Wilston

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

Wilston's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 4,155 people. This figure represents an increase of 124 individuals, a rise of 3.1% compared to the 2021 Census count of 4,031 residents. The estimation is based on AreaSearch's analysis using ABS data from June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,989 persons per square kilometer, placing Wilston in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.4% of recent population gains in the area.

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, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, Wilston's population is projected to increase by approximately 415 persons to reach a total of around 4,570 residents by the year 2041. This represents an overall increase of 9.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Wilston, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Wilston has recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 28 homes were approved, with a further eight approved so far in FY26. On average, around 0.6 people have moved to the area each year for each dwelling built during these years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new properties is $1,089,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, $997,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus in Wilston's property development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wilston records significantly lower building activity, at 81.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Wilston's property development activity is also below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and potentially indicating planning constraints. New development consists of 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving Wilston's suburban nature while offering some options for those seeking higher density living. With approximately 668 people per dwelling approval, Wilston reflects a highly mature market. Looking ahead, Wilston is expected to grow by 405 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects potentially impacting this region: Victoria Park Stadium (Brisbane Stadium), Queensland Cancer Centre, Brisbane Stadium (Victoria Park), and another Brisbane Stadium (Victoria Park). The following details the most relevant ones.

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 Wilston demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Wilston has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6%. As of September 2025, 2,612 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5%, below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 77.8%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 70.8%. According to Census responses, 32.8% of residents worked from home as of September 2025. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Wilston has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average.

However, manufacturing is under-represented, at 2.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Over the year to September 2025, Wilston's employment increased by 0.6%, while labour force also grew by 0.6%, keeping unemployment stable. In contrast, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a fall in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Wilston. Applying these projections to Wilston's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.4% over ten years.

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

Wilston SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $75,552 and an average of $106,022 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is notably higher than Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $83,039 (median) and $116,529 (average), based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census figures show that Wilston's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 93rd and 96th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 39.2% of Wilston residents earn $4000+ per week (1,628 individuals), differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 33.3%. The substantial proportion of high earners (50.2% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Wilston's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.8% houses and 28.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wilston was higher at 31.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.6% and rented ones at 33.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,708, above Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Wilston was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Wilston's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Wilston features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.6% of all households, including 38.4% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.4%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households making up 5.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Wilston performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Wilston's educational attainment is notably higher than broader standards. Among residents aged 15 and above, 53.6% possess university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationwide. University graduates comprise the largest group at 35.4%, followed by postgraduate degree holders at 12.9% and graduate diploma recipients at 5.3%. Vocational pathways account for 20.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 11.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in secondary education, 9.6% in primary education, and 9.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wilston has 26 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 24 different routes, together facilitating 2,601 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent with residents typically residing 151 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Wilston residents commute outward using cars (72%), followed by trains (13%) and walking (6%). On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home (32.8%), potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 371 trips daily, equating to approximately 100 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wilston's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Wilston. AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates indicates a low prevalence of common health conditions among younger cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (3,037 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues impacting 8.3% of residents and asthma affecting 6.3%. A total of 75.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.2% of residents aged 65 and over (548 people), lower than the 15.0% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Wilston's cultural diversity aligns with the broader regional average, as indicated by 80.4% of its population being Australian-born, 91.3% holding citizenship, and 89.9% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wilston, comprising 52.4% of the population, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.8%), Australian (23.3%), and Irish (14.0%), with Irish ancestry notably higher than the regional average of 8.2%.

Some ethnic groups show significant variations in representation: Polish at 0.9% in Wilston versus 0.5% regionally, Welsh at 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Scottish at 8.8% compared to 7.4%.

Wilston's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wilston's median age is 38, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 45-54 age group constitutes 16.2% of Wilston's population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 55-64 age group has grown from 11.7% to 14.0%, and the 75-84 group has increased from 2.8% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 11.5%, and the 5-14 age group has fallen from 13.4% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wilston's age structure. Notably, the 75-84 group is expected to grow by 80%, reaching 358 people from its current figure of 199. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 58% of projected growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.