Wakerley

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of Wakerley is around 9,092, indicating a growth of 374 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 9,084 by AreaSearch 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. This results in a population density ratio of 2,119 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Wakerley's growth rate of 4.3% since the census is within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.8%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Wakerley is expected to increase by 708 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 7.7% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Wakerley averaged around 3 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 16 homes were approved, with 1 more in FY-26. This resulted in an average of 16.1 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

Given this demand significantly exceeds new supply, it usually leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $1,000,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $8.4 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting limited commercial development focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wakerley shows substantially reduced construction (92.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New construction has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (84.0% at Census), indicating persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The location has approximately 18125 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Future projections show Wakerley adding 702 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Greenslopes Private Hospital expansion, Wakerley Specialist Centre development, Mayfair Village Shopping Centre enlargement, Wakerley Park Residential Estate construction, and The Sanctuary Wakerley project. Below is a list of 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.

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

Wakerley has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 0.8% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 6.0%. As of September 2025, 5,855 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, below Greater Brisbane's 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 84.5%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. Home workership stood at 26.9% based on Census responses. Key industries included health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training, with notable concentration in professional & technical (1.2 times the regional average). Health care & social assistance was under-represented, at 14.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.1%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.0%, labour force by 5.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts, released May-25, project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wakerley's employment mix suggests local employment growth of 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 released postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023. Wakerley's median income among taxpayers was $70,004, with an average of $93,771. This is higher than Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median will be approximately $76,941 and the average $103,064, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since June 2023. The 2021 Census ranks Wakerley's household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 91st and 96th percentiles nationally. In income distribution, 30.0% of residents earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, aligning with metropolitan regions at 33.3%. Notably, 49.0% exceed $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power. Housing accounts for 14.1% of income, and residents rank 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% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In contrast, Brisbane metropolitan area had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wakerley stood at 22.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 56.0% and rented ones at 21.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,362, higher than Brisbane's average of $1,863. Weekly rent median was recorded at $510, compared to Brisbane's $380. Nationally, Wakerley's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 88.1% of all households, including 54.6% that are couples with children, 22.6% that are couples without children, and 10.2% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 11.9%, with lone person households at 10.5% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. 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

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

Wakerley has 19 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six distinct routes that collectively facilitate 377 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 297 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most residents commute outward, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 91%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. Notably, 26.9% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census; this figure might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions).

The average service frequency across all routes is 53 trips per day, equating to approximately 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's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at 64% of the total population (5,850 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8%, which is close to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 7.5% and 6.8% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 76.6%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Only 10.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (991 people), lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings, mirroring the general population's standings.

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 had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 16.0% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 29.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wakerley, making up 56.4% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, comprising 0.2% compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestral groups were English at 28.9%, Australian at 23.2%, and Other at 8.1%. There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: South African was notably higher at 1.7% (vs regional 0.6%), New Zealand at 1.4% (vs 1.0%), and Korean at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

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 18.3% of Wakerley's population, compared to Greater Brisbane's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 6.7%. This concentration in the 45-54 age group is notably higher than the national average of 12.0%. Between 2021 and present, the median age has increased by 1.2 years from 37 to 38, indicating an aging population. During this period, the 15-24 age group grew from 11.5% to 14.2%, while the 55-64 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort decreased from 18.3% to 15.9%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 19.4% to 17.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Wakerley's age profile. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 29%, adding 287 people and reaching a total of 1,279 from the current figure of 991. Meanwhile, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.