Paddington (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Paddington's population is estimated at around 9,505 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 442 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,063 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,490 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,911 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Over the past decade, Paddington has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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. 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. As future population trends are examined, an above median population growth of Australian statistical areas is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 1,638 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 19.9% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Paddington has experienced around 22 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 112 homes. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), there has been an average of 5.2 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed.

This indicates that demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value for new homes is $1,793,000, showing developers focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $1.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. When measured against Greater Brisbane, Paddington has significantly less development activity (51.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 8.0% standalone homes and 92.0% attached dwellings.

This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, showing a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 66.0% houses). With around 4831 people per dwelling approval, Paddington reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Paddington is expected to grow by 1,890 residents through to 2041. 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Milton Development (305 units), Kings Row Redevelopment, The Governess, 49 Reading Street, and Coles Local Bardon. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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

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

Paddington has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of that date, 6816 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Paddington was 76.3%, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

Conversely, manufacturing is under-represented, with only 3.1% of Paddington's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident, as at the Census, indicates a higher than average level of local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels in Paddington increased by 3.1% while the labour force grew by 2.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4%, the labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Paddington. These projections estimate 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 Paddington's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 15.0% over ten years, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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 ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Paddington had a median income among taxpayers of $70,350 with an average level of $114,661. This places it in the top percentile nationally and compares with levels of $55,645 and $70,520 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since June 30, 2022, current estimates would be approximately $80,192 (median) and $130,702 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows household incomes in Paddington rank at the 94th percentile nationally. Income distribution indicates that 33.8% of individuals earn above $4000 weekly, differing from metropolitan patterns where earnings between $1500 and $2999 dominate. A significant 46.8% earn above $3000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.4% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 94th percentile for disposable income. The 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

In Paddington as of the latest Census, 66.2% of dwellings were houses with 33.8% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This compares to Brisbane's metropolitan area where 56.6% were houses and 43.3% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Paddington stood at 25.5%, similar to Brisbane metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 31.0% while rented dwellings made up 43.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,708, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,513. Median weekly rent in Paddington was $470 compared to Brisbane metro's $430. Nationally, Paddington's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,708 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 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

Educational attainment in Paddington is notably high, with 58.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally as of the latest data. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 38.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Vocational pathways account for 18.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.9% and certificates at 9.8%. Educational participation is also high, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.8% in tertiary, 8.2% in primary, and 7.0% in secondary education as of the latest figures.

Petrie Terrace State School serves the local area, enrolling 289 students and demonstrating significant socio-educational advantages with an ICSEA score of 1135. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas due to limited local capacity (3.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.1).

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

Transport analysis indicates 47 active stops operating within Paddington. These stops service a mix of bus routes, totaling 10 individual routes. Weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 1,805.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 140 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 257 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 shows 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 (6903 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.4% and 7.9% of residents respectively. 73.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.7% across Greater Brisbane. As of the latest data (2016), 11.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (1093 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Paddington 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 cultural diversity aligns with the broader area, with 79.2% born in Australia, 88.6% being citizens, and 90.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 42.9%. Judaism is slightly overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.1%), Australian (22.0%), and Irish (13.0%). Notable differences exist in Scottish representation (Paddington: 10.0% vs regional: 9.4%), Hungarian (Paddington: 0.4% vs regional: 0.2%), and French (Paddington: 0.7% vs regional: 0.7%).

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

Paddington's median age is 34, which is slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly below 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 notably higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 2.8% to 3.4%, while the proportion of those aged 0 to 4 has decreased from 5.3% to 4.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Paddington. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 29%, adding 392 residents to reach a total of 1,742. Conversely, the 0-4 age cohort is not expected to grow at all (an increase of 0 people).