West End (Brisbane - Qld)

West End lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the West End (Brisbane - Qld) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to have a population of around 17,662. This reflects an increase of 2,932 people, or 19.9%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 14,730 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 17,216 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 863 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 9,151 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The West End (Brisbane - Qld) (SA2)'s growth rate exceeded both the national average (9.7%) and state average since the 2021 Census, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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 adopted. 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 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted over the period to 2041, with the West End (Brisbane - Qld) statistical area (Lv2) expected to expand by 11,574 persons, reflecting an increase of 62.9% in total population over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in West End was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, West End has averaged around 246 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 1,233 homes were approved, with a further 100 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 3.1 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates substantial demand outpacing supply, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new homes is $1,128,000, reflecting a focus on premium properties by developers. In FY-26 alone, $151.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, West End shows moderately higher new home approvals, with 10.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

Nationally, West End's level of new home approvals is significantly above the average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New development in West End consists of 2.0% detached dwellings and 98.0% medium to high-density housing. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 20.0% houses. The location has approximately 124 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate West End will add 11,105 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified 55 projects expected to impact this area. Notable ones include Callista on Park - West Village Final Stage, The Adler, Rivara West End, and 53-59 High Street Mixed-Use Development. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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Employment performance in West End has been broadly consistent with national averages

West End has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.3%.

As of September 2025, 11,475 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Brisbane's 4.0%, and workforce participation at 72.7%. Key industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Professional & technical jobs are particularly prevalent, at twice the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 9.0%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, labour force by 1.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted slightly (-0.01%) with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections vary significantly by industry sector. Applying these projections to West End's mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. West End's median income among taxpayers was $60,015, with an average of $86,642. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for West End would be approximately $65,962 (median) and $95,228 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows incomes in West End rank highly nationally, between the 73rd and 87th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket dominates with 35.0% of residents (6,181 people), similar to the surrounding region at 33.3%. Higher earners are substantial, with 31.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing costs consume 17.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 70th percentile nationally. West End's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

West End features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluated West End's dwelling structure as 19.6% houses and 80.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 12.9% houses and 87.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in West End was 18.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.0% and rented at 59.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,100, compared to Brisbane metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent figure was $450, against Brisbane metro's $440. Nationally, West End's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 56.4% of all households, including 19.4% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.6%, with lone person households at 33.8% and group households comprising 9.8%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 1.9.

Educational achievement in West End places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

West End's residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than Queensland (QLD) and Australia averages. Specifically, 57.5% of West End residents hold university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 18.2% and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Vocational pathways account for 19.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 10.0%.

Educational participation is high in West End, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.0% in tertiary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 56 active transport stops within West End, including a mix of ferry and bus services. These stops are served by 7 individual routes, collectively facilitating 4,375 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 122 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 625 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 78 weekly trips per stop.

West End's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

West End's health outcomes show excellent results, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (10,867 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.8 and 7.0% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 75.4%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the Greater Brisbane figure of 75.5%. The population aged 65 and over comprises 11.2% (1,978 people) of West End's residents. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, mirroring the general population's health profile.

West End 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

West End has a high level of cultural diversity, with 30.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.4% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in West End, comprising 31.9% of people. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 0.4% versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.1%), Australian (16.0%), and Other (12.0%). Notably, Spanish (1.1%) and Vietnamese (2.0%) are overrepresented in West End compared to the regional averages of 1.0% and 1.2%, respectively.

West End hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

West End's median age in 2021 was 35 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and slightly younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, West End had a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (23.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds was significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the proportion of West End's population aged 75 to 84 grew from 2.4% to 3.5%, while the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 decreased from 25.2% to 23.4%. The proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 also dropped, from 14.4% to 13.2%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes for West End, with the strongest projected growth in the 45 to 54 age group, expected to increase by 87% to reach 4,291 residents.