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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026, the estimated population of South Brisbane is around 17,564. This reflects an increase of 3,272 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,292. The change was inferred from the resident population estimate of 17,564 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 488 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8,782 persons per square kilometer, placing South Brisbane in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 22.9% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the national average (9.3%) and state average. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, exceptional population growth is predicted over the period to 2041, with South Brisbane expected to increase by 12,658 persons, reflecting a gain of 72.1% in total over the 16 years.

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

South Brisbane recorded approximately 208 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,042 homes were approved, with an additional 995 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 4.7 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers focus on the premium segment, with new properties constructed at an average value of $732,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $302.5 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, South Brisbane's building activity is comparable per person, maintaining market balance. However, recent periods have seen a moderation in development activity.

This is significantly above the national average, suggesting robust developer interest in the area. New development consists of 1% detached houses and 99% attached dwellings, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. South Brisbane has approximately 329 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, South Brisbane is projected to add 12,658 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 102 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include West Village, Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC, Flourish Symphony, and Callista on Park. The following details projects likely 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 professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 4.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1%. As of December 2025, 11,256 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate aligned with Greater Brisbane's at 4.1%.

Workforce participation was 72.1%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 22.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among residents were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. South Brisbane had a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

However, construction was under-represented, with only 4.7% of South Brisbane's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. There were 2.3 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 1.1% while labour force grew by 1.6%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that South Brisbane's employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

South Brisbane's median taxpayer income was $56,013 and average was $80,814 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2023. This is higher than Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,376 (median) and $89,994 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. The 2021 Census shows South Brisbane's household, family, and personal incomes are at the 59th percentile nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 35.2% of residents (6,182 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, ranking at the 46th percentile. 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 comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Brisbane was at 13.2%, with the rest either mortgaged (14.8%) or rented (71.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in South Brisbane was $1,950, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent in South Brisbane was $470, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, South Brisbane's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $470 compared to the national figure of $375.

South Brisbane features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 51.2%, with lone person households making up 39.5% and group households comprising 11.7%. The median household size is 1.9 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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 has a notably higher level of educational attainment than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 54.8% of its residents aged 15 years and over possess university qualifications, exceeding Queensland's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. This significant educational advantage suggests strong potential for knowledge-based opportunities in the area. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 35.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (16.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%).

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

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

South Brisbane has 45 active public transport stops serving a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. These stops are supported by 148 individual routes, collectively facilitating 21,608 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 112 meters to the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward using various modes of transportation. Cars remain the primary mode at 43%, followed by walking at 25% and bus usage at 17%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.4, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 3,086 trips per day, equating to approximately 480 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's health outcomes show notable results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (10,401 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues are the most common medical condition, impacting 8.4% of residents, followed by asthma at 6.1%. A total of 79.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 6.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,176 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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's population is culturally diverse, with 44.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 55.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 30.0%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 4.7% versus 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.5%), Chinese (17.2%), and Other (14.3%). Korean (2.4%), Spanish (0.9%), and Russian (0.6%) populations are notably higher than regional averages.

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

South Brisbane has a median age of 29, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent, making up 30.5% of the population, while those aged 5-14 make up only 4.9%. This is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6% for the 25-34 age group. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 29.6% to 30.5%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 25.8% to 24.5%. By 2041, South Brisbane's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 3,377 people (63%), from 5,357 to 8,735.