Brisbane City

Brisbane City 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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Brisbane City statistical area's population is estimated at around 16,131 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,544 people (28.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,587 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 16,110, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1,410 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7,830 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Brisbane City's 28.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying 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, exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, is predicted over the period with the Brisbane City expected to grow by 13,607 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 83.5% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Brisbane City was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Brisbane City recorded around 469 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 2347 homes were approved, with one additional approval so far in FY26. On average, 1.6 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed during these years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction cost value of new properties was $721,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26 alone, commercial approvals totalled $1.176 billion, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Brisbane City has 123% more development activity per person, offering ample choice for buyers and reflecting robust developer interest in the area. Recent development has consisted entirely of attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 20 people associated with each approval, Brisbane City reflects a developing area.

Future projections estimate an addition of 13471 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Brisbane City has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 113 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Queen's Wharf Brisbane, Waterfront Brisbane, Cross River Rail, and Cross River Rail. The following details projects expected to have the most relevance.

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

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The employment landscape in Brisbane City shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Brisbane City has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.8% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0%.

As of September 2025, there were 10,899 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is 0.8% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was at 66.8%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment among residents is concentrated in accommodation & food (2.6 times the regional average), professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance (10.0% of local workers). The area hosts more jobs than residents, with a ratio of 10.8 workers per resident, functioning as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Over the past year, employment increased by 2.0%, while labour force grew by 1.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and a fall in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts suggest expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Brisbane City's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Brisbane City had a median income among taxpayers of $48,601 and an average income of $81,459. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the national median of $58,236 and national average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since June 30, 2023, current estimates for Brisbane City would be approximately $53,417 (median) and $89,532 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that incomes in Brisbane City cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the majority of residents, 32.7% or 5,274 people, fall into the income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999. This is similar to the regional pattern where 33.3% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures in Brisbane City are severe, with only 78.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 47th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Brisbane City's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 0.1% houses and 100.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Brisbane metropolitan area had 12.9% houses and 87.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brisbane City was 15.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 16.0% and rented ones at 68.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,942, below the Brisbane metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $460, compared to Brisbane metro's $440. Nationally, Brisbane City's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 44.4% of all households, including 8.3% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 4.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 55.6%, with lone person households at 42.7% and group households comprising 13.0%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 1.9.

Brisbane City demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Brisbane City's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 53.0% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. University graduates make up the largest group at 33.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications holders at 16.2% and graduate diplomas holders at 3.1%. Vocational pathways account for 22.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 11.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 40.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 24.7% in tertiary education, 2.1% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing primary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 145 active transport stops operating within Brisbane City. These comprise a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. They are serviced by 429 individual routes, collectively providing 48,826 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 79 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 6,975 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 336 weekly trips per individual stop.

Brisbane City's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Brisbane City shows excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (9,594 people), compared to 62.8% in Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.5% and 5.6% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 80.1%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 75.5% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 9.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,548 people), with seniors' health outcomes broadly aligned with the general population's profile.

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

Brisbane City has a culturally diverse population, with 44.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 57.3% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Brisbane City, comprising 33.7% of its population. Buddhism is overrepresented in Brisbane City compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 6.2% versus 3.9%.

The top three represented ancestry groups are English (19.8%), Other (16.6%), and Chinese (13.3%), which is higher than the regional average of 7.7%. Notably, Korean (3.6%) and Spanish (0.9%) are overrepresented in Brisbane City compared to regional averages of 1.3% and 1.0%, respectively.

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

Brisbane City has a median age of 31 years, which is younger than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Brisbane City has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (31.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 30.2% to 31.2% of Brisbane City's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 10.0% to 8.7%, and the 35 to 44 age group has dropped from 14.9% to 13.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Brisbane City's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase considerably, with an expected expansion of 2,843 people (56%), from 5,032 to 7,876 residents.