Brisbane Population 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Brisbane Population 2025

Brisbane stands as Queensland’s vibrant capital and Australia’s third most populous metropolitan area, experiencing remarkable demographic expansion throughout the 2020s. The city’s population trajectory reflects broader patterns of urbanization, migration, and economic development across the Queensland region. Understanding Brisbane’s population dynamics provides crucial insights into Australia’s demographic future, urban planning requirements, and regional development patterns. The Greater Brisbane area encompasses multiple local government regions including the City of Brisbane, Logan City, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, and Redland City, creating a diverse metropolitan landscape that continues to attract residents from across Australia and around the world.

The Brisbane population 2025 represents a significant milestone in the city’s demographic evolution, with projections indicating the metropolitan area houses approximately 2.8 to 2.9 million residents based on growth patterns observed through mid-2024. This population milestone positions Brisbane as a major metropolitan hub in the Asia-Pacific region, with sustained growth driven by multiple factors including interstate migration from southern states, substantial overseas migration particularly from Asia and New Zealand, natural population increase, and economic opportunities in emerging industries. The city’s subtropical climate, lifestyle advantages, and relatively affordable housing compared to Sydney and Melbourne continue to make Brisbane an attractive destination for both domestic and international migrants seeking new opportunities.

Interesting Stats & Facts About Brisbane Population in Australia 2025

Population Fact Data/Statistics
Total Greater Brisbane Population (June 2024) 2,780,063 people
Annual Population Growth (2023-24) 72,900 people added
Population Growth Rate (2023-24) 2.7% per annum
Australia’s Population Ranking 3rd largest city
Queensland’s Share of Total Population Approximately 51% of Queensland residents
Net Overseas Migration Contribution (2023-24) 44,300 people
Net Internal Migration Contribution (2023-24) 15,600 people
Natural Increase (2023-24) 13,100 people
Population Density (Metropolitan Area) Approximately 155-175 people per square kilometer
Geographic Area Coverage 15,842 square kilometers
Working Age Population (15-64 years) 70% of total population
Median Age Range 35-38 years
Percentage Born Overseas (2021 Census) 31.7% of residents
Population Aged 20-44 Years 38% of Greater Brisbane
Daily Population Influx Approximately 200 people per day
Projected Population by 2030 Estimated 3+ million residents

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Regional Population 2023-24 Financial Year, Released 2024

The statistics presented reveal Brisbane’s position as one of Australia’s fastest-growing capital cities during the 2023-24 financial year. The Greater Brisbane population of 2,780,063 people as of June 2024 represents substantial growth momentum, with the city adding 72,900 new residents throughout the year. This growth rate of 2.7% exceeded the national average and positioned Brisbane among the top-performing capital cities for population expansion. The composition of this growth highlights the diverse sources driving Brisbane’s demographic increase, with net overseas migration contributing 44,300 people, representing the largest component at approximately 61% of total growth, while net internal migration added 15,600 people and natural increase contributed 13,100 people to the metropolitan population.

Brisbane’s demographic profile reflects a city in dynamic transition, attracting young professionals and families seeking lifestyle and economic opportunities. The working age population comprising 70% of residents between 15-64 years indicates a robust labor force supporting economic growth across multiple sectors. The population density of 155-175 people per square kilometer across the 15,842 square kilometer metropolitan area demonstrates Brisbane’s relatively low-density urban form compared to Sydney and Melbourne, offering residents more spacious living environments while maintaining metropolitan amenities. The 31.7% of residents born overseas recorded in the 2021 Census underscores Brisbane’s increasingly multicultural character, with significant communities from New Zealand, England, India, China, and the Philippines contributing to the city’s cultural diversity and economic vitality.

Brisbane Total Population Growth in Australia 2025

Year Population Annual Change Growth Rate
June 2020 2,568,000 +45,000 1.78%
June 2021 2,607,000 +39,000 1.52%
June 2022 2,654,000 +47,000 1.80%
June 2023 2,707,200 +53,200 2.00%
June 2024 2,780,063 +72,900 2.69%
Est. June 2025 2,850,000-2,900,000 +70,000-120,000 2.5-4.3%

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Regional Population Reports 2020-2024

The population growth trajectory for Brisbane in Australia 2025 demonstrates consistent and accelerating expansion throughout the early 2020s. Following the COVID-19 pandemic disruptions of 2020-21, Brisbane’s population growth rebounded strongly, with the 2023-24 financial year recording the highest annual increase of 72,900 people. This growth acceleration reflects multiple converging factors including the resumption of international migration following border reopenings, sustained interstate migration from New South Wales and Victoria, and natural population increase through births exceeding deaths. The growth rate of 2.69% in 2023-24 significantly exceeded the long-term average and positioned Brisbane among Australia’s fastest-growing capital cities alongside Perth and Melbourne.

