South Brisbane (Qld)

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Based on examination of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of South Brisbane has an estimated population of 17,564 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 3,272 individuals (22.9%) from the 14,292 people recorded during the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated from the current resident figure of 17,564, determined by Districts utilizing the ABS June 2025 ERP release and 488 validated new addresses added since the Census. Such population numbers translate to a density of 8,782 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top 10% of all Australian areas monitored by Districts and highlighting the intense demand for local land. The 22.9% population increase in the suburb of South Brisbane since the 2021 census outpaced the national rate of 9.3% as well as the state average, positioning the locality as a regional growth leader. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of the population gains, though interstate migration and natural increase also made positive contributions.

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South Brisbane is characterized by an exceptionally qualified workforce with a strong concentration in professional services, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and an annual employment growth rate of 1.7% based on regional statistics aggregated by Districts. There are 11,334 employed residents as of March 2026, with the local unemployment rate closely matching the Greater Brisbane average of 4.3%. Labor force participation is also typical, standing at 72.7% compared to 70.4% across Greater Brisbane. Census data indicates that a moderate 22.9% of the working population operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

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Residents in the suburb of South Brisbane have a median taxpayer income of $56,013 and an average income of $80,814, based on postcode-level ATO data compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year. These figures are high by national standards, comparing to a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799 across Greater Brisbane. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated figures would be approximately $62,376 for the median and $89,994 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes in South Brisbane around the 59th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket is the most common, containing 35.2% of residents (6,182 people), which aligns closely with the metropolitan average of . Housing affordability represents a major challenge, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile nationally, while the SEIFA income index ranks the suburb in the th decile.

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Residential housing in South Brisbane at the time of the last Census consisted of 4.2% detached houses and 95.8% multi-dwelling options such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings across the wider Brisbane metropolitan area. Homeownership rates in South Brisbane were low at 13.2%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (14.8%) or renters (71.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,950 was higher than the Brisbane metropolitan average of $1,863, while the median weekly rent was $470 compared to $380 across the metro region. On a national scale, South Brisbane mortgage repayments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are significantly higher than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up 48.8% of all local households, consisting of 12.1% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 6.7% single-parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 51.2% of the total, with single-person households representing 39.5% and group households making up 11.7%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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Level of education in South Brisbane is significantly higher than broader averages, with 54.8% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% across Queensland and 30.4% nationwide. This high rate of tertiary education positions the local population well for professional services roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 35.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 16.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.3%. Vocational training accounts for 21.0% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, split between advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (10.4%).

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Analysis of the public transport network shows 45 active stops operating in South Brisbane, offering a combination of train, bus, and ferry services. These stops support 148 distinct routes that generate 21,608 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 112 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a primary residential hub, most locals travel out of the area for work, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel at 43%, followed by walking at 25% and bus travel at 17%. Private vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, which is below the metropolitan average. The 2021 Census recorded 22.9% of residents working from home, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Health data shows positive outcomes throughout South Brisbane, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease indicators, which reveal a very low rate of common health issues across all age groups. Additionally, the rate of private health insurance is high, with approximately 59% of the population (10,401 people) covered, compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

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South Brisbane ranks among the most culturally diverse locations in Australia, with 44.9% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 55.6% born overseas. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, accounting for 30.0% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Buddhism, which is practiced by 4.7% of local residents, compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

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South Brisbane has a median age of 29, which is younger than the Greater Brisbane median of 36 and the national median of 38. Young adults aged 25 to 34 are the most prominent age bracket, accounting for 30.5% of residents, while children aged 5 to 14 represent a small cohort at 4.9% compared to the wider metropolitan area. The concentration of 25 to 34 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows this 25 to 34 cohort has increased from 29.6% to 30.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 group has decreased from 25.8% to . By the demographic mix is expected to shift, with the to group projected to expand by people () from to .

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South Brisbane currently has an estimated 403 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 240 children aged 0-2 and 159 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 13% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 62% by 2041 (to approximately 652 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 704. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 4.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally.