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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Wacol's population is estimated at around 4,554 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 301 people (7.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,253 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,553 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 256 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. 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 suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to increase by 77 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 4.8% 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 shows Wacol recorded around 6 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 32 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 15.9 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

The supply of dwellings is substantially lagging demand, 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. This financial year has seen $208.2 million in commercial development approvals recorded, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wacol shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 61.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, which is also below average nationally, potentially indicating planning constraints or area maturity.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, with 83.0% at Census, indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated count of 1323 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Wacol adding 217 residents by 2041, according to 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 has identified 22 projects that could impact this region. Key projects include Wacol Youth Remand Centre, Wacol Logistics Hub, Maplewood Estate, and South Queensland Correctional Facilities Expansion. The following list details 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 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, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 13.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 7.8%. As of September 2025, there are 428 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 9.5% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation lags at 11.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, only 11.9% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, 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, indicating that the area hosts more jobs than residents and attracts workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 7.8%, while labour force grew by 7.1%, causing a fall in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Wacol's employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Wacol had a median taxpayer income of $54,868 and an average income of $61,252. Nationally, the median was $58,236 and the average was $72,799. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $60,305 and average income will be around $67,322, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows individual incomes at the 4th percentile were $514 weekly, while household incomes were at the 26th percentile. The predominant income cohort in Wacol is 32.3% of locals (1,470 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. 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

The dwelling structure in Wacol, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Brisbane metropolitan area had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wacol stood at 27.2%, similar to Brisbane metro's figure, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.3% and rented ones at 48.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,387, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Wacol was recorded at $320, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Wacol's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 2.6.

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 make up 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 59 routes, providing a total of 1,650 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents located an average of 699 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, predominantly by car (76%), while 17% use trains. The area has an average vehicle ownership rate of 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 235 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 86 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wacol is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Wacol faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,344 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Wacol, affecting 16.4 and 8.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.4% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, lower than the 69.2% reported across Greater Brisbane. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 7.2% of residents aged 65 and over (327 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings higher than those for the general population.

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 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 people. Notably, Buddhism made up 2.9% of Wacol's population, higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were Australian (22.0%), English (21.3%), and Other (9.5%). Some ethnic groups had notable representation differences: Samoan at 2.8% in Wacol compared to 0.9% regionally, New Zealand at 2.4% vs 1.0%, and Maori at 2.1% vs 1.1%.

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 is strongly represented at 28.9%, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 2.6%. This concentration of the 35-44 age group is well above the national average of 14.3%. Between 2021 and present, residents have aged on average by 1.5 years, with the median rising from 35 to 36 years. Key changes include the 45-54 age group growing from 13.7% to 15.9%, and the 35-44 cohort increasing from 27.1% to 28.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 31.2% to 26.5%, and the 15-24 group dropped from 14.1% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes for Wacol. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 30%, adding 217 residents to reach 942. In contrast, both the 35-44 and 25-34 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.