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 per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 4,155 by November 2025. This figure indicates a rise of 124 individuals (3.1%) from the 2021 Census count, which recorded a population of 4,031. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 4,145 in June 2024 and an additional five 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 relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch employs 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilised. Looking ahead, population projections suggest a growth of approximately 415 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 9.8% over the 17-year period, which is just below the median growth rate 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. On average, around 0.6 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new properties over this period was $1,089,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, commercial development approvals totaled $997,000, reflecting a predominantly residential focus in Wilston compared to Greater Brisbane. Wilston's building activity is significantly lower than the regional average (81.0% below), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties due to scarcity of new properties. This activity also falls below the national average, suggesting an area that is highly mature with possible planning constraints.

New development consists of 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Wilston's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 668 people per dwelling approval, Wilston reflects a highly mature market. Looking ahead, Wilston is expected to grow by 405 residents by the year 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

"Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to impact the region: Queensland Cancer Centre, Victoria Park Stadium (Brisbane 2032 Olympic Stadium), Brisbane Stadium (Victoria Park), and Cross River Rail - Exhibition Station. The following details those likely 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.

Employment conditions in Wilston demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Wilston's workforce is highly educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year.

As of that date, 2,612 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.5% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was higher at 74.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Wilston had a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average.

However, manufacturing was under-represented, with only 2.7% of Wilston's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, while labour force increased by 0.6%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and a fall in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from QLD to 25-Nov showed employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 $72,929 and an average income of $109,744 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is notably higher than Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $83,132 (median) and $125,097 (average), based on a 13.99% increase since financial year 2022. In Wilston, household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between the 93rd and 96th percentiles in 2021 Census figures. Income analysis showed that 39.2% of individuals earned $4000+ per week, contrasting with regional levels where $1500 - $2999 dominated at 33.3%. The substantial proportion of high earners (50.2% above $3000/week) indicated strong economic capacity in the suburb. After housing costs, residents retained 88.2% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. Wilston's SEIFA income ranking placed 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). In contrast, Brisbane metro had 36.5% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. Wilston's home ownership stood at 31.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.6% and rented ones at 33.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,708, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure in Wilston was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $410. Nationally, Wilston's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than 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 constitute the remaining 28.4%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 5.9% of the total. 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. Among residents aged 15 and above, 53.6% have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.9% and graduate diplomas 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

Public transport analysis indicates 26 active transport stops operating within Wilston. These include a mix of train and bus services. A total of 21 individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 2,501 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 151 meters from the nearest transport 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 excellent results, with younger age groups having particularly low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 75% of Wilston's total population (3,128 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.3%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Wilston, affecting 8.3 and 6.3% of residents respectively. The area has a high proportion of people without medical ailments, with 75.9% declaring themselves completely clear compared to Greater Brisbane's 73.7%. In Wilston, 13.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (548 people). While health outcomes among seniors in the area are above average, they still 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 population shows cultural diversity similar to the wider region, with 80.4% born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 89.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Wilston at 52.4%, compared to 45.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.8%), Australian (23.3%), and Irish (14.0%).

Some ethnic groups have notable differences: Polish is overrepresented at 0.9% in Wilston versus 0.7% regionally, Welsh remains steady at 0.7%, and Scottish is slightly higher at 8.8%.

Wilston's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wilston's median age is 38, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 36 but equal to Australia's 38 years. The 45-54 age group is strongly represented at 16.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group grew from 11.7% to 14.0%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 2.8% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort 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% (158 people), reaching 358 from 199. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 58% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.