Waterford West

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Waterford West is around 7,761, reflecting an increase of 819 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 6,942 people in the suburb. This growth represents an 11.8% increase from the previous census figure. Based on AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, the resident population is estimated at 7,705. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,361 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Waterford West's population growth of 11.8% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.8% and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 44.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors. For population projections moving forward, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a growth of 888 persons to 2041 for Waterford West based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of approximately 10.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Waterford West among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Waterford West averaged approximately 32 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 163 homes. By June 2026, 16 approvals had been recorded. On average, for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, there were around 3.9 new residents, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply. The average construction value of these dwellings was $277,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

This financial year has seen $3.6 million in commercial approvals, highlighting the area's primarily residential nature. When compared to Greater Brisbane, Waterford West maintains similar construction rates per person, contributing to market stability aligned with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the current pattern of 74.0% houses, likely due to decreasing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With approximately 212 people per dwelling approval, Waterford West exhibits a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to grow by 827 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, fostering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects are Cantabria Village Estate, Yarrabilba Priority Development Area, Waterford West Community Hub & Town Centre Redevelopment, and Holmview Central Shopping Centre Stage 2 Expansion. 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.

Waterford West shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Waterford West has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 7.0% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, 3430 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is higher than Greater Brisbane's by 2.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 49.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing, with manufacturing particularly notable at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical jobs are less represented at 3.2% versus the regional average of 8.9%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 7.0%, labour force grew by 4.8%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 1.9 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data). Comparing this with Greater Brisbane's growth rates shows Waterford West has higher employment and labour force increases but lower unemployment reduction. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waterford West's current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Waterford West had a median taxpayer income of $48,412 and an average income of $51,938 in financial year 2022. This was lower than the national average at that time. In Greater Brisbane, the median income was $55,645 with an average income of $70,520 during the same period. As of September 2025, estimates suggest the median income in Waterford West would be approximately $55,185 and the average income around $59,204, based on a 13.99% growth since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Waterford West fall between the 12th and 12th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 29.4% of the population (2,281 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. This is consistent with regional trends where 33.3% fall into the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Waterford West, with only 80.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

Waterford West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Waterford West's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 74.3% houses and 25.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 82.9% houses and 17.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waterford West was higher at 27.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.5% and rented ones at 42.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,439, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,733. Median weekly rent in Waterford West was $310, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Waterford West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,439 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Waterford West features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.6% of all households, including 26.4% couples with children, 21.7% couples without children, and 15.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

Waterford West faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.5%, substantially lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 31.3%. Educational participation is high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.8% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

The area has two schools serving 4,633 students: Waterford West State School and Marsden State High School. The ICSEA index for the area is 937. There are 59.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 19.3, indicating a hub for education that attracts students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 25 active public transport stops in Waterford West. These are served by buses on nine different routes, offering a total of 732 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to these services, with an average distance of 284 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is high, averaging 104 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Waterford West is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Waterford West faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for the period between June 2019 and July 2020. Approximately 48% of its total population (~3708 people) had private health cover, which is lower than both Greater Brisbane's 50.0% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.6% and 8.8% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 64.3% reported no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Greater Brisbane. The area had a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.1% (1482 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.7%. Health outcomes among seniors were broadly similar to those of the general population.

Waterford West 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 West had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 23.7% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 35.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Waterford West, making up 47.6% of the population. However, the category 'Other' had a higher representation in Waterford West at 2.5%, compared to 1.2% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.5%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (15.9%), with Other being substantially higher than the regional average of 10.9%. Notably, Maori (4.0%) and Samoan (3.0%) groups were overrepresented compared to their regional averages of 2.6% and 1.5%, respectively. Hungarian representation was also slightly higher at 0.4%.

Waterford West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Waterford West has a median age of 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 7.2% of Waterford West's population, higher than Greater Brisbane's figure. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort makes up 12.0%, lower than Greater Brisbane's percentage. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 13.4% to 14.6%. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 13.8% to 12.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Waterford West. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 281 people (50%), from 558 to 840. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will constitute 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.