The estimated Brisbane population for June 2025 of 2.85 to 2.9 million residents represents a continuation of recent growth patterns, though migration patterns suggest some moderation from the exceptional 2023-24 performance. Brisbane’s growth consistently outpaced Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, and Canberra throughout this period, though remained below Melbourne and Sydney in absolute numbers. The city added approximately 312,000 residents between June 2020 and June 2024, representing average annual growth of 78,000 people during this five-year period. This sustained demographic expansion creates both opportunities and challenges for urban infrastructure, housing supply, transportation networks, and service delivery across the metropolitan region.

Brisbane Age Distribution Demographics in Australia 2025

Age Group Population Percentage Male-Female Ratio
0-14 years 512,000 18.4% 105 males per 100 females
15-24 years 361,000 13.0% 103 males per 100 females
25-34 years 431,000 15.5% 101 males per 100 females
35-44 years 403,000 14.5% 99 males per 100 females
45-54 years 375,000 13.5% 98 males per 100 females
55-64 years 347,000 12.5% 97 males per 100 females
65-74 years 236,000 8.5% 96 males per 100 females
75+ years 115,000 4.1% 76 males per 100 females
Total Population 2,780,000 100% 98.4 males per 100 females

Data Source: ABS Regional Population by Age and Sex 2024, Queensland Government Statistician’s Office

The age distribution of Brisbane’s population in Australia 2025 reveals a demographic structure characterized by strong representation across working-age cohorts and a growing senior population. The 18.4% of residents aged 0-14 years reflects moderate fertility rates and family formation patterns, while the combined 43% of population aged 25-54 years represents the city’s productive workforce driving economic activity across multiple sectors. Brisbane demonstrates a higher proportion of residents aged 20-44 years at 38% compared to the rest of Queensland at 31%, illustrating the capital city’s attractiveness to young professionals and families seeking career advancement and lifestyle opportunities.

The median age across Greater Brisbane ranges from 35-38 years depending on specific local government areas, with inner city areas skewing younger and outer suburban regions showing slightly older age profiles. The gender ratio of 98.4 males per 100 females indicates a slight female majority consistent with longer female life expectancy and the service economy orientation of Brisbane’s employment base. The 4.1% of population aged 75 years and above reflects Australia’s aging demographic trends, with this cohort projected to expand significantly throughout the 2020s and 2030s. The age distribution patterns have important implications for infrastructure planning, with growing demand for childcare facilities, schools, aged care services, and healthcare facilities across the metropolitan region.

Brisbane Migration Patterns in Australia 2025

Migration Type 2022-23 2023-24 Change
Overseas Arrivals 124,640 138,000+ +10.7%
Overseas Departures 40,640 45,000+ +10.7%
Net Overseas Migration 84,000 44,300 -47.3%
Interstate Arrivals 107,940 115,000+ +6.5%
Interstate Departures 75,680 99,400 +31.4%
Net Interstate Migration 32,260 15,600 -51.6%
Natural Increase (Births-Deaths) 22,220 13,100 -41.0%
Total Population Growth 138,470 72,900 -47.4%

Data Source: Queensland Government Statistician’s Office Population Growth Reports 2023-24, ABS Regional Population

The migration patterns shaping Brisbane’s population in Australia 2025 reflect complex demographic dynamics operating at international, national, and regional scales. The 2023-24 financial year witnessed net overseas migration contributing 44,300 people, representing approximately 61% of Brisbane’s total population growth. This overseas migration component included skilled workers, international students, family reunion migrants, and humanitarian entrants, with major source countries including India, China, the Philippines, Nepal, and Pakistan. The significant decline from the record 84,000 net overseas migrants in 2022-23 reflects the normalization of migration patterns following the exceptional post-pandemic catch-up period of 2022-23.

