Waterford West

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, as of November 2025, is approximately 8,555. This figure represents a growth of 740 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,815. The increase was inferred from ABS estimates: 8,496 in June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1,440 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Waterford West's growth rate of 9.5% since 2021 surpassed both the SA3 area (7.8%) and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 43.6% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the national median by 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Waterford West is expected to expand by 874 persons, reflecting a total increase of 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 averaged approximately 33 new dwelling approvals annually between FY-21 and FY-25, with a total of 166 homes approved during this period. In FY-26, up to the present date, 20 dwellings have been approved. This results in an average of 4.2 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five financial years.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $196,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers in the area. This financial year has seen $3.6 million in commercial development approvals, indicating the residential character of Waterford West. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Waterford West demonstrates similar new home approvals per capita, maintaining market balance with surrounding areas. The current development mix consists of 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living and providing more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This represents a significant shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 77.0% houses. This change reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles that require diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 892 people per dwelling approval, Waterford West exhibits a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population in Waterford West is projected to grow by 815 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond existing projections.

Waterford West has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Cantabria Village Estate, Yarrabilba Priority Development Area, Waterford West Community Hub & Town Centre Redevelopment, and Logan Motorway Upgrade (Gateway Motorway to Murtha Road). The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Waterford West has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent.

Unemployment rate was 6.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.0%. As of September 2025, 3739 residents are employed, but unemployment rate is higher at 6.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 50.9% versus Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing, with manufacturing notably concentrated at 1.7 times the regional average.

Professional & technical jobs are fewer, at 3.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Local employment opportunities seem limited. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.0%, labour force grew by 2.2%, reducing unemployment rate by 3.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 3.8% and unemployment fell by 0.5%. Statewide in Queensland, employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1210 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with unemployment rate at 4.2%, close to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waterford West's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.9% in five years and 12.7% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median taxpayer income in Waterford West SA2 was $50,190 and the average was $53,837 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,212 (median) and $61,369 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Waterford West fall between the 15th and 17th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 30.9% of residents (2,643 people), similar to regional levels at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 80.8% of income remaining, 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 dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.6% houses and 23.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, '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. Mortgaged dwellings were 32.4%, while rented ones were 41.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,452, below the Brisbane metro average of $1,733 and national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Waterford West was $320, lower than Brisbane metro's $360 and national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 28.5% and group households making up 4.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, 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%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 31.5%. Educational participation is high, with 33.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 13.4% in primary, 9.7% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.4% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 9 different routes that together facilitate 732 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents residing on average 311 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 104 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual 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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Waterford West, with notably higher prevalence of common conditions compared to averages. Among older age groups, these figures are even higher. Private health cover stands at approximately 47% (~4020 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 50.0% and the national average of 55.3%.

Common medical conditions include arthritis (9.1%) and asthma (9%). Around 65.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in Greater Brisbane. Waterford West has 17.8% residents aged 65+, higher than Greater Brisbane's 16.7%. Health outcomes for seniors require more attention due to these challenges.

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 has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 23.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 34.8% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Waterford West, making up 47.1% of people there. However, the 'Other' religious category comprises 2.2%, compared to 1.2% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.3%), Australian (22.3%), and Other (16.1%), which is higher than the regional average of 10.9%. Notably, Maori (4.0%) and Samoan (3.0%) populations are overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane's averages of 2.6% and 1.5%, respectively. New Zealand-born residents also make up a notable 1.0% in Waterford West.

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 it is younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Waterford West has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (14.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, 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 cohort aged 75-84 is expected to grow by 50%, adding 290 residents and reaching a total of 865. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 62% of the population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging demographic. Conversely, populations in the age groups 5-14 and 0-4 are projected to decline.