Wavell Heights

An assessment of population growth drivers in Wavell Heights reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the population of Wavell Heights is estimated at around 11,245, reflecting an increase of 909 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.8% rise from the previous population count of 10,336. The latest resident population estimate of 11,234 by AreaSearch, following examination of the ABS's June 2025 ERP data release and validation of additional 20 new addresses since the Census date, indicates a population density ratio of 2,749 persons per square kilometer, placing Wavell Heights in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 8.8% growth since the Census is within 0.5 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas migration and interstate migration also being positive factors. 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, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort where necessary. Future population trends indicate a median-level increase, with the suburb expected to expand by 662 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 5.8% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Wavell Heights among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Wavell Heights has experienced around 53 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 269 homes approved between FY-21 and FY-25. As of FY-26, 37 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling is expected to accommodate 2.7 new residents per year over these five financial years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $906,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $794,000 in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential nature.

New development consists of 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Wavell Heights' traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. The location currently has approximately 198 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wavell Heights is expected to grow by 651 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Wavell Heights 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 has identified 30 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Danby Lane, Bakery Square, Brisbane Housing Company - Chermside Development, and The Prince Charles Hospital Expansion.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Wavell Heights rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wavell Heights has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of December 2025. There was an estimated employment growth of 10.0% over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, there were 7,203 residents in work with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was at 82.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 25.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

The area has a strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Manufacturing is under-represented with only 4.1% of Wavell Heights's workforce compared to 6.4% in Greater Brisbane. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 10.0% while labour force increased by 9.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Wavell Heights. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wavell Heights's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Wavell Heights has a median taxpayer income of $63,874 and an average of $80,479 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is notably higher than Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $71,130 (median) and $89,621 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Wavell Heights rank highly nationally, between the 88th and 92nd percentiles. The predominant income bracket spans 27.6% of locals (3,103 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999 per week, similar to the regional trend where 33.3% fall into this category. Economic strength is evident with 43.6% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting increased consumer spending. Housing costs account for 13.8% of income, and residents rank highly in disposable income at the 93rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

In Wavell Heights, as per the latest Census evaluation, 90.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 9.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Brisbane metro's figures of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wavell Heights stood at 29.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.2% and rented ones at 27.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,450, significantly higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Wavell Heights was recorded as $421, compared to Brisbane metro's figure of $380 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Wavell Heights were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure.

Wavell Heights features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 75.8 percent of all households, including 41.0 percent couples with children, 23.8 percent couples without children, and 9.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.2 percent, with lone person households at 20.4 percent and group households making up 3.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Wavell Heights exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Wavell Heights has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 40.3% possessing university qualifications compared to the state (QLD) average of 25.7% and the national average of 30.4%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area, which is beneficial for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 27.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.4% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 28.9% of residents holding such qualifications - this includes advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (17.4%).

Educational participation is notably high in Wavell Heights, with 30.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.3%), secondary education (8.5%), and tertiary education (6.3%).

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

Public transport analysis shows 74 active transport stops operating within Wavell Heights, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 1031 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 149 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with train usage at 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

High percentage of residents work from home, at 25.5% (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 147 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Wavell Heights is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Wavell Heights shows superior health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 59% of the total population (6,644 people) has private health cover, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.6 and 7.1% of residents respectively. About 74.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. The area has 12.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,394 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Wavell Heights records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wavell Heights, according to a study, had cultural diversity roughly matching the broader area's average. 80.2% of its residents were born in Australia, 90.9% were citizens, and 88.5% spoke English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 54.6% of the population.

However, Judaism was notably higher than the regional average, comprising 0.2% compared to 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (26.9%), Australian (25.1%), and Irish (10.7%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: German representation was slightly higher at 4.4%, Samoan lower at 0.3%, and New Zealand lower at 0.8%.

Wavell Heights's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wavell Heights has a median age of 37 years, close to Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wavell Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.7% to 13.8%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.4% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Wavell Heights' age profile. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 59%, adding 245 residents to reach 662. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 54% of population growth. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.