Westlake

Westlake has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Westlake is estimated to be around 4,520. This figure reflects a decrease from the previous population count of 4,547 recorded in the 2021 Census, marking a decline of 27 people (0.6%). The latest estimate of resident population by AreaSearch is 4,517, based on examination of the June 2025 ABS ERP data release and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,306 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed significantly to population growth in Westlake, accounting for nearly 57% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 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 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. According to these projections, Westlake's population is expected to decline by 330 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group which is anticipated to expand by 153 people over this period.

The level of residential development activity in Westlake is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Westlake recorded around 1 residential property granted approval annually over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 9 homes. So far in FY26, 0 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined recently, yet development activity has been adequate relative to this decline, benefiting buyers as new homes are built at an average expected construction cost of $516,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year, $49,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Westlake has markedly lower building activity, at 57.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, Westlake's activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in Westlake has been standalone homes, sustaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

The location has approximately 2260 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. With stable or declining population forecasts, Westlake may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Westlake has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely affecting the region: Middle Park Intersection Upgrade (Eumong Street/Riverhills Road), Metro Middle Park Mixed-Use Redevelopment, McLeod Country Golf Club Retirement Village, and Centenary Motorway Upgrade Planning. The following 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.

The employment environment in Westlake shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Westlake has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,347 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Westlake is lower at 65.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. A high proportion of residents work from home, with 26.2% doing so according to Census responses. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Westlake has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction employs only 6.2% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.4%, with employment decreasing by 3.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane, where employment grew by 3.2% and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Westlake. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Westlake's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% 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 median taxpayer income in Westlake is $63,560, with an average of $79,820, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the 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 $70,780 (median) and $88,888 (average). Census 2021 data shows Westlake's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 79th and 93rd percentiles. Income distribution indicates that 30.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, reflecting a similar pattern in the surrounding region where 33.3% fall within this range. A substantial proportion, 44.7%, exceeds $3,000 weekly, suggesting strong purchasing power. After housing costs, residents retain 89.1% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Westlake's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.9% houses and 3.1% other dwellings. In Brisbane metro, this was 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westlake stood at 44.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.8% and rented ones at 11.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Westlake was $2,247, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent in Westlake was $550, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Westlake's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,247 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Westlake features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 87.8% of all households, including 46.8% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 12.2%, with lone person households at 10.5% and group households making up 1.5%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Westlake demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Westlake, the percentage of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is 44.9%, which is higher than the state (QLD) average of 25.7% and the national average of 30.4%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the area. Among these residents, 28.6% have bachelor degrees, 12.3% hold postgraduate qualifications, and 4.0% possess graduate diplomas. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.6% of residents having such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas held by 11.2% and certificates by 14.4%. Educational participation is high in Westlake, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows eight active transport stops operating within Westlake. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling four individual routes that provide 271 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 303 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with train usage at 6%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, above the regional average.

A high 26.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Westlake's health outcomes data shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Approximately 59% of Westlake's total population (2,659 people) has private health cover, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's 55.8%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Westlake, affecting 7.4 and 6.5% of residents respectively. A significant 72.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. Westlake has 23.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,039 people), which is higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in Westlake are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Westlake 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

Westlake's population, with 25.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 36.3% born overseas, is more culturally diverse than most local markets. Christianity is the predominant religion in Westlake, comprising 51.0% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, with 0.3% of Westlake's population identifying as Jewish versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.8%), Australian (19.3%), and Other (9.8%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Vietnamese (3.0% vs regional 0.8%), Russian (0.5% vs 0.3%), and New Zealand (1.0% vs 1.0%) are notably more represented in Westlake than regionally.

Westlake hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Westlake is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 13.0% of the population in Westlake, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Brisbane. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up only 5.8% of Westlake's population. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group grew from 4.5% to 8.0%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.6%. However, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 15.7% to 13.0% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 8.2% to 5.8%. Population forecasts for Westlake in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 149%, reaching 225 people from an initial figure of 90. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 97% of total population growth, reflecting Westlake's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.