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 since the Census, the suburb of South Brisbane's population is estimated at around 17,479 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 3,187 people (22.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,292 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 17,177, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 489 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8,739 persons per square kilometer, placing South Brisbane in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 22.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), as well as the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors. 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. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing South Brisbane in the top 10 percent of national areas. The suburb is expected to increase by 14,202 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 79.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

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

This indicates significant demand exceeding supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties was $732,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, South Brisbane registered $302.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, South Brisbane exhibits comparable building activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. However, recent periods have seen a moderation in development activity.

This is notably higher than the national average, reflecting robust developer interest in the area. New developments consist of 1% detached houses and 99% attached dwellings, favoring higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With approximately 329 people per dwelling approval, there is room for population growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, South Brisbane is projected to add 13,908 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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch 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. Below is a list detailing 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 professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 4.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3%. As of September 2025, 11,161 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate aligned with Greater Brisbane's rate at 4.0%.

Workforce participation stood at 73.2%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 22.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents were professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. Notably, accommodation & food had employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction was under-represented with only 4.7% of South Brisbane's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The area functioned as an employment hub with 2.3 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.3% while labour force grew by 1.2%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a decrease in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide further insight into potential future demand within South Brisbane. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to South Brisbane's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

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

South Brisbane has a median taxpayer income of $56,013 and an average income of $80,814 based on postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. By September 2025, estimates suggest these figures will be approximately $61,564 (median) and $88,823 (average), assuming a Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in South Brisbane cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 35.2% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the metropolitan region where 33.3% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability is severe, with only 77.7% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 4.2% houses and 95.8% 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 mortgaged dwellings at 14.8% and rented ones at 71.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than the Brisbane metro average of $1,863. The median weekly rent was $470, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, South Brisbane's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 against Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $470 versus 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 constitute 48.8 percent of all households, including 12.1 percent couples with children, 28.5 percent couples without children, and 6.7 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 51.2 percent, with lone person households at 39.5 percent and group households comprising 11.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is 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 high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 54.8% holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the state (QLD) average of 25.7% and the national average of 30.4%. The area's most common university qualification is the Bachelor degree, held by 35.5% of residents in this age group, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 16.0%, and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational pathways are also prevalent, with 21.0% of qualifications being advanced diplomas (10.6%) or certificates (10.4%).

Educational participation is high in South Brisbane, 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 45 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. There are 148 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 21,608 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 112 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transportation is car, used by 43% of residents, followed by walking at 25%, and bus at 17%.

Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 22.9% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 3,086 trips per day across all routes, 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 excellent 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.

Approximately 59% of South Brisbane's total population (10,351 people) have private health cover, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues are the most common medical condition, affecting 8.4% of residents, followed by asthma at 6.1%. 79.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. South Brisbane has 7.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,223 people), lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings similar to those of 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 has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 44.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census Data from June 28, 2016. Additionally, 55.6% of South Brisbane's population was born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in South Brisbane, with 30.0% of people identifying as Christian, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 47.1%.

Buddhism is notably more prevalent in South Brisbane than across Greater Brisbane, comprising 4.7% versus 2.0% respectively. In terms of ancestry, English is the most represented group at 18.5%, followed by Chinese at 17.2%, and Other at 14.3%. However, certain ethnic groups are overrepresented in South Brisbane compared to Greater Brisbane: Korean (2.4% vs 0.5%), Spanish (0.9% vs 0.4%), and Russian (0.6% vs 0.3%).

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

South Brisbane has a median age of 30, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and significantly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, South Brisbane has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (29.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has increased from 5.8% to 6.4%, while the proportion of those aged 15-24 has decreased from 25.8% to 24.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in South Brisbane's age structure, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to rise substantially by 3,570 people (70%), reaching a total of 8,674 residents.