Wishart

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

Wishart's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 11,870. This figure represents an increase of 426 people from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,444. The rise is inferred from ABS estimates: Wishart's population was 11,870 in June 2025 and 25 new addresses have been validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,478 persons per square kilometer, placing Wishart in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth in Wishart.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, Wishart's population is projected to decline by 148 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over group, which is projected to expand by 247 people.

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

Wishart has averaged approximately 17 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 86 homes. In FY26 so far, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is $519,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, $8.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating Wishart's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wishart records markedly lower building activity, 77.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, Wishart's building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining Wishart'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, reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. At around 580 people per approval, Wishart shows a mature, established area. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Wishart should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Wishart has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Chelva Street Road Renewal, Upper Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan, Parkside Wishart, and Mansfield Safer School Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Wishart has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year as of December 2025. At this time, 6,251 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 20.7% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical sectors. Wishart shows strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, but lower representation in construction at 7.7% versus the regional average of 9.0%.

Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to December 2025, Wishart's employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force grew by 2.5%, raising unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2% and unemployment fall by 0.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wishart's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Wishart SA2 had median income of $57,693 and average income of $71,132. Greater Brisbane's figures were median $58,236 and average $72,799. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $64,247 (median) and $79,213 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. In the 2021 Census, Wishart's household income ranked at the 66th percentile ($2,017 weekly) and personal income at the 45th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 34.4% of residents (4,083 people), similar to regional levels at 33.3%. Housing accounted for 13.8% of income. Wishart residents had strong earnings ranking them in the 70th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Wishart's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.6% houses and 22.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wishart was at 37.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wishart was $1,959, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Wishart was $440, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Wishart's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 80.6% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 2.9 people, 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

Wishart's educational attainment exceeds regional averages: 39.5% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to QLD's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common (25.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent: 27.0% of residents aged 15+ hold such qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 15.9%. Educational participation is high, with 33.8% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes secondary (11.3%), primary (11.2%), and tertiary (6.0%) education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Wishart shows that there are 44 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 9 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 1,958 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Wishart is rated as good, with residents typically located 208 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The dominant mode of transportation remains car use at 84%, while bus usage accounts for 12%.

On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Wishart. According to the 2021 Census, 20.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The 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

Wishart's health outcomes show notable results based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low, particularly among younger cohorts. Approximately 6421 people (54%) had private health cover. The most prevalent conditions were arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.4% of residents each. 74.1% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. Wishart has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (16.8%, or 1992 people) than Greater Brisbane (15.1%). While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally compared to 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.4% of its population born overseas and 39.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wishart, accounting for 51.7% of people. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented in Wishart compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 4.5% versus 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.6%), Australian (18.4%), and Chinese (12.7%). While English and Australian are underrepresented compared to the regional averages of 26.8% and 23.5%, respectively, Chinese ancestry is substantially overrepresented in Wishart. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Korean at 2.4% versus 0.5% regionally, Sri Lankan at 0.8% versus 0.2%, and Russian at 0.6% versus 0.3%.

Wishart's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Wishart is 40 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and slightly exceeds the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wishart has a notably higher percentage of individuals aged 5-14 (16.1% locally) but a lower percentage of those aged 25-34 (7.4%). According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 12.8% to 15.3%, while the 25-34 age group has declined from 8.6% to 7.4%. The 35-44 age group has also decreased from 15.8% to 14.7%. By 2041, Wishart's population is forecasted to undergo significant demographic changes. Notably, the number of individuals aged 85 and above will grow by 66%, reaching 584 from 351. This growth will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who represent 74% of anticipated growth. Conversely, the populations aged 0-4 and 15-24 are expected to decline.