Urban Area · Area profile
Brisbane
6,462 km²
Explosive growth has transformed Brisbane, with the population leaping by over 3,500% since 2011 to reach nearly 2.5 million people. It is now a young, highly educated city where the typical resident is 36 and many hold university degrees. This rapid expansion is matched by a rise in cultural diversity and higher incomes, creating a fast-paced urban hub that is much more walkable than the state average.
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The area is notably young, with a typical age of 36 and a population of seniors that has fallen since 2011. Children under 15 make up 19.2% of the community, which is slightly higher than the national figure.
A strong trend toward international migration is evident, as the share of overseas-born residents rose 16 points since 2011 to 27.6%. While English and Australian ancestries remain most common, the city is well above the state average for birthplace diversity.
Cultural diversity is rising, with the proportion of people using another language at home climbing 14 points since 2011 to 18.2%. This is well above the Queensland average, though it remains well below the national figure.
About 42% of residents now report no religion, a significant increase of 22 points since 2011. This figure is well above the national average of 38.9%.
The city is highly qualified, with a bachelor degree or higher being far more common here than in most other areas. Since 2011, the proportion of adults with a university degree rose 18 points to 27.5%.
Earnings have climbed sharply, with typical household income rising by $1,027 since 2011 to reach $1,870 a week. This is much higher than most areas, and nearly a quarter of households now earn $3,000 or more weekly.
The community is generally healthy, with a lower rate of people needing daily help and a lower rate of long-term health conditions than most areas. About 10.1% of residents live with a mental health condition.
A higher-than-average 28% of people provide unpaid childcare, although the number of general volunteers and those doing heavy housework has fallen since 2011.
Homes are larger than usual, with 2.6 people per household and a low proportion of people living alone. Couples with children make up the largest group at 58.4%.
Rentals are much more common here than in most areas, and typical weekly rent has risen to $380. Ownership has shifted, with the share of homes owned outright falling 10 points since 2011 to 25.5%.
Working from home has become much more common, rising 14 points since 2011 to 17.6%. Public transport use for commuting is also higher than the state and national averages.
The population is very mobile, with 46.4% of residents having moved in the last five years. This is well above the national average of 40.7%.
The city has a strong workforce, with 65% of adults working or looking for work, which is well above the national figure. Full-time employment is also higher than the state average.
Brisbane is very walkable, with a score of 6.3. Residents have far better access to parks, schools, and public transport within a 15-minute walk than the average Queenslander.