West End

West End lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

West End's population is 18,201 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 14,953 people, marking a growth of 3,248 individuals (21.7%). The change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 17,928 in June 2025 and an additional 1,029 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 9,239 persons per square kilometer, placing West End in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate exceeded both the national average (9.3%) and state averages, making it a growth leader regionally. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.1% 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 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. Future population trends predict exceptional growth for West End, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas. The area is expected to grow by 10,220 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 54.6% over the 16-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

The level of residential development activity in West End was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

West End has seen approximately 247 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, 1,235 homes were approved, with an additional 443 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 3.1 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This high demand coupled with limited new supply has led to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new properties is $505,000, indicating a focus on premium market developments. In FY-26, there have been commercial approvals totaling $151.2 million, reflecting robust local business investment. Comparatively, West End's development levels are similar to Greater Brisbane's per capita, contributing to market stability in line with regional patterns. However, construction activity has recently eased. Nationally, West End's development level is above average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the area.

Recent construction trends show 1.0% standalone homes and 99.0% attached dwellings. This shift towards denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, representing a notable change from the current 20.0% houses in the area. This trend may be due to decreasing developable sites and evolving lifestyle needs. With around 126 people per dwelling approval, West End exhibits characteristics of a growth area. By 2041, it is projected to gain 9,947 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply might not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 56 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include West Village, Arc Residences, Rivara West End, and The Adler. Below is a list of projects likely to be 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 labour market in West End demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

West End has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.9%.

As of December 2025, 11,653 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is 0.3% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in West End was 76.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 29.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training sectors.

West End has a particular specialization in professional & technical employment, with an employment share twice the regional level, while construction has limited presence at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 9.0%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9%, and labour force grew by 1.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2% and a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that West End's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to West End's employment mix.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data on June 2023. West End SA2 had a median income of $59,953 and an average of $86,763 among taxpayers. These figures were 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 from financial year 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $66,764 (median) and $96,619 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank highly in West End, between the 72nd and 87th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 34.8% of the population earns between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, aligning with the surrounding region's 33.3%. Notably, 30.8% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 17.8% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 69th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

West End features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

West End's dwelling structure in the latest Census showed 19.5% houses and 80.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in West End was at 18.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.9% and rented ones at 59.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, above Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in West End was $450, higher than Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, West End's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,100 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

West End features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 56.2% of all households, including 19.4% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 43.8%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households comprising 9.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in West End places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

West End has a notably higher educational attainment compared to broader benchmarks. Specifically, 57.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, surpassing Queensland's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. This significant educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%).

Vocational pathways account for 19.6% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 10.1%. Educational participation is notably high in West End, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.2% in tertiary education, 6.6% in primary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

The West End area has 61 active public transport stops, offering a mix of ferry and bus services. These are covered by 8 different routes, collectively handling 4,925 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically living within 120 meters of the nearest stop. As a primarily residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode at 54%, followed by buses at 18% and walking at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 29.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 703 trips per day, equating to approximately 80 weekly trips per individual stop.

West End's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

West End's health outcomes show significant positive results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (11,521 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and 55.7% nationally.

Mental health issues impact 9.8% of residents, while asthma affects 7.0%. A total of 75.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 11.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,082 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

West End 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

West End has high cultural diversity, with 30.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 40.6% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 31.9%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.9%), Australian (15.9%), and Other (12.1%). Spanish, French, and Greek ethnicities are notably overrepresented in West End compared to the regional averages.

West End's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

West End's median age is 34, compared to Greater Brisbane's 36 and Australia's 38 years. West End has a higher concentration of 25-34 residents (23.5%) than Greater Brisbane but fewer 5-14 year-olds (8.7%). This 25-34 concentration is above the national figure of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 16.4% to 17.7%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 2.4% to 3.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort decreased from 25.3% to 23.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in West End, with the strongest growth projected for the 45-54 age group (75%), adding 1,742 residents to reach a total of 4,072.