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 ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Wacol's estimated population is around 4,554. This reflects an increase of 301 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,253 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,553 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 256 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Wacol has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 2.4% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. 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 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated. The Wacol (SA2) is expected to increase by 69 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 4.6% 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, allocated from statistical area data, indicates that Wacol has recorded around 6 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), approximately 32 homes have been approved, with no approvals so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 15.9 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

Supply is substantially lagging demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $145,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26 alone, $208.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating robust local business investment. However, Wacol shows substantially reduced construction compared to Greater Brisbane (61.0% below the regional average per person), which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (83.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated count of 1323 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Wacol adding 211 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 22 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Wacol Youth Remand Centre, Wacol Logistics Hub, Maplewood Estate, and South Queensland Correctional Facilities Expansion. 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.

Employment drivers in Wacol are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Wacol has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 13.4% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 7.7%. Compared to Greater Brisbane's unemployment rate of 4.0%, Wacol's is 9.4%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Wacol lags significantly, at 8.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level. However, education & training is under-represented, at 5.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.4%. As per the Census, there are 2.8 workers for every resident, indicating that Wacol functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Employment levels increased by 7.7% during the year to September 2025, with labour force increasing by 7.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a similar drop in unemployment rate. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 30, 2023, Wacol suburb had median income among taxpayers at $54,868 with average level being $61,252. This is lower than national average and compares to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ending June 30, 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,305 (median) and $67,322 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual incomes lag at the 4th percentile with weekly earnings of $514, while household income performs better at the 26th percentile. Income brackets indicate predominant cohort spans 32.3% of locals (1,470 people) in $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with regional trend where this cohort represents 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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

Dwelling structure in Wacol, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metro had 80.2% houses and 19.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wacol was 27.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.3% and rented dwellings at 48.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,387, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,630. Median weekly rent in Wacol was $320, compared to Brisbane metro's $355. Nationally, Wacol's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower at $1,387 than the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly 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 comprise 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, 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's university qualification rate is 10.8%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (0.6%) and graduate diplomas (0.2%). Technical qualifications account for 12.4% of educational achievements among residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 1.3% and certificates at 11.1%. Educational participation is 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.

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

Wacol has 19 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 59 different routes operating in total, providing 1,650 weekly passenger trips combined.

Residents' access to transport is limited, with an average distance of 699 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 235 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to about 86 weekly trips per individual 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.

Approximately 51% of the total population (~2,344 people) have private health cover. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 16.4 and 8.2% of residents respectively. Around 58.4% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.1% in Greater Brisbane. The area has 6.7% of residents aged 65 and over (305 people), lower than the 13.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Wacol's cultural diversity is above average, with 17.9% of its population born overseas and 21.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity dominates the religious landscape in Wacol, comprising 46.6%. Buddhism, however, is underrepresented at 2.9%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 8.7%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (22.0%), English (21.3%), and Other (9.5%), with notable differences from regional averages: Samoan is overrepresented at 2.8% compared to the region's 2.7%, New Zealand-born residents are at 2.4% versus 0.9%, and Maori representation stands at 2.1% against a regional average of 1.2%.

Wacol's population is younger than the national pattern

Wacol's median age is 36 years, matching Greater Brisbane but slightly younger than the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group makes up 28.8% of Wacol's population, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage and significantly above the national average of 14.2%. The 5-14 age group is less prevalent at 2.5%. Between 2021 and present, residents have aged on average by 1.1 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 28.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group decreased 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 shifts in Wacol. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 32%, adding 228 residents to reach 943. Meanwhile, both the 35-44 and 25-34 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.