Herston

Population growth drivers in Herston are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates, Herston's estimated population was around 2,784 as of Nov 2025. This showed an increase of 473 people (20.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,311 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 2,779 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in Jun 2024 and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,647 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Herston's 20.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for years post-2032. However, state projections did not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas, with Herston expected to expand by 748 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 26.5% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Herston when compared nationally

Herston has seen approximately 10 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 52 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. In FY-26, up until now, there have been 8 recorded approvals. Each year, around 4.8 people have moved to Herston for each dwelling built during this period.

Commercial development approvals in the current financial year amount to $155.0 million. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Herston's building activity per person is about 59%. Nationally, it ranks at the 57th percentile among assessed areas. New building activity consists of 18.0% detached dwellings and 82.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift from the current housing mix of 43.0% houses reflects reduced development site availability and changing lifestyle demands.

Herston's population is forecast to grow by 739 residents by 2041, potentially outpacing housing supply at current development rates.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 41 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Herston Quarter Redevelopment, Queensland Cancer Centre, Victoria Park Stadium (Brisbane 2032 Olympic Stadium), and Brisbane Stadium (Victoria Park). The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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.

Employment performance in Herston exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Herston has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 3.3% as of June 2025, lower than the Greater Brisbane rate of 4.1%.

Employment grew by 4.6% in the past year. As of June 2025, 1,813 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 68.0%, similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training, with health care significantly concentrated at 1.3 times the regional average. Construction employment is lower than the region at 4.2% compared to 9.0%.

There are 4.3 workers per resident, indicating Herston serves as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6%, labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment fell by 1.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Herston's employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 15.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Herston's current employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Herston had a median income of $64,226 and an average income of $93,376 among taxpayers. These figures were amongst the highest in Australia. Greater Brisbane's median income was $55,645 with an average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $73,211 (median) and $106,439 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Herston clustered around the 68th percentile nationally. The earnings profile showed that 33.1% of locals earned between $1,500 - 2,999 per annum. Economic strength was evident with 31.9% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000. High housing costs consumed 17.5% of income. Despite this, disposable income remained at the 68th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

Herston displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Herston's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 43.3% houses and 56.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 36.5% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Herston was at 16.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (24.2%) or rented (59.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Herston was $2,300, above Brisbane metro's average of $2,167. Weekly rent median figure in Herston was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $410. Nationally, Herston's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,300 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $400 compared to the national figure of $375.

Herston features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 55.5% of all households, including 20.8% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 44.5%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households making up 19.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.2.

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

Herston's educational attainment is notably high, with 53.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing Queensland's (25.7%) and Australia's (30.4%) averages. Bachelor degrees are most common at 33.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.2%). Vocational pathways account for 21.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 12.5%. Educational participation is high, with 39.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 20.1% in tertiary, 7.1% in primary, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

QCHS - Royal Brisbane and ACT for Kids Campus serves Herston but has no current students enrolled as of the provided data. Secondary education is dominated by one school within Herston, while primary students typically attend schools in neighboring areas due to lack of local educational services.

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

Herston has 26 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 29 different routes that together facilitate 4,718 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 115 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 674 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 181 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Herston. Both young and old age cohorts have a low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (1,787 people), compared to 71.3% across Greater Brisbane.

Nationally, the average is 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 13.0 and 6.8% of residents respectively. A total of 71.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.7% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 6.4% of residents aged 65 and over (178 people), which is lower than the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Herston was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Herston's population was found to be more linguistically diverse than most local markets, with 24.8% speaking a language other than English at home as of the latest report in 20XX. Additionally, 34.5% of Herston residents were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 36.3% of the population.

However, Buddhism showed an apparent overrepresentation, comprising 3.0% compared to the regional average of 2.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (23.0%), Australian (18.6%), and Other (13.6%). Notably, Polish was overrepresented at 1.2%, French at 0.8%, and Korean at 0.8% compared to regional averages.

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

Herston's median age is 30, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly lower than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Herston has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (25.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Herston's population aged 15-24 has increased from 20.2% to 23.0%, while the 25-34 age group has risen from 24.5% to 25.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 8.8% to 7.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Herston's age structure. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 151 people (47%), rising from 320 to 472 residents. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 8%, adding only 8 residents.