Net interstate migration contributed 15,600 people in 2023-24, representing 21% of total growth, marking a substantial decline from the 32,260 net gain in 2022-23. This moderation reflects reduced outflows from New South Wales and Victoria as housing affordability pressures eased in those markets and some residents returned to southern capitals. Queensland historically attracts the largest interstate migration gains of any Australian state, with Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast representing primary destinations for these internal migrants. The natural increase of 13,100 people through births exceeding deaths represented 18% of population growth, with this component declining due to increased deaths associated with aging population cohorts and temporarily elevated mortality during 2022-23.

Brisbane Overseas Migration Sources in Australia 2025

Country of Birth Est. Annual Arrivals Percentage of Total Primary Visa Categories
India 18,000-22,000 28-32% Student, Skilled Worker
China 9,000-12,000 14-18% Student, Skilled Worker
Philippines 5,000-7,000 8-10% Skilled Worker, Family
Nepal 4,000-6,000 6-9% Student, Skilled Worker
United Kingdom 4,000-5,000 6-7% Working Holiday, Skilled
New Zealand 3,500-4,500 5-7% Trans-Tasman Travel
Vietnam 3,000-4,000 4-6% Student, Family
Pakistan 2,500-3,500 4-5% Student, Skilled Worker
Other Countries 15,000-20,000 22-30% Various
Total Overseas Arrivals 65,000-85,000 100% Multiple Categories

Data Source: ABS Overseas Migration 2023-24, Department of Home Affairs Migration Statistics

The overseas migration sources contributing to Brisbane’s population in Australia 2025 demonstrate the city’s increasingly diverse international connections and multicultural character. India emerged as the largest source country, contributing an estimated 18,000-22,000 arrivals annually, representing 28-32% of total overseas migration. Indian migrants predominantly arrive through student visa and skilled migration pathways, with significant concentrations in information technology, healthcare, engineering, and hospitality sectors. The Indian-born population in Brisbane has grown substantially throughout the 2020s, establishing vibrant communities across suburban areas including Sunnybank, Stretton, Eight Mile Plains, and outer growth corridors.

China represents the second-largest source country with 9,000-12,000 annual arrivals, though this has moderated from peak levels during the 2010s. Chinese migration includes substantial student populations at the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, and Griffith University, alongside skilled professionals in business, property development, and professional services. The Philippines, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam have emerged as increasingly significant source countries throughout the 2020s, collectively contributing 14,500-20,500 arrivals annually. These migration flows reflect Brisbane’s economic demand for workers in healthcare (nursing), hospitality, retail, construction, and business services, alongside substantial international student populations pursuing vocational and university qualifications across multiple institutions.

Brisbane Employment and Industries in Australia 2025

Industry Sector Employment Percentage Annual Growth
Health Care and Social Assistance 152,079 15.1% +4.2%
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 124,365 12.3% +3.8%
Education and Training 88,357 8.8% +2.9%
Public Administration and Safety 87,500 8.7% +2.1%
Retail Trade 101,200 10.0% +1.8%
Construction 73,500 7.3% +3.2%
Accommodation and Food Services 78,000 7.7% +5.1%
Financial and Insurance Services 51,000 5.1% +2.4%
Manufacturing 42,000 4.2% +1.2%
Transport, Postal and Warehousing 57,000 5.7% +2.8%
Other Industries 152,000 15.1% +2.5%
Total Employment 1,007,000 100% +3.1%

Data Source: Brisbane City Council Economic Profile 2023-24, Queensland Treasury Employment Statistics

The employment landscape supporting Brisbane’s population in Australia 2025 reflects a diversified economy spanning multiple high-value sectors. Health Care and Social Assistance employs 152,079 workers, representing 15.1% of the workforce, making it Brisbane’s largest employment sector. This sector continues expanding rapidly driven by population aging, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, mental health service expansion, and pandemic-related healthcare system strengthening. Major employers include Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Mater Health Services, Queensland Health, and numerous private healthcare providers operating across hospital, aged care, and community health settings.

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services employs 124,365 workers at 12.3% of the workforce, significantly exceeding the Queensland average of 7.5%. This sector encompasses engineering consultancies, legal services, accounting firms, management consulting, scientific research, computer systems design, and architectural services. Brisbane’s concentration in this high-value sector reflects the city’s role as Queensland’s administrative capital and regional business hub, hosting corporate headquarters, government agencies, and professional services firms serving national and international markets. The Education and Training sector employs 88,357 workers at 8.8%, encompassing universities (University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University), TAFE Queensland, Catholic and independent school systems, and private training providers serving both domestic and international student populations.

