Wilston

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Wilston's population is estimated at around 4,237 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 127 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,110 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,227 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional five validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,942 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with Wilston expected to grow by 415 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 9.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Wilston, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Wilston had approximately 5 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 28 homes were approved, with another 6 approved in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 0.8 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

This suggests that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of new properties was $1,362,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $55,000 in commercial approvals were registered, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wilston had significantly less development activity, 81.0% below the regional average per person as of the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

Nationally, Wilston's development activity was also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity in Wilston comprised 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 646 people per dwelling approval, Wilston indicates a highly mature market. Population forecasts suggest Wilston will gain approximately 405 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact the region: Victoria Park Stadium (Brisbane 2032 Olympic Stadium), Queensland Cancer Centre, Brisbane Stadium (Victoria Park), and Cross River Rail - Exhibition Station. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Wilston ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Wilston has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.6%.

As of June 2025, 2,765 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.9% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 75.0%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, the area has a high concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels twice the regional average.

Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 2.5% compared to the regional average of 6.4%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6%, and labour force grew by 2.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wilston's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.7% over five years and 15.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Wilston has exceptionally high national median assessed income of $73,220 and average income of $110,181. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Wilston are approximately $83,463 (median) and $125,595 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Wilston rank highly nationally, between the 93rd and 96th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that 38.3% of Wilston's community (1,622 individuals) earn $4,000 or more weekly, unlike surrounding regions where 33.3% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Notably, 49.6% of residents earn above $3,000 weekly after housing costs. Wilston residents retain 87.9% of their income post-housing costs, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

In Wilston, as per the latest Census evaluation, 70.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 29.7% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Brisbane metropolitan area had 36.5% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wilston stood at 30.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.2% and rented ones at 34.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,700, exceeding Brisbane's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent was $405, compared to Brisbane's $410. Nationally, Wilston's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents at $375.

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

Family households account for 71.2% of all households, consisting of 38.1% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 5.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.2.

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

Educational attainment in Wilston is notably high, with 53.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.3%). Vocational pathways account for 19.9% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 11.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in secondary education, 9.5% in primary education, and 9.3% pursuing tertiary education. St Columba's Primary School serves Wilston, with an enrollment of 543 students as of a recent report. The school demonstrates high educational performance (ICSEA: 1166), placing it among the most advantaged nationally for primary education. Wilston has one school focused exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Wilston shows that there are currently 27 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. There are 21 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 2,501 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 149 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 357 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 92 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wilston's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Wilston's health outcomes data shows excellent results, with younger age groups having particularly low prevalence rates for common health conditions. Approximately 71% of Wilston's total population of 3,001 has private health cover, significantly higher than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Wilston are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.3% and 6.4% of residents respectively. A majority of residents, 75.8%, report no medical ailments, compared to 73.7% across Greater Brisbane. Wilston has a senior population of 13.1%, comprising 555 people aged 65 and over. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they require more attention than the broader population.

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

Wilston's population was found to be roughly comparable to the wider region in terms of cultural diversity, with 80.0% born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 89.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was identified as the main religion in Wilston, accounting for 51.8% of its population. However, Judaism showed a notable overrepresentation in Wilston with 0.1%, compared to 0.2% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.7%), Australian (23.1%), and Irish (13.9%). There were also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups, notably Welsh at 0.7% (compared to 0.7% regionally), Polish at 0.9% (compared to 0.7%), and Scottish at 8.9% (compared to 8.7%).

Wilston's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Wilston's median age is 38 years, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The strongest representation in Wilston is the 45-54 age group at 16.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group has grown from 11.7% to 13.9% of Wilston's population, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 2.8% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 13.4% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wilston's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 78%, reaching 363 people from the current 203. This aging population trend sees those aged 65 and above comprising 58% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.