Wishart (Qld)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Wishart 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, Wishart's population is estimated at around 11,856 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 523 people (4.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,333 people in the suburb of Wishart (Qld). The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,807 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,605 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for Wishart was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 and based on 2021 data. However, 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period projections indicate a decline in overall population, with Wishart's population expected to contract by 146 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 262 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wishart according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Wishart, based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, has seen approximately 16 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 83 homes. In FY-26 so far, 7 approvals have been recorded. The average new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 is 3.1.

Commercial approvals amounting to $7.2 million have been registered this financial year. Wishart's building activity is significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average (78.0% below), indicating scarcity of new dwellings which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, sustaining Wishart's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (79.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. With around 572 people per dwelling approval, Wishart reflects a highly mature market.

Population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Wishart 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 13 projects that may impact the area. Notable ones include Chelva Street Road Renewal, Parkside Wishart, Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan, and Mansfield Safer School Precinct. The following list details those most likely to be 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 Wishart shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Wishart's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Employment stability has been relative over the past year.

There were 6,069 residents employed while workforce participation was 67.4%, slightly below Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. A moderate 20.7% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Wishart has a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented at 7.8% compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Wishart's labour force increased by 0.5%, while employment remained unchanged, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and a fall in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wishart's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Wishart had a median taxpayer income of $55,864 and an average of $68,418 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is approximately average nationally, compared to Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $61,400 (median) and $75,198 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 67th percentile ($2,026 weekly), while personal income sits at the 45th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 34.3% of the population (4,066 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupy this bracket. Housing accounts for 14.0% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 70th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Wishart's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wishart was at 37.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.2% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, above Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Wishart was $440, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Wishart's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 80.9% of all households, including 44.5% couples with children, 23.0% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.1%, with lone person households at 17.0% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Wishart's residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 39.5%, compared to Queensland's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. This is due to the area's strong focus on education. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 27.0% of residents holding them – advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (15.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 34.0% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in secondary education, 11.3% in primary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Wishart has 43 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 9 different routes, offering a total of 1,958 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents located an average of 208 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 84%, while buses account for 12%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 20.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 279 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 45 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Wishart is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Wishart demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and old age cohorts show low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 54% (~6,438 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (6.5%) and arthritis (6.4%), while 74.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 16.8% (~1,991 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Wishart is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wishart has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.3% of its population born overseas and 39.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in Wishart is Christianity, which accounts for 51.7% of the population. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented in Wishart compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 4.5% versus 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (19.6%), Australian (18.5%), and Chinese (12.8%). While English ancestry is lower than the regional average of 26.8%, Chinese ancestry is substantially higher at 12.8% compared to the regional average of 3.4%. There are also notable divergences in the representation of Korean, Russian, and Sri Lankan ethnic groups: Korean is overrepresented at 2.3% versus 0.5%, Russian at 0.6% versus 0.3%, and Sri Lankan at 0.8% versus 0.2%.

Wishart's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Wishart is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and close to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wishart has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 years (17.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 years (6.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 years has increased from 12.9% to 15.2%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 years has decreased from 8.6% to 6.9%. The 35-44 age group has also declined, from 15.8% to 14.6%. By 2041, Wishart's age composition is expected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 85 years and above is projected to grow by 67%, reaching 555 from 331. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 years and above comprising 75% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups.