Wacol

Population growth drivers in Wacol are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Nov 2025, the suburb of Wacol's population is estimated at around 4,690. This reflects an increase of 437 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,253 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,635, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 264 persons per square kilometer. Wacol's growth of 10.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering these projections, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated. The suburb of Wacol is expected to increase by 65 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 1.5% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wacol according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Wacol shows approximately six residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 30 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY26. This analysis estimates an average of 17 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed over these five years.

Supply is lagging demand substantially, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average value of $145,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Commercial development approvals in FY26 totalled $38,000, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wacol shows significantly reduced construction activity, at 63.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties.

The area's development level is also below national averages, possibly due to planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely detached houses, preserving Wacol's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Wacol is 2314 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Wacol adding 71 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Wacol has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely to impact the region. Key initiatives include the Wacol Youth Remand Centre, Wacol Logistics Hub, Maplewood Estate, and Waterford Business Park. The following list details those expected 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 drivers in Wacol are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Wacol has a balanced workforce consisting of white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented.

The unemployment rate was 13.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7%. As of June 2025, there were 425 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.7%, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. The workforce participation rate was significantly lower at 8.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among Wacol residents include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Manufacturing has a particularly strong presence, with an employment share that is 2.2 times the regional level. However, education & training is under-represented, with only 5.3% of Wacol's workforce compared to 9.4% in Greater Brisbane. There are 2.8 workers for every resident in Wacol, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7%, while the labour force grew by 4.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wacol's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Wacol had a median income among taxpayers of $54,868 and an average income of $61,252. These figures are lower than the national averages of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively in Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for median income in Wacol would be approximately $62,544 and average income around $69,821 as of September 2025. Census data indicates individual incomes lag at the 4th percentile ($514 weekly), while household incomes perform better at the 26th percentile. Income brackets show that the predominant cohort in Wacol spans 32.3% of locals (1,514 people) with incomes between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, aligning with regional trends where this cohort also represents 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Wacol, with only 83.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 26th percentile.

Wacol is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Wacol, as per the latest Census evaluation, 82.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 17.1% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This compares to Brisbane metropolitan area's 80.2% houses and 19.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wacol stood at 27.2%, with mortgaged properties at 24.3% and rented ones at 48.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,630. Median weekly rent in Wacol was $320, compared to Brisbane metro's $355. Nationally, Wacol's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 65.1% of all households, including 21.3% couples with children, 20.9% couples without children, and 20.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.9%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households comprising 8.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

Wacol faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 10.8%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (0.6%) and graduate diplomas (0.2%). Technical qualifications represent 12.4% of educational achievements among residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas accounting for 1.3% and certificates for 11.1%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 84.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 29.6% in secondary education, 25.2% in primary education, and 7.9% pursuing tertiary education. Wacol's four schools have a combined enrollment reaching 368 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates varied educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 870. The educational mix includes one primary school and three K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents stood at 7.8 in the recent past, below the regional average of 13.3, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 19 active public transport stops in Wacol. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 50 individual routes operating, collectively providing 1737 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 699 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 248 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 91 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Wacol is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Wacol, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51%, slightly lower than the average SA2 area's rate of around 64%. The most frequent medical conditions are mental health issues (affecting 16.4% of residents) and asthma (8.2%). A total of 58.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 72.1% in Greater Brisbane. As of 30 June 20XX, Wacol has 6.7% of its population aged 65 and over (314 people), lower than the 13.6% figure for Greater Brisbane. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Wacol are better than those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Wacol was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wacol's cultural diversity was above average, with 17.9% of its population born overseas and 21.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wacol, comprising 46.6% of its population. Buddhism, however, was substantially underrepresented compared to the Greater Brisbane average, making up only 2.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (22.0%), English (21.3%), and Other (9.5%). Notably, Samoan (2.8%) and New Zealand (2.4%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.7% and 0.9%, respectively. Maori ethnicity was also notably higher at 2.1%.

Wacol's population is younger than the national pattern

Wacol's median age is 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group has strong representation at 28.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 2.5%. This concentration in the 35-44 age group is above the national average of 14.2%. Between 2021 and the present, residents have aged by an average of 1.2 years, with the median age rising from 35 to 36 years. During this period, the 45-54 age group grew from 13.7% to 15.7%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 27.1% to 28.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 31.2% to 27.7%, and the 15-24 group dropped from 14.1% to 12.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Wacol. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 28%, adding 205 residents to reach 942. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.