Wakerley

Wakerley has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

The population of the Wakerley statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 9,092 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 374 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,718 people in the area. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,084 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 93 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,119 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Wakerley (SA2)'s 4.3% growth since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's 6.6%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 52.0% 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, 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to increase by 707 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Wakerley averaged approximately 3 new dwelling approvals per year, with 16 homes approved between financial years FY21 and FY25, and 1 so far in FY26. This results in an average of around 16.1 new residents per year arriving for each dwelling constructed over the same period. Commercial approvals totalled $8.4 million this financial year.

Relative to Greater Brisbane, Wakerley has shown significantly reduced construction levels, with 92.0% below the regional average per person. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $1,000,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. All new constructions have been detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character. There are approximately 18125 people per dwelling approval in Wakerley, demonstrating an established market. Future projections estimate an addition of 702 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Greenslopes Private Hospital expansion, Wakerley Specialist Centre development, Mayfair Village Shopping Centre enlargement, and The Sanctuary Wakerley project. Below is a list detailing those most likely to be 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Wakerley places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Wakerley has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 0.8% in the year ending September 2025.

Employment grew by 6.1% during this period. As of September 2025, 5,857 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, below Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation was 76.6%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries included health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

Professional & technical employment was particularly high at 1.2 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance was under-represented at 14.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.1% and labour force by 5.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wakerley's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Wakerley's median income among taxpayers is $70,004. The average income in the suburb is $93,771. This places Wakerley among the highest incomes in Australia. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's median income is $58,236 with an average of $72,799. Based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023, current estimates for Wakerley would be approximately $76,941 (median) and $103,064 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Wakerley highly, between the 91st and 96th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.0% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 33.3%. A substantial 49.0% of Wakerley residents exceed $3,000 weekly earnings, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounts for 14.1% of income, while strong earnings rank residents in the 96th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Wakerley is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Wakerley, as per the latest Census evaluation, 84.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.8% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Brisbane metro had 78.0% houses and 22.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wakerley stood at 22.0%, with mortgaged properties at 56.0% and rented ones at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,362, exceeding Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Wakerley was $510, higher than Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Wakerley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,362 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Wakerley features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 88.1% of all households, including 54.6% couples with children, 22.6% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 11.9%, with lone person households at 10.5% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Wakerley exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

In Wakerley, educational attainment is notably high with 37.8% of residents aged 15 and above possessing university qualifications, surpassing both the SA4 region's 23.7% and Queensland's 25.7%. This advantage is reflected in the prevalent Bachelor degrees (25.5%), postgraduate qualifications (8.6%), and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.5% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (18.6%). Educational participation is high, with 35.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 14.1% in primary, 10.3% in secondary, and 5.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 19 active stops operating in Wakerley. These stops offer bus services via six routes, totalling 377 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 297 metres to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 53 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 19 weekly trips per stop.

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

Wakerley shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover rate is notably high at approximately 64% (5,850 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 59.7%. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.5% and 6.8% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 76.6%, report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.4%. Wakerley has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.3% (936 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.7%. Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's health profile.

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

Wakerley's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 16.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 29.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wakerley, accounting for 56.4% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Wakerley compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.9%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (8.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: South African at 1.7% (regional average 0.8%), New Zealand at 1.4% (regional average 1.3%), and Korean at 0.7% (regional average 0.2%).

Wakerley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wakerley's median age is 38, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 45-54 age group constitutes 18.1% of Wakerley's population, compared to Greater Brisbane's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.0%. This 45-54 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 12.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.5% to 13.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has risen from 16.9% to 18.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 19.4% to 17.7%, and the 35-44 group has dropped from 18.3% to 16.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wakerley's age structure. Notably, the 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 37%, adding 344 people and reaching a total of 1,281 from its current figure of 936. Meanwhile, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.