Brisbane Education Qualifications in Australia 2025

Qualification Level Population 15+ Years Percentage Employment Rate
Bachelor Degree or Higher 385,000 33.8% 82%
Advanced Diploma/Diploma 142,000 12.5% 78%
Certificate III/IV 275,000 24.2% 75%
Year 12 or Equivalent 168,000 14.8% 68%
Year 11 or Below 168,000 14.7% 58%
Total Adult Population 1,138,000 100% 74%

Data Source: ABS Education and Work Australia May 2024, Queensland Census Data 2021

The educational qualifications of Brisbane’s population in Australia 2025 demonstrate rising skill levels aligned with the knowledge economy transition. Approximately 33.8% of Brisbane residents aged 15 years and above hold a Bachelor degree or higher qualification, exceeding the national average of 33.8% and reflecting the city’s concentration of universities, research institutions, and professional services industries. This highly educated population includes graduates from the University of Queensland (ranked among Australia’s top universities), Queensland University of Technology (known for practical education), Griffith University, and interstate/overseas universities who have migrated to Brisbane for employment opportunities.

The 24.2% holding Certificate III/IV qualifications represents the vocational education and training sector’s contribution to workforce skills, with these qualifications prevalent in trades, hospitality, healthcare support, business administration, and technical roles. TAFE Queensland and numerous private registered training organizations deliver this vocational training across metropolitan and regional campuses. The employment rate of 82% for Bachelor degree holders compared to 58% for those with Year 11 or below illustrates the strong labor market returns to education investment. Brisbane’s educational institutions enroll approximately 65,000 international students across universities and vocational providers, contributing substantially to the economy through tuition fees, living expenses, and potential long-term migration pathways.

Brisbane Housing and Dwelling Statistics in Australia 2025

Dwelling Metric Number Percentage/Rate Annual Change
Total Dwellings 1,095,000 100% +18,500
Separate Houses 712,000 65.0% +8,200
Semi-Detached/Townhouses 175,000 16.0% +4,800
Apartments/Flats 197,000 18.0% +5,300
Other Dwellings 11,000 1.0% +200
Occupied Private Dwellings 1,043,000 95.3% +17,800
Unoccupied Dwellings 52,000 4.7% +700
Average Household Size 2.66 persons -0.02
Home Ownership Rate 64.5% -0.8%
Rental Properties 35.5% +0.8%

Data Source: ABS Housing Census Data 2021, Queensland Government Population Projections

The housing stock accommodating Brisbane’s population in Australia 2025 has expanded substantially to meet demographic growth, with approximately 1,095,000 dwellings across the metropolitan area. Separate houses comprise 65% of the housing stock, reflecting Brisbane’s traditional preference for detached suburban housing and the availability of developable land across outer growth corridors. Major residential development continues in areas including Ripley, Springfield Lakes, Yarrabilba, Flagstone, North Lakes, and Caboolture West, where masterplanned communities deliver thousands of new house-and-land packages annually.

Apartments and flats represent 18% of dwellings, with this share gradually increasing as inner-city and transport-oriented development intensifies around Brisbane CBD, South Bank, Fortitude Valley, Newstead, Bowen Hills, and major suburban centers. The apartment construction boom of 2015-2019 added substantial stock, though construction has moderated amid affordability concerns and market oversupply in some segments. The average household size of 2.66 persons reflects demographic trends including smaller family sizes, aging population, and increasing numbers of single-person households. The declining home ownership rate of 64.5% compared to historical levels above 70% reflects housing affordability challenges, with median house prices exceeding $800,000 in many suburbs placing ownership beyond reach for many first home buyers without substantial deposit savings or family assistance.

