Suburb profile · Greater Brisbane
St Lucia has an estimated 15,526 residents, up 27.1% since the 2021 Census, with 13 projects tracked in St Lucia.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Located 3.8 kilometres south-southwest from Brisbane CBD, the suburb of St Lucia represents a distinct inner-urban enclave characterised by high population density, exceptional educational attainment, and a substantial student presence. As of Aug 2026, the suburb of St Lucia has an Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of approximately 15,526 based on AreaSearch's analysis of yearly SA2-level counts and quarterly national address file updates. This reflects an addition of 3,306 people (27.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded 12,220 residents. The local community features a heavy concentration of teenagers living within group households, alongside a rental-dominated housing landscape defined by a strong apartment presence and standout school performance levels.
Looking ahead, the suburb of St Lucia exhibits limited population expansion patterns alongside very low relative development activity. Nonetheless, underlying population density and growth catalysts sit well above average, reinforcing ongoing demand across the local property market.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Located 3.8 kilometres south-southwest from Brisbane CBD, the suburb of St Lucia represents a distinct inner-urban enclave characterised by high population density, exceptional educational attainment, and a substantial student presence. As of Aug 2026, the suburb of St Lucia has an Estimated Resident Population (ERP) of approximately 15,526 based on AreaSearch's analysis of yearly SA2-level counts and quarterly national address file updates. This reflects an addition of 3,306 people (27.1%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded 12,220 residents. The local community features a heavy concentration of teenagers living within group households, alongside a rental-dominated housing landscape defined by a strong apartment presence and standout school performance levels.
Looking ahead, the suburb of St Lucia exhibits limited population expansion patterns alongside very low relative development activity. Nonetheless, underlying population density and growth catalysts sit well above average, reinforcing ongoing demand across the local property market.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 11,158 in 2006 and 15,447 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 15,526 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 15 to 24, 44.5%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 31%.
St Lucia ranks in the 85th percentile nationally for health and the 84th for infrastructure drivers.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in St Lucia is $565 a week, up 7.1% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 10% below Greater Brisbane.
10% below Greater Brisbane on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $588 in 2017, $850 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $432 in 2017, $692 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $565 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +7.1% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, houses | $850 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +2.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $692 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +8.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Sherwood - Indooroopilly | $614 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Sherwood - Indooroopilly, over 12 months | +5.8% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Brisbane - West | $677 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Brisbane - West, over 12 months | +5.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Greater Brisbane | $627 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Greater Brisbane, over 12 months | +7.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, QLD | $632 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, QLD, over 12 months | +7.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 63 tracked applications: 45 approved, 9 under assessment, 9 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 13 projects in St Lucia (5 under construction) and 105 more in the surrounding area.
A proposed world-leading Paralympic sports facility at the University of Queensland St Lucia campus, Brisbane, also referred to as the UQ Centre for Rehabilitation and Disability Sport. It would support training across 20 of the 23 Paralympic sports, with venues, a wheelchair and prosthetics workshop, testing facilities, rehabilitation services and research.
A $285 million student accommodation complex at UQ's St Lucia campus, officially named Margaret Valadian Place (MVP). Comprising three buildings of 6 to 10 storeys, the complex will deliver 1,020 beds including self-contained apartments with ensuites and air-conditioning, neighbourhood-style levels with shared kitchens, laundry facilities, shared study…
A 478-apartment mixed-use development across four towers (15-20 storeys) at the corner of Station Road and Riverview Terrace, Indooroopilly. Developed by Keylin Group and designed by Jackson Teece, the project delivers 388 build-to-rent apartments (including 39 affordable housing units), 44 short-term accommodation apartments, and 46 build-to-sell private…
The University of Queensland is constructing a new three-level UQ Sport Fitness Centre within the 35-hectare Sport and Recreation Precinct at St Lucia. The facility will feature a 1650 sqm gym, upgraded strength and cardio areas, five group fitness studios and improved amenities.
A $250 million major campus expansion featuring a 10-storey health precinct and accommodation tower. Delivered by Hutchinson Builders for UnitingCare Queensland, the project includes Brisbane's largest private comprehensive cancer centre, day surgery operating theatres, radiology, and 200 basement car parks.
TriCare's proposed redevelopment of the site at 52 Seven Oaks Street, Taringa, for a residential aged care and retirement living facility. The earlier proposal sought three towers of 9, 14 and 16 storeys with independent living, assisted living and residential care beds, designed by Deicke Richards Architects.
Arc Residences is a luxury 10-storey absolute riverfront residential development featuring 24 oversized apartments with 3-4 bedrooms. Designed by Bureau Proberts and developed by Spyre Group, the building features a unique curved architectural form inspired by the flow of the Brisbane River.
