Paddington (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Paddington are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the Paddington (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 9,269. This figure reflects a growth of 206 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,063. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 9,249 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024, and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,814 persons per square kilometer, placing Paddington (Qld) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2011 to 2021, Paddington (Qld) demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during this period.

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 used. However, 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 when utilised. Looking ahead, aggregated SA2-level projections indicate an above median population growth is expected for the Paddington (Qld) area. By 2041, the population is projected to expand by 1,643 persons, reflecting a total increase of 23.0% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Paddington according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Paddington has received approximately nine dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 49 homes. As of FY26, one approval has been recorded. This results in an average of about 11.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. The demand for dwellings significantly exceeds supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

Developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments, as reflected by an average construction cost value of $1,793,000 per dwelling. Commercial approvals in Paddington totalled $1,000 this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Brisbane, where Paddington is 79.0% below the regional average for development activity per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. New development consists of 25.0% standalone homes and 75.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 66.0% houses due to reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Paddington has around 1932 people per dwelling approval, indicating a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Paddington is expected to grow by approximately 2,131 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Looking ahead, Paddington is expected to grow by 2,131 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 26 such projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include the Milton Development (305 units), Kings Row Redevelopment, The Governess, 49 Reading Street, and Coles Local Bardon. The following list details those projects 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.

Employment conditions in Paddington demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Paddington has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, with estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, 6,660 residents are employed at a 1.4% lower unemployment rate than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 76.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Paddington specializes in professional & technical jobs with an employment share twice the regional level, but manufacturing is under-represented at 3.1% compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%.

The worker-to-resident ratio of 0.7 indicates ample local employment opportunities. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, and labour force grew by 0.8%, keeping unemployment stable. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 3.8% and unemployment fell by 0.5%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted slightly (-0.01%), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts (May-25) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies by industry sector. Applying these projections to Paddington's mix suggests local employment could grow by 7.5% in five years and 15.0% in ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Paddington suburb had median income among taxpayers at $70,352 with average level standing at $114,663. This places it in the top percentile nationally and compares to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $77,324 and average at $126,026. Census data from 2021 shows household, family and personal incomes in Paddington rank highly nationally, between the 94th and 94th percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 33.8% of individuals earn over $4,000 weekly, differing from metropolitan region patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 band dominates at 33.3%. A significant 46.8% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.4% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 94th percentile for disposable income. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

As of the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures in Paddington consisted of 66.2% houses and 33.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 56.6% houses and 43.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Paddington stood at 25.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.0% and rented dwellings at 43.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,708, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,513. The median weekly rent figure in Paddington was recorded at $470, compared to Brisbane metro's $430. Nationally, Paddington's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Paddington features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 63.0% of all households, including 28.2% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households at 10.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the Greater Brisbane average.

Paddington shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Paddington's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications (58.2%) compared to Queensland (25.7%) and Australia (30.4%). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 38.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational pathways account for 18.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.9% and certificates at 9.8%. Educational participation is high, with 32.2% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.8% in tertiary education, 8.2% in primary education, and 7.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Paddington has 47 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus routes. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 1,810 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Paddington is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 140 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 258 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Paddington has excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (6,732 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 9.4 and 7.9% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 73.9%, reported being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the 74.7% average across Greater Brisbane. As of a recent report (2021), 11.5% of Paddington's population is aged 65 and over (1,065 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Paddington records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Paddington's population was found to align with the broader area's average cultural diversity, with 79.2% born in Australia, 88.6% being citizens, and 90.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Paddington, accounting for 42.9%. While Judaism made up just 0.3%, this was higher than the regional average of 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.1%), Australian (22.0%), and Irish (13.0%). Scottish ancestry was notably overrepresented at 10.0% compared to 9.4% regionally, as were Hungarian (0.4%) and French (0.7%) ancestries.

Paddington hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Paddington's median age is 34, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Paddington has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 at 19.6%, but fewer residents aged 5-14 at 10.4%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Paddington's population in the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 2.8% to 3.4%, while the 0 to 4 cohort has declined from 5.3% to 4.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth in the 45 to 54 age group, expected to grow by 32% and add 426 residents to reach a total of 1,743. In contrast, the 0 to 4 cohort is projected to grow by only 3%, adding just 10 people to the current population.