Wavell Heights

An assessment of population growth drivers in Wavell Heights reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Wavell Heights' population is approximately 11,237 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 893 people (8.6%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,344. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,227 in June 2025 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,138 persons per square kilometer, placing Wavell Heights in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 8.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 8.0%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 42.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends suggest a population increase just below the median of national areas to 2041, with an expected expansion of 644 persons reflecting a total increase of 5.6% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Wavell Heights among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Wavell Heights averaged approximately 54 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25270 homes were approved, with an additional 38 approved in FY-26. Each dwelling built attracted about 2.7 new residents yearly over the past five financial years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes was around $614,000, suggesting developers target the premium market with high-end developments. This year, commercial development approvals totaled $794,000, reflecting a predominant focus on residential development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wavell Heights had 19.0% more new home approvals per person over the five-year period, offering buyers choice while supporting property values.

Ninety-eight percent of new developments were standalone homes, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes. With around 208 people per dwelling approval, Wavell Heights exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, it is projected to gain approximately 634 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Wavell Heights has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 such projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Brisbane Housing Company - Chermside Development, The Prince Charles Hospital Expansion, Sandgate Road Intersection Upgrade, and Danby Lane. Below is a list of those most likely to be 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 conditions in Wavell Heights rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wavell Heights has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 4.1%. In the year to December 2025, employment grew by an estimated 10.0%.

As of that month, 7,184 residents are employed and the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Greater Brisbane's rate. Workforce participation in Wavell Heights is higher at 82.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 25.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Wavell Heights has a notably high concentration in professional & technical jobs, with levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, manufacturing employs only 4.1% of local workers, lower than Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. The area offers limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 10.0%, labour force grew by 9.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Wavell Heights' employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections. These projections do not account for localised population changes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data shows Wavell Heights SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $68,316 and an average income of $85,085 for financial year 2023. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $76,077 (median) and $94,751 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Wavell Heights rank highly nationally, between the 88th and 93rd percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 27.5% earning $1,500-$2,999 weekly (3,090 residents). Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 43.9% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 13.7% of income, and residents rank within the 93rd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Wavell Heights, as per the latest Census, comprised 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wavell Heights was at 29.4%, with the rest mortgaged (43.6%) or rented (27.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,450, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Wavell Heights' mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wavell Heights has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.1% of all households, consisting of 41.3% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.9%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Wavell Heights exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Wavell Heights is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 40.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 27.5% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 17.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Wavell Heights shows that there are currently 73 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 11 individual routes providing service to the community. The combined weekly passenger trips across all routes amount to 1,031. Residents have excellent accessibility to public transport, with an average distance of 149 meters to the nearest stop. As Wavell Heights is primarily residential, most commuters travel outward from the area. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation for residents, with 81% using this method, while only 10% use the train.

On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home, at 25.6%, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 147 trips per day, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wavell Heights's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data for Wavell Heights shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates are low, with younger cohorts particularly showing a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 62% of the total population (6,921 people) has private health cover, compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 7.6% of residents and asthma impacting 7.2%. A total of 74.0% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 12.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,388 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane but ranks lower nationally than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Wavell Heights records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wavell Heights' cultural diversity aligns with the broader area's average, as indicated by its population: 80.5% born in Australia, 91.0% citizens, and 88.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 54.6%. While Judaism represents a slightly higher proportion in Wavell Heights (0.2%) compared to Greater Brisbane (0.1%), it remains relatively small.

The top three ancestral groups are English (26.9%), Australian (25.1%), and Irish (10.7%). Notably, German ancestry is marginally overrepresented at 4.4% in Wavell Heights versus 4.2% regionally, while Samoan and Scottish ancestries show lower representation: Samoan at 0.3% (vs regional 0.9%) and Scottish at 8.6% (vs 7.4%).

Wavell Heights's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wavell Heights's median age is nearly 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wavell Heights has a higher percentage of residents aged 45-54 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.6% to 13.8%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.2% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Wavell Heights's age profile. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 61%, adding 249 residents to reach 661. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 55% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.