Stockwell House is a 10-storey build-to-rent mixed-use development at 399 Montague Road, West End, featuring 96 apartments (one-, two-, and three-bedroom), ground floor retail tenancies, Level 1 commercial space, a rooftop pool, barbecue area, yoga lawn, and three basement parking levels for 153 vehicles.
Redevelopment of the former Holy Spirit Catholic Church site into an integrated seniors living community. The approved master plan incorporates three buildings comprising 87 independent living units and a 108-bed residential aged care facility, alongside extensive communal wellness and dining amenities while retaining the local heritage-listed church.
St Lucia's first riverfront residential development in over a decade, featuring 34 three-bedroom luxury apartments designed by Rothelowman. Includes rooftop pool, gym, private cinema, and riverfront amenities with panoramic city views.
Monarch Residences Toowong is a luxury riverfront development at 600 Coronation Drive, offering 68 premium apartments with panoramic river and city views. Located in the prestigious Toowong area, it features excellent transport connections, including nearby ferry terminal access, and is designed to provide high-end residential living.
West Village is a $1.3 billion award-winning urban village located on 2.6 hectares in West End, Brisbane. The precinct features the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Peters Ice Cream factory, 14,000sqm of retail space anchored by a full-line Woolworths, 20,000sqm of commercial office space, and significant public open space including Mollison Green.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 64 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 7, 2026 13, 2027 21, 2028 11, 2029 3, 2030 1, 2031 1, 2032 6, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 1. 21 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 63 substantial development applications lodged in and around St Lucia over the past 5 years, 11 in the last 12 months; 9 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 2, 2022 12, 2023 16, 2024 15, 2025 11, 2026 (to Oct) 7.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 63 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 11 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 1.3 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 14th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 18 | ABS building approvals | 31st percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 45 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 9 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of St Lucia include: Margaret Valadian Place - UQ Student Residence Complex (Construction); Paralympic Centre of Excellence (Proposed); UQ Sport Fitness Centre (Construction); St Lucia Site Development Plan (Approved); and Indooroopilly Mixed-Use BTR Development (Dev. Approval). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of St Lucia spans multiple sectors including Residential Development, Education & Training, and Sports & Recreation, among others.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees St Lucia recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of St Lucia area has seen 32 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of St Lucia's current population of 15,526 has been supported by 18 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of St Lucia has seen 1.3 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 8.1 approval in Greater Brisbane. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 950 people in the suburb of St Lucia, compared to one for every 117 in Greater Brisbane.
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Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of St Lucia's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 18, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of St Lucia has grown by approximately 2,080 people, while 89 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 23.4 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
St Lucia is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,526 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +27.1% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 93rd percentile nationally |
| Population density | 3,907 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 91st percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +2.9% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +1.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 12,220 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 3,306 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +6.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +3.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 3.97 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of St Lucia was estimated to be approximately 15,526 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 15,447 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of St Lucia has added approximately 3,306 people and shown a 27.05% increase from the 12,220 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of St Lucia is estimated at 3,911 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of St Lucia has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.8% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of St Lucia is driven by: Overseas migration (96.0%), Natural increase (4.0%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 96.0% of overall population gains.
St Lucia hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 22 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 and over | 9.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 8.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 62.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 37.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 25 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 1.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 6.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 44.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 18.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 9.1% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 6.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 4.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 4.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 3.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 1.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of St Lucia at 22 years as at August 2026. That is down from the 2021 Census figure of 25 years, with AreaSearch updating the age profile for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 22 years as at August 2026, St Lucia is 14 years younger than the Greater Brisbane 2021 Census average (36 years) and 16 years younger than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of St Lucia compared to the Greater Brisbane region is the 15 - 24 group, making up 44.5% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of St Lucia compared to the Greater Brisbane region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 6.2% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the suburb of St Lucia show significant variance compared to Greater Brisbane. The most over-represented age group is 15-24 year-olds (44.5% vs 13.9%). The most under-represented age groups are 0-4 year-olds (1.9% vs 5.6%) and 55-64 year-olds (4.3% vs 10.4%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 8.1% of the population in the suburb of St Lucia as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 9.6% of the population in the suburb of St Lucia as at August 2026.
