Wakerley

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Wakerley is around 9,129, reflecting an increase of 411 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,718. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 9,048 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 93 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,128 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Wakerley's growth rate of 4.7% since the census is within 1.7 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.4%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb of Wakerley. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation, with Wakerley expected to increase by 707 persons to reach a total population of 9,836 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 7.3% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Wakerley averaged approximately one new dwelling approval per year. Between FY21 and FY25, around eight homes were approved, with one more in FY26.

On average, 32.2 new residents arrived annually for each dwelling constructed during these years. This significant demand exceeding supply typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties was $1,000,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wakerley had markedly lower building activity, supporting stronger demand and values for established properties. This is also below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations.

All new construction was comprised of standalone homes, maintaining Wakerley's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. However, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (84.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The area has approximately 9062 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, Wakerley is expected to grow by 665 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 8 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Greenslopes Private Hospital, Wakerley Specialist Centre, Wakerley Park Residential Estate, The Sanctuary Wakerley, and Wakerley Gardens Estate. 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 conditions in Wakerley rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wakerley has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 1.0% and there was an estimated employment growth of 4.5% in the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 5758 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.1% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 76.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Wakerley has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 14.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.5% while labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points in Wakerley. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide insight into potential future demand within Wakerley. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Wakerley's employment mix suggests 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

Wakerley has a median taxpayer income of $70,004 and an average of $93,771 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is notably high compared to Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Assuming a wage growth rate of 13.99% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $79,798 (median) and $106,890 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Wakerley rank between the 91st and 96th percentiles nationally. The predominant income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999, with 30.0% of locals (2,738 people) falling into this category. Economic strength is evident with 49.0% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting increased consumer spending. Housing expenses account for 14.1% of income, while strong earnings place 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

The latest Census evaluated Wakerley's dwelling structure as 84.2% houses and 15.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 78.0% houses and 22.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wakerley stood at 22.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 56.0% and rented dwellings at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,362, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent in Wakerley was $510, compared to Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Wakerley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,362 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $510.

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 make up 11.9%, comprising 10.5% lone person households and 1.4% group households. The median household size is 3.1 people, 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

Educational attainment in Wakerley is notably high with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 23.7% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in Queensland (QLD). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Vocational credentials are also common, with 31.5% of residents aged 15+ 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% pursuing tertiary education.

OneSchool Global QLD - Wakerley provides local educational services within Wakerley, with an enrollment of 289 students as of a recent report. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 991) offering balanced educational opportunities. All schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. Local school capacity is limited at 3.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.6, leading many families to seek schooling in nearby areas.

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, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 6 routes, offering 377 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 297 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 53 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 19 weekly trips per individual 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 ages, with very low prevalence of common conditions. Private health cover is high at approximately 64% (5,874 people), compared to 58.6% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent conditions are asthma (7.5%) and mental health issues (6.8%).

76.6% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.4%. Wakerley has 10.3% (940 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 16.7%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population.

Wakerley was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wakerley's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed cultural diversity with 16.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 29.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 56.4%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% in Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.9%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (8.1%). Notable differences existed for South African (1.7% vs regional 0.8%), New Zealand (1.4% vs 1.3%), and Korean (0.7% vs 0.2%) ethnic groups.

Wakerley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wakerley's median age is 38 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38. The strongest representation in Wakerley is the 45-54 age group at 18.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's figure and significantly higher than the national average of 12.1%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent in Wakerley at 7.0%. Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 11.5% to 13.9%, while the 45 to 54 age group increased from 16.9% to 18.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 19.4% to 17.7%, and the 35 to 44 cohort dropped from 18.3% to 16.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wakerley's age structure. The 55-64 age group is expected to grow by 36%, increasing from 940 people to 1,281. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.