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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the Herston statistical area's population was estimated at around 2,781 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 470 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,311. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,773 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and 33 additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,645 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Herston's 20.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both national (9.7%) and state averages, 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, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. 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, reflecting an increase of 26.7% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Herston had around 10 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 53 homes. In FY26 so far, there have been 7 approvals. Each year, about 4.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This demand significantly outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing competition among buyers.

Developments average $655,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. Commercial development approvals this year totalled $147.3 million. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Herston records about 59% of the building activity per person and ranks in the 71st percentile nationally. New developments consist of 20.0% detached dwellings and 80.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the area's current 43.0% houses. With around 186 people per dwelling approval, Herston exhibits growth area characteristics.

By 2041, it is projected to gain 742 residents. If construction levels remain constant, housing supply may lag population growth, intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 44 projects likely impacting the 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 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.

The employment environment in Herston shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Herston has a highly educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9%.

As of September 2025, 1,815 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation is at 68.0%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The leading employment industries among Herston residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented at 4.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The area functions as an employment hub with 4.3 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby areas. In the past year, employment increased by 1.9% while labour force grew by 1.3%, causing a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted slightly by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but these vary significantly between 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.

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

AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Herston's median income is $64,226 and average income is $93,376. This compares to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth since FY 2023, current estimates are approximately $70,591 (median) and $102,630 (average) by September 2025. Herston's incomes cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 33.1% of locals ($1,500 - $2,999 weekly), similar to broader area trends. A substantial proportion, 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. Herston's SEIFA income ranking is 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 contrast, Brisbane metro had 36.5% houses and 63.6% 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 Herston was $2,300, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent in Herston was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $410. Nationally, Herston's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.2 people.

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 benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 53.3% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationwide. This high level of attainment positions Herston favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 33.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.9% and graduate diplomas at 4.2%.

Vocational pathways account for 21.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+, 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. 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 30 different routes that together facilitate 5,058 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents located an average of 115 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 722 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 194 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 indicates robust performance across Herston. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (1,785 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.5%.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Herston, impacting 13.0 and 6.8% of residents respectively. A total of 71.8% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 73.7%. Herston has 6.3% of its population aged 65 and over (175 people), lower than the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors align with those of 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 high linguistic diversity, with 24.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 34.5% of Herston residents were born abroad. Christianity was the predominant religion in Herston, comprising 36.3%.

Buddhism, however, was more prevalent in Herston compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 3.0% versus 2.0%. The top three ancestral groups based on parental birth countries were English (23.0%), Australian (18.6%), and Other (13.6%). Notably, Polish (1.2%) was more represented in Herston compared to the regional average of 0.7%. Similarly, French (0.8%) and Korean (0.8%) were also overrepresented relative to their regional percentages of 0.7% and 0.5%, respectively.

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%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Herston's age structure. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 150 people (47%), growing from 319 to 470 residents. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow more modestly, adding only 8 residents at an 8% increase.