Waterford (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Waterford are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Waterford (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,399, reflecting a 10.4% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,796 people. This growth was inferred from an estimated resident population of 6,162 as of June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density is approximately 1,023 persons per square kilometer. Waterford's population growth exceeded both the SA3 area average (8.5%) and the national average during this period. Interstate migration contributed around 67% of overall population gains in recent years. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in Jun 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 lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends indicate a median increase for the Waterford (Qld) (SA2), with an expected growth of 545 persons to reach 6,944 by 2041. This reflects a total gain of approximately 3.7% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Waterford shows an average of around 37 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 187 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. In FY-26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling has averaged 2.4 new residents per year over these years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $390,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $20.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Waterford has 55.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, construction activity has eased recently.

New building activity consists of 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (74.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. Waterford has around 579 people per dwelling approval, indicating a highly mature market. Future projections estimate Waterford adding 238 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should meet demand readily, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure can significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones include Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail, Holmview Central Shopping Centre Stage 2 Expansion, Beenleigh Train Station Upgrade, and Yarrabilba Town Centre. 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Waterford well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Waterford has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.9%. In the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 3.5%.

As of September 2025, 3,130 residents are in work and the unemployment rate is 1.1% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services are under-represented at 2.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.5% and labour force by 2.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waterford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, median income among taxpayers in Waterford suburb was $57,013 with average level at $61,831. Both figures were below national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively across Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $62,663 and average at $67,958. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data for 2021, incomes in Waterford ranked modestly, between 42nd and 50th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution showed 38.9% (2,489 individuals) within $1,500 - $2,999 range, slightly higher than regional levels at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 80.6% of income remaining, ranking at 39th percentile.

Waterford is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Waterford's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.4% houses and 25.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waterford was at 20.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.1% and rented ones at 42.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Waterford was $400, higher than the Brisbane metro figure of $360. Nationally, Waterford's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Waterford has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 75.6% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 17.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 21.2% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

Waterford performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 17.8%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.7% and certificates at 29.3%. Educational participation is high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.4% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates four active transport stops operating in Waterford, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by one individual route, collectively providing seventy-six weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located three hundred twenty-six meters from the nearest transport stop.

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

Health performance in Waterford is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Waterford faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, particularly among older age cohorts.

Approximately 52% of Waterford's total population (~3,308 people) has private health cover. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.3 and 8.9% of residents respectively. 68.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.8% across Greater Brisbane. As of 2016, 12.8% of Waterford's residents are aged 65 and over (819 people), lower than the 16.7% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Waterford has a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 18.4% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 30.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Waterford, making up 44.3% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 1.9% of Waterford's population, slightly higher than the 1.2% regional average.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 26.7%, Australian at 23.7%, and Other at 12.5%. Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: Maori is overrepresented at 3.9% compared to the regional average of 2.6%, Samoan at 2.4% versus 1.5%, and New Zealand at 1.6% against a regional average of 1.4%.

Waterford hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Waterford's median age is 32 years, which is lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 years and significantly below the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Waterford has a higher proportion of residents aged 0-4 (8.9%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (4.9%). Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.3% to 6.4% of Waterford's population, while the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 5.9% to 4.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Waterford's age profile. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 185 people (45%), increasing from 409 to 595 residents. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 58% of total population growth, indicating Waterford's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are forecasted for the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts.