Wishart
Statistical Area - sa2

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 November 2025, is approximately 11,962 people. This figure represents an increase from the 2021 Census count of 11,444 people, reflecting a rise of 518 individuals (4.5%). The change is inferred from ABS estimates; as of June 2024, the estimated resident population was 11,916, with an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,497 persons per square kilometer, placing Wishart among the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered and years post-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; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. Future population dynamics indicate a decline by 2041; the area's population is projected to decrease by 122 persons overall but with growth anticipated specifically within the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 280 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 annually over the past five financial years, totalling 86 homes. As of FY26, there have been 5 recorded approvals. Historically, an average of 3 new residents per year has arrived for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This indicates that demand significantly outstrips supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

New properties are being constructed at an average expected cost of $519,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year alone, $8.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, underscoring Wishart's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wishart experiences markedly lower building activity, at 78.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Moreover, recent building activity comprises entirely detached dwellings, preserving 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 (78.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With approximately 580 people per approval, Wishart demonstrates its status as a mature, established area. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, Wishart may witness reduced pressure on housing, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Wishart 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 13 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones are Chelva Street Road Renewal, Wishart Heights, Michelle Crescent Road Renewal, and Parkside Wishart. 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 employment environment in Wishart shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Wishart has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of June 2025.

Employment grew by 1.6% over the past year. In June 2025, 6,147 residents were employed at a rate below Greater Brisbane's 4.1%, with workforce participation matching Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, notably education & training which is 1.3 times the regional level. Construction employment is lower than average at 7.7% compared to the regional average of 9.0%.

Over the year ending June 2025, Wishart's employment increased by 1.6%, labour force grew by 1.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4% and unemployment fall by 0.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wishart's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations based on current employment patterns.

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 financial year 2022 shows Wishart's median income is $55,864 and average income is $68,418. This contrasts 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, estimated median income as of September 2025 is approximately $63,679 and average income is $77,990. The 2021 Census data ranks Wishart's household income at the 67th percentile ($2,017 weekly) and personal income at the 46th percentile. Most residents (34.4%, or 4,114 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to regional levels (33.3%). Housing accounts for 13.8% of income. Wishart's disposable income ranks residents in the 70th percentile and its 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

Wishart's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.6% houses and 22.4% other dwellings. Brisbane metro had 74.0% houses and 26.0% other dwellings. Wishart's home ownership rate was 37.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 26.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wishart was $1,959, lower than Brisbane metro's $2,100. The median weekly rent in Wishart was $440, compared to Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Wishart's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,959 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $440 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

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

Wishart has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 39.5% holding university qualifications compared to the broader Queensland figure of 25.7% and Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.0% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.1% while certificates make up 15.9%. Educational participation is high at 33.8%, with 11.3% enrolled in secondary education, 11.2% in primary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Wishart's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,220 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, indicated by its ICSEA score of 1101. It includes two primary schools and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents stand at 18.6, lower than the regional average of 24.9, suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 44 active transport stops in Wishart, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 9 individual routes, facilitating 1,422 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 208 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 203 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 32 weekly trips per stop.

Wishart's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Wishart, with both young and older age cohorts experiencing low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 54% of the total population (~6,423 people) have private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 6.4% and 6.4% of residents respectively. A majority, 74.1%, report no medical ailments, compared to 75.7% across Greater Brisbane. Wishart has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.9% (2,020 people), compared to 14.3% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with the general population's health profile.

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. The dominant religion in Wishart is Christianity, making up 51.7% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 4.5% of Wishart's population compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

The top three ancestry groups based on country of birth of parents are English at 19.6%, Australian at 18.4%, and Chinese at 12.7%. Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation: Korean is overrepresented at 2.4% (vs regional 2.6%), Sri Lankan at 0.8% (vs 0.5%), and Russian at 0.6% (vs 0.5%).

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 proportion of individuals aged 5-14 (16.8% locally) but a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (7.2%). According to post-2021 Census data, the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 12.8% to 14.9%, while the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 8.6% to 7.2%. By 2041, Wishart's demographic is expected to change significantly. The population aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 73%, reaching 593 people from the current 343. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 72% of this growth. Conversely, the populations aged 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 are expected to decline.