Woolloongabba

Woolloongabba lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Woolloongabba's population is around 10,422 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,825 people (21.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,597 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,068 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 511 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4,324 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought-after resource. Woolloongabba's 21.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.3%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to increase by 7,751 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 71.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Woolloongabba when compared nationally

Woolloongabba has recorded around 160 residential properties granted approval annually, with 804 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 255 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.9 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $140,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $90.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Woolloongabba shows 182.0% higher construction activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice, though construction activity has eased recently. This is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 6.0% standalone homes and 94.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 30.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 2888 people per dwelling approval, Woolloongabba reflects a highly mature market.

Looking ahead, Woolloongabba is expected to grow by 7,397 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 55 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Cross River Rail - Woolloongabba Station, Silk Lane Development, The Carter by Mosaic, and Murcia Residences, 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.

Woolloongabba has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Woolloongabba features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 5.5%, and 1.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,794 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.3% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.8% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 20.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and professional & technical. The area shows particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 4.7% of Woolloongabba's workforce compared to 9.0% in Greater Brisbane. With 1.9 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.9% and the labour force increased by 2.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Woolloongabba. 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 Woolloongabba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Woolloongabba SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,495 with the average level standing at $66,852. This is approximately average nationally and compares to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,796 (median) and $73,477 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Woolloongabba cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 34.7% of locals (3,616 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. High housing costs consume 21.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 50th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Woolloongabba features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Woolloongabba, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 30.1% houses and 70.0% 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 Woolloongabba was lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 10.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (17.2%) or rented (72.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Brisbane metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Woolloongabba's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Woolloongabba features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 47.8% of all households, comprising 13.3% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 5.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 52.2%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 19.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Woolloongabba significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 51.1% 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 34.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 22.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (13.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 39.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 25.1% in tertiary education, 4.0% in primary education, and 3.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 41 active transport stops operating within Woolloongabba, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 147 individual routes, collectively providing 18,599 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 171 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 55%, with 18% by bus and 11% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 20.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 2,657 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 453 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Woolloongabba is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Woolloongabba, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~5,429 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.0 and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 74.3% 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 7.7% of residents aged 65 and over (803 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Woolloongabba scores highly on cultural diversity, with 34.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 42.9% born overseas. The main religion in Woolloongabba is Christianity, which makes up 31.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 3.7% 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 Woolloongabba are English, comprising 21.0% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%, Australian, comprising 16.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.2%, and Other, comprising 12.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Woolloongabba (vs 0.3% regionally), Korean at 1.6% (vs 0.5%) and Spanish at 0.8% (vs 0.4%).

Woolloongabba hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 29, Woolloongabba is notably under the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 and similarly considerably younger than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (33.9%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (4.8%) than in Greater Brisbane. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.8% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 32.3% to 33.9%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 25.3% to 20.9%. By 2041, Woolloongabba is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 2,025 people (57%) from 3,528 to 5,554.