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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Herston is around 2,784. This figure reflects an increase of 473 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,311. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,773 as of June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,647 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 20.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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 adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilised. Future population trends project an above median growth for the suburb, with an expected expansion of 749 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 26.6% over the 17 years.

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

Herston has seen approximately 10 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totaling around 53 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 7 approvals. Historically, each new dwelling has resulted in an average of 4.7 new residents annually between FY21 and FY25. This indicates a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $655,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year alone, commercial approvals have reached $147.3 million, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Comparatively, Herston has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to Greater Brisbane. Nationally, it ranks in the 71st percentile for areas assessed. Recent construction activity comprises 20% detached houses and 80% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development that caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

This shift contrasts with the current housing mix of 43% houses. Herston's population density is around 186 people per approval, indicating a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Herston is projected to grow by 741 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

AreaSearch has identified a total of 44 projects that could impact the local area. Key projects include Herston Quarter Redevelopment, Brisbane 2032 Games Venue Infrastructure Program, New Brisbane Stadium (Victoria Park Olympic Stadium), and Victoria Park Stadium (Brisbane Stadium). The following list details those likely to be most 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Herston ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Herston has a highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 3.6% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.7%. As of September 2025, 1,803 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%, and a workforce participation rate of 76.2%.

According to Census responses, 21.4% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, but has a lower representation in construction at 4.2% compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. With 4.3 workers per resident as of the Census, Herston functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7% and labour force grew by 1.2%, leading to a unemployment rate decrease of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. 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, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Herston's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 15.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Herston had a median taxpayer income of $64,226 and an average income of $93,376. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Using Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $70,591 (median) and $102,630 (average). Census 2021 data shows Herston's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. In income distribution, 33.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, consistent with metropolitan trends at 33.3%. Notably, 31.9% earn above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 17.5% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally, and Herston's SEIFA income ranking places 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 43.3% houses and 56.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro, in comparison, had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Herston was at 16.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.2% and rented ones at 59.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,300, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Herston was recorded at $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Herston's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 55.5% of all households, consisting of 20.8% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 44.5%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 19.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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 higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 53.3% possess university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. University graduates comprise the largest group at 33.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications holders at 15.9%, and graduate diploma holders at 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% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 20.1% in tertiary education, 7.1% in primary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Herston has 26 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 30 different routes that facilitate a total of 5,058 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated excellent, with residents typically residing just 115 meters from the nearest one. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting occurs outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 59%, followed by buses at 16% and walking at 13%. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 21.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 722 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 194 weekly trips per individual stop.

Herston's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Herston's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts in Herston. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% (1,787 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues impact 13.0% of residents, while asthma affects 6.8%. A total of 71.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Herston has 6.4% (178 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 showed cultural diversity, with 24.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 34.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 36.3%. Buddhism's representation stood out at 3.0%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 2.0%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (23.0%), Australian (18.6%), and Other (13.6%). Notably, Polish (1.2%) French (0.8%), and Korean (0.8%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5% each.

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

Herston has a median age of 30, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly lower than the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Herston has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (25.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of Herston's population aged 15-24 has increased from 20.2% to 22.8%, while the 25-34 age group has risen from 24.5% to 25.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that Herston's 45-54 age group is expected to grow significantly, increasing by 151 people (47%) from 320 to 472.