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

Woolloongabba's population is approximately 10,422 as of February 2026. This represents an increase of 1,825 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,597. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,068 in June 2024 and an additional 511 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,324 persons per square kilometer, placing Woolloongabba in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 21.2% since the 2021 census exceeds both the SA3 area average (9.3%) and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Based on projected demographic shifts, Woolloongabba is expected to experience exceptional growth, increasing by 7,751 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 71.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Woolloongabba has granted approximately 160 residential property approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 804 homes were approved, with an additional 210 approved in FY-26 to date. Over these five years, an average of 2.9 people moved to the area per new home constructed.

This suggests solid demand supporting property values. The average expected construction cost value for new homes during this period was $140,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY-26 alone, there have been $90.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Woolloongabba shows 182.0% higher construction activity per person as of recently, though this has eased somewhat. This is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction trends show 6.0% standalone homes and 94.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the existing housing composition (currently 30.0% houses). This denser development provides accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

With around 2888 people per dwelling approval, Woolloongabba reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Woolloongabba is expected to grow by 7397 residents through to 2041. 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 55 projects that could affect the region. Notable projects include Cross River Rail - Woolloongabba Station, Silk Lane Development, The Carter by Mosaic, and Murcia Residences. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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

Woolloongabba has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 5.6%. Over the past year, it has maintained relative employment stability.

As of September 2025, 6,639 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. The workforce participation rate in Woolloongabba is 76.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 20.3% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and professional & technical services.

The area shows a strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, construction is under-represented at 4.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. There are 1.9 workers for every resident, indicating Woolloongabba functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2% while the labour force grew by 0.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Woolloongabba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 indicates Woolloongabba SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,495 and an average level of $66,852. Nationally, these figures are approximately average, with Greater Brisbane's levels being $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $58,796 (median) and $73,477 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Woolloongabba cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that the predominant cohort spans 34.7% of locals (3,616 people) within the $1,500 - $2,999 category, aligning with regional trends where this cohort also represents 33.3%. High housing costs consume 21.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile. 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

Woolloongabba's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 30.1% houses and 70.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Woolloongabba was at 10.2%, with mortgages at 17.2% and rentals at 72.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent was $440, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Woolloongabba's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than 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 constitute 47.8% of all households, including 13.3% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 5.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 52.2%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 19.6%. The median household size is 2.1 people, 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

Woolloongabba's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 51.1% possess university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational pathways account for 22.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 13.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 39.9% 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

Woolloongabba has 41 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 147 individual routes, facilitating 18,599 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 171 meters from the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 55%, followed by buses at 18% and walking at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 20.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 2,657 trips per day, 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

Woolloongabba faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 52% (~5,429 people) of Woolloongabba residents have private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 55.8%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (11.0%) and asthma (7.7%), with 74.3% reporting no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Only 7.7% (~803 people) of Woolloongabba residents are aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, with 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 34.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 42.9% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Woolloongabba, making up 31.9% of people. Buddhism is overrepresented in Woolloongabba compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 3.7% versus 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English at 21.0%, Australian at 16.2%, and Other at 12.6%, all notably lower than regional averages. Notably, Russian is overrepresented at 0.8%, Korean at 1.6%, and Spanish at 0.8% compared to regional figures of 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.4% respectively.

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

Woolloongabba has a median age of 29, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's median of 38. The age profile shows that the 25-34 year-olds are most prominent at 33.9%, while the 5-14 group is smaller at 4.8% compared to Greater Brisbane. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35-44 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.8%, and the 25-34 cohort has increased from 32.3% to 33.9%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort has declined from 25.3% to 20.9%. By 2041, Woolloongabba's age composition is expected to change notably, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to rise substantially by 2,025 people (57%), from 3,528 to 5,554.