Wooloowin

Population growth drivers in Wooloowin are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Wooloowin's population is estimated at around 4,393, reflecting an increase of 364 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,029. This estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 4,296 plus an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 3,993 persons per square kilometer, placing Wooloowin in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. This growth rate of 9.0% exceeds the national average of 8.9%, marking Wooloowin as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all migration drivers being positive factors. For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia's SA2 area projections released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year for covered areas and years up to 2032.

For other areas and post-2032 years, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 for age cohorts. Future population dynamics project an above median growth, with Wooloowin expected to expand by 634 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.5% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Wooloowin when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wooloowin had approximately 14 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 71 homes. So far in FY26, 33 approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built between FY21 and FY25 accommodates about 5.8 new residents per year, indicating demand outpaces supply. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $536,000.

This financial year has seen $204,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wooloowin records significantly lower building activity, around 52.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, which is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists predominantly of medium and high-density housing (94.0%), with detached houses making up 6.0%. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 46.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 266 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. Future projections estimate Wooloowin to add around 681 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are Greville, Lamington Markets, Northshore Hamilton Street Renewal, and Nouveau Albion. The following details projects expected to be most relevant:.

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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.

Employment performance in Wooloowin has been broadly consistent with national averages

Wooloowin has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of June 2025, which is 0.2% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Employment grew by an estimated 4.0% over the past year. As of June 2025, 2,941 residents were in work and workforce participation was 75.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Construction has limited presence with 5.5% employment compared to 9.0% regionally. Employment increased by 4.0% while labour force increased by 3.0% over the 12 months to June 2025, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.5% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wooloowin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Wooloowin had a median taxpayer income of $64,614 and an average income of $91,506 in the financial year 2022. These figures are significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520 during the same period. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, estimated incomes would be approximately $73,653 (median) and $104,308 (average). According to the 2021 Census, income rankings in Wooloowin were high, ranging between the 73rd and 86th percentiles nationally. Income brackets showed that 31.3% of Wooloowin's population earned within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, which was similar to the broader area where this group represented 33.3%. A substantial proportion of residents (33.0%) had incomes above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. High housing costs consumed 16.4% of income, but despite this, disposable income remained at the 72nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

Wooloowin features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Wooloowin's dwelling structure in the latest Census showed 46.5% houses and 53.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 36.5% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wooloowin was at 17.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented ones at 50.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,275, higher than Brisbane metro's $2,167. Median weekly rent in Wooloowin was $350, lower than Brisbane metro's $410. Nationally, Wooloowin's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 57.6% of all households, including 25.7% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 6.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 42.4%, with lone person households at 35.5% and group households comprising 6.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.2.

Wooloowin 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 Wooloowin is notably high, with 46.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationwide as of the latest available data (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census 2016). Bachelor degrees are most common at 31.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas make up 11.6% while certificates account for 14.6%. Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.4% in tertiary education, 7.3% in primary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census 2016).

Wooloowin State School and Holy Cross School serve a total of 448 students, with the area demonstrating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA score: 1124 as of 2017). Both schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. As of 2016, there are 10.2 school places per 100 residents in Wooloowin, which is below the regional average of 13.6, suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Wooloowin has 13 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 60 routes serving these stops, providing a total of 5,485 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 165 meters. On average, there are 783 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 421 weekly trips per individual stop.

Wooloowin's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Wooloowin. The prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low. Approximately 63% of the total population (2,787 people) has private health cover, compared to 71.3% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.4% and 7.7% of residents respectively. A total of 73.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.7% across Greater Brisbane. Wooloowin has 10.2% of residents aged 65 and over (448 people), which is lower than the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Wooloowin 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

Wooloowin, surveyed in Jun-2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas with 26.6% of its population born overseas and 17.0% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.2%. Hinduism was overrepresented at 4.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.7%.

The top three parental ancestry groups were English (25.1%), Australian (21.8%), and Other (11.2%). French ethnicity was equally represented (0.7%) while Irish was slightly underrepresented (10.5% vs 11.1%). Samoan ethnicity was notably higher at 0.4%, compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

Wooloowin's population is younger than the national pattern

Wooloowin's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and somewhat younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Wooloowin has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (20.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 2.6% to 3.8%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 21.3% to 20.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Wooloowin. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 103%, adding 172 residents to reach a total of 339. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age cohorts.