Wishart

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wishart's population is around 11,965 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 521 people (4.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,444 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,916 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,497 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 93.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 122 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 280 people. See the age section for more details.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wishart according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Wishart has averaged around 17 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 86 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 3 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $519,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $8.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wishart records markedly lower building activity (78.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (78.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. At around 580 people per approval, Wishart shows a mature, established area.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Wishart should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Wishart has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Chelva Street Road Renewal, Parkside Wishart, Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan, and Mansfield Safer School Precinct, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most 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.

The labour market in Wishart shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Wishart has a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and 2.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,251 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (68.6% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 20.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area shows particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 7.7% versus the regional average of 9.0%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.1% while the labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane, where employment rose by 3.2%, the labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wishart. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wishart's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Wishart SA2 is above the national average, with the median assessed at $57,693 while the average income stands at $71,132. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,410 (median) and $78,181 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 66th percentile ($2,017 weekly), while personal income sits at the 45th percentile. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 34.4% of residents (4,115 people), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. Housing accounts for 13.8% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 70th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Wishart, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 77.6% houses and 22.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Wishart was well beyond that of Brisbane metro, at 37.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.3%) or rented (26.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Brisbane metro average at $1,959, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Wishart's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wishart features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 80.6% of all households, comprising 44.3% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.4%, with lone person households at 17.2% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.9 people is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Wishart shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Wishart significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 25.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 27.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (15.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in secondary education, 11.2% in primary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 44 active transport stops operating within Wishart, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 1,958 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 208 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 84%, with 12% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 20.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 279 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Wishart, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~6,473 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 6.4% and 6.4% of residents, respectively, while 74.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 17.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,047 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Wishart is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wishart scores highly on cultural diversity, with 41.4% of its population born overseas and 39.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Wishart is Christianity, which makes up 51.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 4.5% of the population, compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wishart are English, comprising 19.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%, Australian, comprising 18.4% of the population, and Chinese, comprising 12.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 2.4% of Wishart (vs 0.5% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.8% (vs 0.2%) and Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.3%).

Wishart's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 40-year median age in Wishart is considerably higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and similarly exceeds the 38-year national average. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, the 5 - 14 cohort is notably over-represented (16.9% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (6.8%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.8% to 15.1% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 8.6% to 6.8% and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 15.8% to 14.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Wishart. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 66% (235 people), reaching 593 from 357. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 76% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.