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, Wishart's population is estimated at around 11,763 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 430 people (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,333 people in Wishart (Qld). The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,763 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2025 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,585 persons per square kilometer, placing Wishart (Qld) 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 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 areas not covered 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; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with Wishart's population expected to contract by 171 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 235 people.

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

Wishart's building approval data from ABS shows an average of around 16 dwellings approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 83 homes. In FY26 so far, 8 approvals have been recorded. This translates to about 3.2 new residents per year arriving for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost of new properties is around $818,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

Wishart has seen $7.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wishart's building activity is 78.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings 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. 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 identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Chelva Street Road Renewal, Upper Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan, Parkside Wishart, and Mansfield Safer School Precinct. The following list 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 labour market in Wishart shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Wishart has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, below the national average of 5.1%. Over the past year, ending December 2025, employment grew by 2.1%.

In December 2025, Wishart's unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, with workforce participation similar at 69.6%. Approximately 20.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, education & training has a high concentration, being 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 7.8% compared to the regional average of 9.0%. The area's predominantly residential nature may limit local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Wishart's employment levels increased by 2.1%, labour force grew by 2.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2% and a fall in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not consider localized population projections.

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

Wishart suburb has a median taxpayer income of $55,864 and an average of $68,418 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures align with national averages, differing from Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Considering a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $62,210 (median) and $76,190 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 67th percentile ($2,026 weekly), while personal income is at the 45th percentile. Income distribution shows that 34.3% of Wishart's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, consistent with broader regional trends (33.3%). Housing expenses account for 14.0% of income, and residents' disposable income ranks at the 70th percentile. 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). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Wishart's home ownership rate was 37.4%, with the rest being mortgaged at 36.2% or rented at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Wishart was $2,000, above Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Wishart was $440, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Wishart's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 make up the remaining 19.1%, with lone person households at 17.0% and group households comprising 2.1%. 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 educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. As of a recent report, 39.5% of Wishart residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. This high level of educational attainment positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 10.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%.

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 27.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 15.9%. Educational participation is notably high in Wishart, with 34.0% of residents 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

Transport analysis in Wishart shows 43 active public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 9 individual routes, offering a total of 1,958 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 208 meters from the nearest stop. As a mainly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode at 84%, while bus usage stands at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 20.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 279 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 45 weekly trips per individual 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 have a low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 54% (~6,388 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are asthma (6.5%) and arthritis (6.4%). 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 16.6% (1,952 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 15.1% 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 41.3% born overseas and 39.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wishart, accounting for 51.7%. Buddhism, at 4.5%, is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.6%), Australian (18.5%), and Chinese (12.8%), with notable deviations from regional averages: Korean (2.3% vs 0.5%), Russian (0.6% vs 0.3%), and Sri Lankan (0.8% vs 0.2%) are overrepresented in Wishart.

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

The median age in Wishart is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and close to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wishart has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (16.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 12.9% to 15.4%, while the proportion of those aged 35-44 has decreased from 15.8% to 14.7%. The percentage of residents aged 25-34 has also dropped, from 8.6% to 7.5%. By 2041, Wishart's age composition is projected to change significantly. The number of people aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 68%, reaching 553 from 329. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 74% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups 0-4 and 15-24.