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $44,656 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 4th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $82,855 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,761 | 2021 Census, weekly | 51st percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $548 | 2021 Census, weekly | 6th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 26.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $2,389 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 21.2% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of St Lucia is approximately $47,831. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $44,656.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of St Lucia is approximately $88,746. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $82,855.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of St Lucia is approximately $47,831 compared to $66,053 in Greater Brisbane. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $44,656 and $61,668 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of St Lucia is approximately $88,746 compared to $82,596 in Greater Brisbane. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $82,855 and $77,113 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of St Lucia's households (~31.0% / 1,221 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of St Lucia is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 31.0% of households. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 33.3% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of St Lucia is $1,761/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of St Lucia is $2,389/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of St Lucia is $548/wk.
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-24 reveals that income in the suburb of St Lucia is well above average nationally, with the median assessed at $44,656 while the average income stands at $82,855. This contrasts to Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $61,668 and an average income of $77,113. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 7.11% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $47,831 (median) and $88,746 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of St Lucia is $6,300 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of St Lucia's disposable income is $6,300 compared to $6,725 for Greater Brisbane, based on AreaSearch analysis.
While St Lucia retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.6%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 59.6% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 8,159 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 18,086 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 8,467 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of St Lucia has approximately 8,159 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 3.6%. This healthy unemployment rate suggests a well-functioning labour market. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement, though the very low unemployment rate of 3.6% indicates the ranking primarily reflects recent job losses rather than underlying labor market weakness.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of St Lucia stands at 3.6%, which is 0.7 percentage points below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.3%. This lower unemployment rate suggests stronger local employment conditions. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of St Lucia is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are education & training (20.8% of employment), professional & technical (12.9%), and health care & social assistance (12.6%). Other significant employers include accommodation & food and retail trade.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of St Lucia has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force decreased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of St Lucia is 59.6%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This moderate participation rate suggests some residents may face barriers to workforce entry. The local rate trailing the Greater Brisbane average of 70.1%, suggesting potential for increased workforce participation.
The suburb of St Lucia shows notable specialisation in education & training, which employs 20.8% of the local workforce compared to 9.4% across Greater Brisbane. With a local vs regional employment ratio of 2.2, this represents a significant industry cluster that likely serves markets beyond the local area. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The suburb of St Lucia's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. However, the low unemployment rate of 3.6% suggests the ranking is driven by recent job losses rather than structural weakness. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region saw a 2.9% decline, ranking 29th out of 37 regions nationally.
St Lucia shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 27.0% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 21.9% | 2021 Census | 98th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 51.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 7.4% | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 2.7% | 2021 Census | 60th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 6.2% | 2021 Census | 3rd percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 34.7% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 56.0% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 41.9% | 2021 Census | 99th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 5.8% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 3.9% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
51.6% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of St Lucia have university qualifications, compared to 30.5% in Greater Brisbane.
34.7% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of St Lucia have no formal qualifications, compared to 35.8% in Greater Brisbane.
The suburb of St Lucia ranks in the 79th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of St Lucia are: Bachelor Degree (27.0%), Postgraduate (21.9%), Certificate (7.4%).
56.0% of the population in the suburb of St Lucia is currently engaged in formal education, including 5.8% in primary school, 3.9% in secondary school, 41.9% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of St Lucia is 1180, indicating above-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 1 schools within the suburb of St Lucia, with a combined enrollment of approximately 937 students.
The suburb of St Lucia includes 1 primary school.
St Lucia features high concentrations of group households but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Brisbane.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.4 people | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 25.0% | 2021 Census | 49th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 21.9% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 23.9% | 2021 Census | 26th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 6.3% | 2021 Census | 7th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 19.9% | 2021 Census | 99th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 3,936 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 5,001 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 55.1% | 2021 Census | 6th percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 0.8 per family | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of St Lucia had 3,936 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 27.1% to an estimated 5,001 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of St Lucia is 2.4 people. This compares to 2.6 in Greater Brisbane and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 55.1% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (25.0%), group households (19.9%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 2,169 family households, couples with children account for 21.9% of all households, couples without children at home 23.9%, and single parent families 6.3%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Greater Brisbane, the suburb of St Lucia shows distinct household patterns. Group households are notably over-represented at 19.9% (versus 4.7% in Greater Brisbane). Conversely, family households are under-represented at 55.1% compared to 71.7% in Greater Brisbane. The prevalence of shared households suggests a younger demographic or affordability considerations.
Marriage patterns reveal 30.5% of the adult population are currently married, while 62.1% have never married. This compares to 45.0% married and 38.4% never married across Greater Brisbane.
Single-person households represent 25.0% of all households in the suburb of St Lucia, similar to the average for Greater Brisbane of 23.6%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 19.9% of households, above the Greater Brisbane average of 4.7%. This higher rate points to more student or young professional shared accommodation.
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.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 42.9% | 2021 Census | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 33.6% | 2021 Census | 78th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 66.4% | 2021 Census | 21st percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 70.5% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 57.1% | 2021 Census | 16th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 0.6% | 2021 Census | 26th percentile nationally |
St Lucia scores quite highly on cultural diversity, with 33.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 42.9% born overseas.
Christianity is the most commonly reported religion in St Lucia, at 34.9% of people, although more residents (52.1%) reported no religion. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in St Lucia are English, comprising 21.4% of the population, which is notably lower than Greater Brisbane's 26.8%, Australian, comprising 19.1% of the population, and Other, comprising 14.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 0.5% of St Lucia (vs 0.3% across Greater Brisbane), Chinese at 10.9% (vs 3.4%) and South African at 0.8% (vs 0.6%).
42.9% of the suburb of St Lucia population was born overseas, compared to 28.5% across Greater Brisbane.
33.6% of the population in the suburb of St Lucia speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 18.7% in Greater Brisbane.
0.6% of the suburb of St Lucia population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 2.1% in Greater Brisbane.
70.5% of the suburb of St Lucia population holds citizenship, compared to 83.6% in Greater Brisbane.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
St Lucia features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 54.3% | 2021 Census | 91st percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 27.4% | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
| Apartments | 59.9% | 2021 Census | 94th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $2,000 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 67th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 18.3% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 6.9% | 2021 Census | 43rd percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $410 | 2021 Census, weekly | 69th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 23.3% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 72nd percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 26.2% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 69th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.9 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
In the suburb of St Lucia, 27.4% of homes are owned outright, 18.3% are owned with a mortgage, and 54.3% are rented.
According to the latest data, 33.1% of dwellings in the suburb of St Lucia are houses.
In the suburb of St Lucia, 59.9% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 6.9% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of St Lucia stands at 27.4%, compared to 26.7% in Greater Brisbane.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of St Lucia is $2,000, compared to $1,863 in Greater Brisbane.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of St Lucia is $1,330, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of St Lucia, households with mortgages typically spend 26.2% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 23.3% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of St Lucia is 0.9, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of St Lucia shows mortgage holders spending 26.2% of income on repayments (vs 23.3% in Greater Brisbane), while renters spend 23.3% of income on rent (vs 20.6% in Greater Brisbane).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of St Lucia consists of 33.1% detached houses, 6.9% semi-detached dwellings, 59.9% apartments, and 0.1% other dwelling types.
Housing in St Lucia consumes approximately 17.4% of median household income ($7,625 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in St Lucia show attached dwellings contributing 25% of approvals compared to 67% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 75% of applications versus 33% of current dwellings. This suggests development patterns consistent with existing housing mix. Housing density growth is around the national average.
St Lucia's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 58.3% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 72nd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 77.2% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 2.0% | 2021 Census | 5th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 81.0% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 0.3% | 2021 Census | 1st percentile nationally |
Around 58.3% of people in the suburb of St Lucia are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 56.1% in Greater Brisbane.
In the suburb of St Lucia, 2.0% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 5.7% of people in Greater Brisbane require similar assistance.
7.3% of people in the suburb of St Lucia are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.0% of the population across Greater Brisbane is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 1.4% of the suburb of St Lucia population, while in Greater Brisbane, 4.0% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
2.1% of people in the suburb of St Lucia have heart disease. Across Greater Brisbane,3.5% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of St Lucia, 58.3% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Greater Brisbane sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 56.1%.
From the typical resident, the nearest child care centre is 473 m away and the nearest GP 605 m.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 77 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 77th percentile nationally |
| Nearest child care | 473 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 605 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 625 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 631 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest school | 805 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 848 m | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 1.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 1.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 1.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 1.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 2.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 5 long day care centres with 585 places in St Lucia, about 0.5 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on St Lucia is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for St Lucia.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking sees St Lucia recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide.
St Lucia ranks in the 84th percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in St Lucia is $565 a week, +7.1% over 12 months to Jun 2026.
St Lucia is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends.
St Lucia hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide.
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment.
While St Lucia retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.6%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking.
St Lucia shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators.
St Lucia features high concentrations of group households but relatively few family households, with a smaller average household size than Greater Brisbane.
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 features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
St Lucia's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics relative to locations nationally with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.
Transport in St Lucia: transport access 31/100.
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
St Lucia has an estimated 15,526 residents, up 27.1% since the 2021 Census, with 13 projects tracked in St Lucia.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for St Lucia.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Oct 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL32645). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Oct 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for St Lucia from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares St Lucia with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 31 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 31st percentile nationally |
| Vehicles per dwelling | 0.9 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 32.9% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
