St Lucia

An assessment of population growth drivers in St Lucia reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the St Lucia statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at around 15,344 as of November 2025, reflecting an increase of 3,124 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 12,220 in the area. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 14,981 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 129 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,865 persons per square kilometer, placing St Lucia in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 25.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (8.5%) and the national average. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for age cohorts. Future population trends suggest a growth of 1,292 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 6.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees St Lucia recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates St Lucia recorded around 27 residential properties granted approval per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 135 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. This averages to approximately 10 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting demand significantly outpaces supply. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $1,170,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $138.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, St Lucia shows substantially reduced construction, 57.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. The area's maturity is also reflected in its population density of around 693 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate St Lucia will gain 929 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Recent construction comprises 68.0% detached houses and 32.0% townhouses or apartments, providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. However, new construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (33.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 50 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones are the University of Queensland Paralympic Centre of Excellence, 525-Home Indooroopilly Development, University of Queensland Student Residence Complex, and St Lucia Site Development Plan. 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions St Lucia ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

St Lucia has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 8,285 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in St Lucia is somewhat below standard at 60.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include education & training, professional & technical services, and health care & social assistance. Notably, education & training has employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction is under-represented with only 3.3% of St Lucia's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The ratio of 0.9 workers per resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.0%, while employment declined by 2.5% in St Lucia, resulting in a fall of 0.5 percentage points in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8%, with the labour force growing by 3.3%, and unemployment falling by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to St Lucia's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

St Lucia suburb has a high national income level, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers is $39,312 and average income stands at $77,848. Greater Brisbane's figures are $58,236 (median) and $72,799 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $43,208 and average income $85,563, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. In 2021 Census figures, individual incomes are at the 6th percentile ($548 weekly), while household incomes are at the 51st percentile. Income analysis shows that 31.0% of residents (4,756 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to surrounding regions where this cohort represents 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

St Lucia's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 33.1% houses and 66.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had a higher proportion of houses at 48.9%, with other dwellings making up 51.1%. Home ownership in St Lucia was lower than Brisbane metro's figure, standing at 27.4%. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 18.3% and rented dwellings made up 54.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in St Lucia was $2,000, below the Brisbane metro average of $2,167. The median weekly rent figure in St Lucia was $410, matching Brisbane metro's figure but exceeding the national average of $375. Nationally, St Lucia's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

St Lucia features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 55.1% of all households, including 21.9% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 6.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 44.9%, with lone person households at 25.0% and group households comprising 19.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.5.

St Lucia shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

St Lucia's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. Among residents aged 15 and above, 51.6% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% in Australia overall. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 27.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 21.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%.

Technical qualifications represent 13.6% of educational achievements among residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas accounting for 6.2% and certificates for 7.4%. Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 56.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 41.9% in tertiary education, 5.8% in primary education, and 3.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 55 active stops operating within St Lucia, offering a mix of ferry and bus services. These stops are served by 17 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6,364 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 149 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 909 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 115 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

St Lucia has excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 8,907 people (58%) have private health cover, compared to 65.8% in Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.6% and 7.3% of residents respectively. Around 77.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 74.7% in Greater Brisbane. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (10.8%, or 1,657 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 14.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

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

St Lucia's population shows high cultural diversity, with 33.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 42.9% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in St Lucia, comprising 34.9% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in St Lucia compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 0.3% versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (21.4%), Australian (19.1%), and Other (14.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Russian (0.5% vs 0.5%), Chinese (10.9% vs 7.2%), and South African (0.8% vs 0.7%) are relatively more represented in St Lucia compared to regional averages.

St Lucia hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

St Lucia has a median age of 24, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 make up 41.6% of the population, while the 55-64 group comprises only 4.7%. This concentration of young adults is higher than Greater Brisbane's figure and significantly above the national average of 12.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, St Lucia's median age has fallen from 25 to 24 years, with the 15-24 age group growing from 38.1% to 41.6% and the 55-64 cohort declining from 6.0% to 4.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in St Lucia's age structure. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to increase dramatically by 424 individuals (213%), rising from 199 to 624. This growth will be driven by demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 66% of the anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.