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 was around 17,905 as of February 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This represented an increase of 2,952 people, a 19.7% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 14,953. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,456 in June 2024 and an additional 887 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 9,088 persons per square kilometer, placing West End in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being 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 released in 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth, with West End expected to expand by 11,730 persons to 2041, reflecting a 63.0% increase over the 17-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 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,235 homes were approved, with an additional 100 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, over these years, about 3.1 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed annually.

This has led to a significant gap between demand and supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is around $505,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at approximately $151.2 million have been registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, West End shows comparable construction activity per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, recent construction activity has eased slightly. Nationally, this level is well above average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area.

Recent construction comprises approximately 1% detached dwellings and 99% attached dwellings. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently around 20% houses. This change indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 126 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, West End is projected to add around 11,281 residents by 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 57 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Callista on Park - West Village Final Stage, The Adler, Rivara West End, and 53-59 High Street Mixed-Use Development. Below is a list detailing 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.

The labour market in West End demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

West End has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.0% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year. In September 2025, 11,606 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Brisbane's 4.0%, and workforce participation at 78.3%.

According to Census responses, 29.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. West End specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share twice the regional level, while construction has a limited presence at 4.6% compared to the regional 9.0%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force grew by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 3.8% and a reduction in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West End's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The West End SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $59,953 and an average income of $86,763 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,894 (median) and $95,361 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows household, family, and personal incomes in West End ranked highly nationally, between the 72nd and 87th percentiles. Income distribution showed that the largest segment comprised 34.8% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (6,230 residents). A substantial proportion of high earners, 30.8%, earned above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. High housing costs consumed 17.8% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 69th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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, as per the latest Census, consisted of 19.5% houses and 80.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 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, exceeding Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in West End was $450, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, West End's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 vs Australia's average of $1,863, and rents stood at $450 against 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 constitute 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 comprise 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's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 57.1% have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. The area's most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 34.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 18.1% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational pathways account for 19.6%, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 10.1%.

Educational participation is high, 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 analysis of public transport in West End shows that there are 61 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of ferry and bus services. Eight individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 4,925 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located approximately 120 meters from the nearest transport stop. As West End is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 54%, followed by bus at 18% and walking at 12%.

The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.7, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high percentage of residents, specifically 29.9%, work from home, which may reflect conditions related to COVID-19. The service frequency averages 703 trips per day across all routes, 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 remarkable results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (11,333 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 9.8% of residents and asthma impacting 7.0%. Notably, 75.4% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents exhibit low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,148 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 0.1% in Greater Brisbane.

Top ancestry groups are English (21.9%), Australian (15.9%) which is lower than regional average of 23.2%, and Other (12.1%). Spanish, French, and Greek ethnicities are notably overrepresented at 1.1%, 1.0%, and 3.1% respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.5%, and 0.6%.

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

West End has a median age of 34, which is slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly below Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, West End has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, West End's population has aged by an average of 1.0 years, with the median age increasing from 33 to 34. Specifically, the 75-84 age group has grown from 2.4% to 3.9% of the population, while the 65-74 cohort has increased from 5.9% to 7.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 25.3% to 22.3%, and the 15-24 age group has dropped from 14.5% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in West End's age profile, with the 45-54 age cohort expected to rise substantially, increasing by 1,972 people (83%) from 2,374 to 4,347.