Waterford (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Waterford are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Waterford's population is estimated at around 6,452, reflecting an increase of 656 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate used by AreaSearch for nearby areas and applied to Waterford was 6,402 in June 2024. This estimate, along with 19 validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates a population of approximately 6,452. Waterford's population density is around 1,032 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Since the 2021 Census, Waterford has grown by 11.3%, exceeding both the SA3 area's growth of 7.8% and the national average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections up to 2041, AreaSearch expects a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation, with Waterford expected to grow by 559 persons, reflecting an overall gain of 3.1%.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Waterford recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Waterford shows an average of around 38 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 192 homes. So far in FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling has averaged approximately 2.4 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating healthy demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $390,000, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers compared to regional norms. This financial year has seen $14.3 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Waterford records 59.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, construction activity has eased recently.

New building activity comprises 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% attached dwellings, sustaining 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 amid densification trends. Waterford shows a developed market with around 486 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Waterford adding 199 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, 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 20% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are 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's workforce is skilled with notable representation in construction. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% as of an unspecified past year, with estimated employment growth of 5.7%.

As of June 2025, Waterford's unemployment rate stood at 1.1%, below Greater Brisbane's 4.1%, with workforce participation similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 2.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. In the 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 5.7% while labour force grew by 5.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Waterford. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Waterford's employment mix indicates 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 ATO data released for financial year 2022, Waterford had a median income among taxpayers of $57,013 and an average level of $61,831. These figures are below the national average, with Greater Brisbane having levels of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income for Waterford as of September 2025 is approximately $64,989, while the average is estimated to be around $70,481. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Waterford rank modestly, between the 42nd and 50th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution data shows that 38.9% of the population (2,509 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Waterford, with only 80.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 39th percentile.

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

Waterford's dwellings, as per the latest Census data, were 74.4% houses and 25.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waterford stood at 20.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (37.1%) or rented (42.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,733 and national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Waterford was $400, higher than the Brisbane metro figure of $360 but lower than the national average 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 comprise the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 21.2% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which matches 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%, substantially 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 prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (29.3%). Educational participation is high, with 33.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.4% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

The area has two schools serving 1,964 students, Canterbury College and Waterford State School, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1016) and balanced educational opportunities. It functions as an education hub with 30.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 19.3, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Waterford has four active public transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with one route providing service to all stops combined. This results in 76 weekly passenger trips across these stops.

The accessibility of transport in Waterford is rated as good, with residents typically located 326 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 10 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 19 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 prevalent across all age groups but notably higher among older residents.

Approximately 52% of Waterford's total population (~3,335 people) have private health cover, which is slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in Waterford are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.3% and 8.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Greater Brisbane. Waterford has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (12.8%, or 825 people) than Greater Brisbane (16.7%). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Waterford require more attention than the broader population.

Waterford 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

Waterford's cultural diversity exceeds most local markets, with 18.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 30.6% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 44.3%. The 'Other' religious category is overrepresented at 1.9%, compared to 1.2% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (26.7%), Australian (23.7%), and Other (12.5%). Notably, Maori (3.9%) and Samoan (2.4%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.6% and 1.5%, respectively. New Zealanders also show a slight increase at 1.6%.

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

Waterford has a median age of 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 proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 5.3% to 6.4%, while the proportion of those aged 65-74 has decreased from 5.9% to 4.9%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest that Waterford's age profile will significantly change. The number of residents aged 75-84 is projected to grow by 177 people (43%), from 412 to 590. Notably, the combined population growth in the 65+ age groups will account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting Waterford's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts.