Wilston
Statistical Area - sa2

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 per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 4,155 by November 2025. This figure indicates a rise of 124 individuals, representing a 3.1% increase from the 2021 Census count of 4,031 people. This change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 4,145 in June 2024 and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 2,989 persons per square kilometer, placing Wilston in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for roughly 63.4% of overall population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years beyond 2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Looking ahead, Wilston's population is projected to increase by approximately 415 persons by 2041, based on current numbers, representing a total growth of 9.8% over the 17-year period. This growth rate is just below the median for national areas.

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 six approved in FY26. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these five years is 0.6.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $1,089,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $997,000, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. 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.

This activity is also below national averages, suggesting an area with maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. Wilston reflects a highly mature market, with approximately 668 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, Wilston is expected to grow by 405 residents by 2041. 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 30% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to influence the area: Queensland Cancer Centre, Victoria Park Stadium (Brisbane 2032 Olympic Stadium), Cross River Rail - Exhibition Station, and Brisbane Stadium (Victoria Park). The following list provides details on those projects deemed most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Wilston rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wilston has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% as of June 2025, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.6%. As of June 2025, 2,712 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.9% below Greater Brisbane's rate. Workforce participation in Wilston was 74.8%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Professional & technical services had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. Manufacturing, however, was under-represented with only 2.7% of Wilston's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 3.6%, labour force increased by 2.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment falling by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Wilston. These projections estimate national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wilston's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 has a median taxpayer income of $72,929 and an average income of $109,744 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Nationally, this is exceptionally high, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $83,132 (median) and $125,097 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Wilston rank highly nationally, between the 94th and 97th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $4000+ earnings band captures 39.2% of the community (1,628 individuals), differing from patterns across regional levels where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 33.3%. This indicates a substantial proportion of high earners in Wilston, with 50.2% earning above $3,000/week, reflecting 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

The dwelling structure in Wilston, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.8% houses and 28.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 36.5% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Wilston was 31.1%, with the remaining dwellings being either mortgaged (35.6%) or rented (33.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wilston was $2,708, exceeding Brisbane metro's average of $2,167. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Wilston was recorded at $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $410. 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 2.2.

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. 53.6% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationwide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.9%) and graduate diplomas (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. Educational facilities appear to be located outside Wilston's immediate boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis in Wilston shows 26 operational public transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 21 unique routes serving these stops, collectively facilitating 2,501 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 151 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 357 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 96 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Wilston's health outcomes data shows notable results, with younger age groups having a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 75% of Wilston's total population of 3,128 has private health cover, higher than Greater Brisbane's 71.3%, and significantly above the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Wilston are mental health issues (8.3%) and asthma (6.3%), while 75.9% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 73.7% in Greater Brisbane.

Wilston has 13.2%, or 548 people, aged 65 and over. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they require more attention 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 region, as indicated by its Australian-born population (80.4%), citizen population (91.3%), and English-only speakers at home (89.9%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Wilston (52.4%), slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 45.9%. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.8%), Australian (23.3%), and Irish (14.0%).

Notably, Welsh (0.7% vs regional 0.7%), Polish (0.9% vs 0.7%), and Scottish (8.8% vs 8.7%) groups show slight divergences in representation compared to the region.

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. The 45-54 age group makes up a strong 16.2% of Wilston's population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group has grown from 11.7% to 14.0%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 2.8% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 11.5%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 13.4% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Wilston's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 80%, reaching 358 people from 199. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 58% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.