West End vs South Brisbane
How West End and South Brisbane compare on population growth, the 2021 Census profile, socio-economic advantage, housing and local amenities — every number the most recent ABS release for that suburb.
Comparing West End and South Brisbane: West End is growing fastest, up 2.9% in the latest year against 2.5% for South Brisbane. Renting is cheapest in West End (median $450/wk at the 2021 Census) and dearest in South Brisbane ($470/wk). South Brisbane is much more unit-dominated (94% flats or apartments) than West End (76%).
Population growth since 2001
- West End+206%
- South Brisbane+497%
| Metric | West End4101 · Brisbane Inner | South Brisbane4101 · Brisbane Inner |
|---|---|---|
| Population & growth | ||
| Population (ERP)Estimated resident population, Jun 2025 | 17,928 | 17,517 |
| Annual growthLatest year, vs the prior year | +2.9% | +2.5% |
| Change since 2001Total ERP change over the period shown | +206% | +497% |
| Net migrationInternal + overseas arrivals − departures, 2025 | +441 | +399 |
| The 2021 Census | ||
| Median ageYears | 33 | 29 |
| Median household incomeTotal weekly household income | $2,103/wk | $1,831/wk |
| Median personal incomeTotal weekly personal income | $1,128/wk | $888/wk |
| Born overseasShare born outside Australia | 40.6% | 55.5% |
| Household sizeAverage people per household | 2.1 | 1.9 |
| Housing | ||
| Median rentWeekly rent for rented dwellings, 2021 | $450/wk | $470/wk |
| Rent change since 2016Change in median weekly rent, 2016 → 2021 | +0% | -4% |
| Median mortgageMonthly repayment, 2021 | $2,100/mo | $1,950/mo |
| Separate housesShare of occupied dwellings | 19.5% | 4.4% |
| Flats & apartmentsShare of occupied dwellings | 75.8% | 93.5% |
| Owned outrightShare of occupied dwellings | 17.8% | 13.0% |
| MortgagedShare of occupied dwellings | 21.3% | 14.6% |
| RentedShare of occupied dwellings | 58.3% | 70.2% |
| Socio-economic | ||
| Advantage (IRSAD)SEIFA 2021 decile — 10 = most advantaged nationally | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Disadvantage (IRSD)SEIFA 2021 decile — 1 = most disadvantaged nationally | 8 / 10 | 6 / 10 |
| Economic resources (IER)SEIFA 2021 decile | 2 / 10 | 1 / 10 |
| Education & occupation (IEO)SEIFA 2021 decile | 10 / 10 | 10 / 10 |
| Year 12 attainmentAdults who completed Year 12, 2021 | 86.9% | 88.4% |
| Employment rateEmployed share of people aged 15+, 2021 | 68.7% | 58.5% |
| Unemployment rateUnemployed share of the labour force, 2021 | 5.2% | 7.9% |
| Amenities | ||
| SchoolsMapped within the SA2 (OpenStreetMap) | 2 | 5 |
| Hospitals & GPsMapped within the SA2 (OpenStreetMap) | 10 | 10 |
| SupermarketsMapped within the SA2 (OpenStreetMap) | 13 | 7 |
| Green spacesMapped within the SA2 (OpenStreetMap) | 10 | 15 |
| Nearest train stationStraight-line distance to the nearest mapped station | 1.5 km | 450 m |
marks the leading suburb where a “better” direction is clear.
Compiled from ABS regional population, the 2021 Census, SEIFA 2021 and OpenStreetMap · figures current to October 2026.
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