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 February 2026, is approximately 4,155 people. This figure represents an increase of 124 individuals, a 3.1% rise from the 2021 Census count of 4,031 people. The population estimate for June 2024 was 4,145, with an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 2,989 persons per square kilometer, placing Wilston in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 63.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, which were released in 2023 and 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. By 2041, Wilston's population is expected to increase by approximately 415 persons, reflecting a total rise of 9.8% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 received approximately five dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 28 homes. As of FY-26, eight approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents per year have arrived for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This supply has met or exceeded demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value of these homes is $1,089,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $997,000 have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wilston has significantly less development activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. The activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Wilston's suburban character with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 668 people per dwelling approval, Wilston reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Wilston is projected to add 405 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Wilston 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 four projects likely to impact the region. Key initiatives include Victoria Park Stadium in Brisbane, the Queensland Cancer Centre, and two Brisbane Stadium projects at Victoria Park. Below are details of projects expected to have the greatest relevance.

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.

Wilston ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

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

Workforce participation is high at 77.5% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 32.8% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Wilston has a notable concentration in professional & technical jobs, with levels at 2.0 times the regional average.

Conversely, manufacturing employs only 2.7% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, while labour force grew by 0.6%, and unemployment remained essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wilston's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 7.7% over five years and 15.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows Wilston SA2 has incomes among the top percentile nationally. The median income is $75,552 and average income is $106,022. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025 (an estimated 9.91%), current estimates would be approximately $83,039 for median income and $116,529 for average income as of September 2025. The 2021 Census reveals household, family, and personal incomes in Wilston rank highly nationally, between the 93rd and 96th percentiles. Income distribution shows 39.2% (1,628 individuals) earn $40,000 or more, differing from broader areas where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is most common at 33.3%. A substantial proportion of high earners (50.2% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity in Wilston. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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 dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.8% houses and 28.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wilston stood at 31.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.6% and rented ones at 33.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,708, higher than 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 exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 28.4%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 5.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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 averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 53.6% have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationwide. University degrees are the most prevalent (35.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.9%) and graduate diplomas (5.3%). Vocational pathways account for 20.0%, 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 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 24 unique routes, facilitating 2,601 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing just 151 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, Wilston sees most residents commuting outward. Cars remain the primary mode of travel at 72%, followed by trains at 13% and walking at 6%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 32.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 371 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 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 indicates strong performance across Wilston. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, showing particularly low prevalence among younger cohorts. Private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (3037 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions were mental health issues affecting 8.3% of residents, followed by asthma impacting 6.3%. Notably, 75.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents demonstrated low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.9% of residents aged 65 and over (576 people), lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors were above average but ranked lower nationally compared to 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 region, with 80.4% born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 89.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wilston at 52.4%, compared to 47.8% in Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.8%), Australian (23.3%), and Irish (14.0%), with Irish being notably higher than the regional average of 8.2%.

Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Polish at 0.9% (regional: 0.5%), Welsh at 0.7% (regional: 0.5%), and Scottish at 8.8% (regional: 7.4%).

Wilston's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wilston has a median age of 38, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group makes up 14.4% of Wilston's population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort comprises 10.9%. Between 2021 and the present day, Wilston's median age has increased by one year from 37 to 38 years old, indicating an aging population. The 55-64 age group has grown from 11.7% to 14.4%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 2.8% to 5.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 10.9%, and the 5-14 age group has fallen from 13.4% to 12.1%. By 2041, Wilston's age profile is projected to change significantly according to demographic modeling. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 64%, reaching 358 individuals from the current figure of 217. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 57% of population growth, reinforcing trends towards an aging demographic. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.