South Brisbane

South Brisbane lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

South Brisbane's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 17,473. This figure reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,292 people. The growth of 3,181 people (22.3%) is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 17,177 following examination of ABS' ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 487 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 8,736 persons per square kilometer, placing South Brisbane (SA2) in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. The area's growth rate exceeds both national (9.7%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, exceptional population growth is predicted for South Brisbane (SA2), with an expected increase of 14,203 persons to reach a total of 31,675 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 79.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions South Brisbane among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, South Brisbane recorded around 208 residential properties granted approval annually. Approximately 1,042 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 847 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 4.7 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed during these years.

This demand significantly exceeded new supply, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new properties was $732,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $302.5 million, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Comparatively, South Brisbane's building activity per person is similar to Greater Brisbane's, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. However, recent periods have seen a moderation in development activity.

This level of activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. The new development composition consists of 1% detached houses and 99% attached dwellings, focusing on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Currently, there are approximately 329 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. Future projections estimate South Brisbane will add around 13,915 residents by 2041, according to 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.

South Brisbane 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 106 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC, Arc Residences, The Adler, and Callista on Park - West Village Final Stage. 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.

South Brisbane has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

South Brisbane has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 11,161 residents employed, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Brisbane's at 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's rate of 64.5%. Key industries include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. Notably, employment in accommodation & food is 2.1 times the regional average.

However, construction is under-represented at 4.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. There are 2.3 workers for every resident, indicating South Brisbane functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby areas. In the past year, employment increased by 1.3% while labour force grew by 1.2%, with unemployment remaining unchanged. Meanwhile, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a drop in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from QLD to 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Brisbane's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in South Brisbane is $56,013, with an average of $80,814, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is among the highest incomes in Australia, compared to Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,564 (median) and $88,823 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in South Brisbane are at the 59th percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 35.2% of residents (6,150 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to the metropolitan region where 33.3% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in South Brisbane, with only 77.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

South Brisbane features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

South Brisbane's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 4.2% houses and 95.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Brisbane metro had 12.9% houses and 87.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Brisbane was at 13.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 14.8% and rented ones at 71.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, lower than Brisbane metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $470, compared to Brisbane metro's $440. Nationally, South Brisbane's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

South Brisbane features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 48.8% of all households, including 12.1% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 51.2%, with lone person households at 39.5% and group households making up 11.7%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

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

South Brisbane's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 54.8% have university qualifications compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. This advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 35.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%.

Vocational pathways account for 21.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 10.4%. Educational participation is high, with 45.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 27.6% in tertiary education, 5.4% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing primary education.

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

South Brisbane has 49 operational public transport stops. These include ferry, train, and bus services. There are 148 unique routes serving these stops, resulting in 21,608 weekly passenger trips in total.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 112 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. On average, there are 3,086 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 440 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

South Brisbane shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 59% (10,347 people), compared to 62.8% across Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in South Brisbane, affecting 8.4 and 6.1% of residents respectively. A total of 79.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 75.5% in Greater Brisbane. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 6.6% (1,153 people), compared to 10.5% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and largely align with the general population's health profile.

South Brisbane is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

South Brisbane, one of the most culturally diverse areas in the country, has 44.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 55.6% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in South Brisbane, comprising 30.0% of people. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent in South Brisbane at 4.7%, compared to 3.9% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.5%), Chinese (17.2%), and Other (14.3%). Notably, Korean (2.4%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.3%. Spanish (0.9%) and Russian (0.6%) also show slight divergences from their respective regional averages of 1.0% and 0.5%.

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

South Brisbane's median age is 29, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly younger than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile indicates that the 25-34 year-olds are particularly prominent, making up 29.8% of the population, while the 5-14 year-old group is comparatively smaller at 5.2%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows a decline in the 15 to 24 age cohort, from 25.8% to 24.9%. By 2041, South Brisbane's age composition is expected to shift notably, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to rise substantially, increasing by 3,465 people (67%) from 5,206 to 8,672.