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

As of November 2025, South Brisbane's population is estimated at around 16,967, reflecting an increase of 2,675 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to South Brisbane by AreaSearch in June 2024 was 17,177. This includes 487 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 8,483 persons per square kilometer, placing South Brisbane in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. South Brisbane's growth rate of 18.7% since the 2021 Census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data for each SA2 area released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. Looking ahead, South Brisbane is predicted to experience exceptional growth, with an expected increase of 14,213 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 85.0% 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 590 have been approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 4.7 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during these five years.

This significant demand exceeding supply typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is $753,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $302.5 million, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, South Brisbane maintains comparable building activity per person, consistent with broader market balance, although recent periods have seen some moderation in development activity. This is notably above the national average, reflecting robust developer interest in the area.

New developments consist of 1% detached houses and 99% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living that creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 323 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects South Brisbane to add 14,431 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition 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 104 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC, 164 Melbourne Street, Arc Residences, and The Adler. Below is a list detailing those 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 performance in South Brisbane has been broadly consistent with national averages

South Brisbane has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.4% in the past year (AreaSearch aggregation).

As of June 2025, there are 11,145 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food. Notably, employment in accommodation & food is at 2.1 times the regional average.

However, construction is under-represented with only 4.7% of South Brisbane's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. There are 2.3 workers for every resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the past year (June 2024 - June 2025), employment increased by 3.4% while labour force grew by 2.9%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. For future insights, Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Brisbane's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

South Brisbane had a median taxpayer income of $56,007 and an average income of $80,806 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This places South Brisbane among Australia's highest income areas, compared to Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 13.99% since the financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $63,842 (median) and $92,111 (average). The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in South Brisbane cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. Income distribution indicates that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant, with 35.2% of residents (5,972 people) falling within this range, 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 4.2% houses and 95.8% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Brisbane metro's 12.9% houses and 87.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Brisbane was 13.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 14.8% and rented ones at 71.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below the Brisbane metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent was $470, compared to Brisbane metro's $440. Nationally, South Brisbane's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in South Brisbane were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $470.

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 comprising 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 54.8% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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+, 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, including 27.6% in tertiary, 5.4% in secondary, and 3.8% in primary education. South Brisbane's five schools have a combined enrollment reaching 6,886 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1149. The educational mix includes one primary, one secondary, and three K-12 schools. As of 2021, South Brisbane functions as an education hub with 40.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 18.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

South Brisbane has 50 active public transport stops, serving a mix of ferry, train, and bus services. These stops are covered by 163 individual routes, facilitating 28,455 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 111 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 4,065 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 569 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, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 59% (10,047 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 8.4% and 6.1% respectively. A total of 79.7% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 75.5%. The area has 6.6% (1,119 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 10.5%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 44.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 55.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in South Brisbane, making up 30.0% of the population. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 4.7% versus 3.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.5%), Chinese (17.2%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 7.7%, and Other (14.3%). Notably, Korean (2.4%) and Spanish (0.9%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.3% and 1.0%, respectively, while Russian is marginally overrepresented at 0.6%.

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 25-34 year-olds are particularly prominent, making up 29.8% of the population, while the 5-14 age group is smaller at 5.2%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age cohort has declined from 25.8% to 24.9%. By 2041, South Brisbane's age composition is expected to shift notably, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to rise substantially, increasing by 3,618 people (72%) from 5,056 to 8,675.