towards an aging population. Conversely, populations in the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decline.