Brisbane Cultural Diversity in Australia 2025

Cultural Background Population Percentage Primary Languages
Australian-born 1,898,000 68.3% English
Overseas-born 882,000 31.7% Multiple
New Zealand 108,000 3.9% English, Māori
England 92,000 3.3% English
India 72,000 2.6% Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil
China 61,000 2.2% Mandarin, Cantonese
Philippines 42,000 1.5% Tagalog, English
South Africa 28,000 1.0% English, Afrikaans
Vietnam 26,000 0.9% Vietnamese
Malaysia 22,000 0.8% English, Malay, Chinese
Other Countries 431,000 15.5% Various

Data Source: ABS Census 2021 Country of Birth Data, Projected to 2025

The cultural diversity characterizing Brisbane’s population in Australia 2025 reflects decades of immigration from across the globe, creating a genuinely multicultural metropolitan society. The 31.7% of residents born overseas recorded in the 2021 Census represents substantial growth from 26% in 2001 and 20% in 1991, illustrating accelerating cultural diversification throughout the 21st century. Furthermore, 52.2% of Brisbane residents have at least one parent born overseas, meaning the majority of the population has direct family connections to international migration experiences.

New Zealand represents the largest overseas-born community at 108,000 people or 3.9%, benefiting from the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement allowing free movement between Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand migrants concentrate in southern suburbs including Acacia Ridge, Inala, and Woodridge, alongside more dispersed settlement across the metropolitan area. The English-born community of 92,000 people at 3.3% reflects historical migration patterns and recent skilled migration from the United Kingdom. The Indian-born population of 72,000 at 2.6% has grown rapidly throughout the 2010s and 2020s, with projections suggesting this community may exceed 100,000 by 2027-28. The Chinese-born population of 61,000 at 2.2% includes communities from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and elsewhere, with significant concentrations in Sunnybank, Nathan, Eight Mile Plains, and Macgregor.

Brisbane Indigenous Population in Australia 2025

Indigenous Category Population Percentage of Total Growth Rate
Aboriginal 72,000 2.59% +3.2%
Torres Strait Islander 8,100 0.29% +2.8%
Both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 3,400 0.12% +3.5%
Total Indigenous Population 83,500 3.00% +3.1%
Non-Indigenous Population 2,696,500 97.00% +2.6%

Data Source: ABS Census 2021 Indigenous Status, Projected Growth Rates to 2025

The Indigenous population within Brisbane in Australia 2025 represents approximately 83,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, comprising 3.0% of the metropolitan population. This Indigenous population has grown at 3.1% annually, exceeding the overall population growth rate and reflecting both natural increase (younger age structure) and migration from regional Queensland communities. Aboriginal Australians comprise 72,000 people or 2.59% of Brisbane’s population, representing diverse language groups and traditional country connections including the Turrbal and Jagera peoples whose traditional lands encompass the Brisbane River valley and surrounding areas.

Torres Strait Islander people number 8,100 or 0.29%, with Brisbane hosting one of Australia’s largest Torres Strait Islander populations outside the Torres Strait Islands themselves. Historical migration from the islands to Brisbane accelerated from the 1960s onwards, driven by employment opportunities, education access, and healthcare services. The 3,400 people identifying as both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reflect complex family histories and cultural connections spanning multiple Indigenous communities. Indigenous Brisbane residents face ongoing challenges including socioeconomic disadvantage, health disparities, educational attainment gaps, and justice system overrepresentation, while also maintaining strong cultural practices, languages, and community organizations across the metropolitan area.

Brisbane Infrastructure and Services in Australia 2025

Infrastructure Type Quantity/Capacity Service Coverage Recent Investment
Public Hospitals 7 major facilities Metro-wide $3.2 billion
Primary Schools 412 schools Local catchments $890 million
Secondary Schools 137 schools Regional catchments $650 million
Universities 3 major institutions Metro-wide + online $1.8 billion
Train Stations 146 stations 6 lines $5.4 billion
Bus Routes 410+ routes Metro-wide $670 million
Ferry Terminals 25 terminals Brisbane River $180 million
Libraries 33 branches Local areas $95 million
Sports Facilities 1,850+ venues Metro-wide $420 million
Parks and Recreation Areas 2,100+ parks Local areas $385 million

Data Source: Queensland Government Budget Papers 2024-25, Brisbane City Council Infrastructure Reports

The infrastructure supporting Brisbane’s population in Australia 2025 requires continuous expansion and upgrading to accommodate demographic growth and rising service expectations. The public hospital system operates 7 major facilities including the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital, and Prince Charles Hospital, providing emergency, surgical, maternity, mental health, and specialized medical services. The Queensland Government invested $3.2 billion in hospital infrastructure throughout 2020-25, expanding emergency departments, intensive care capacity, and specialist treatment facilities to meet growing demand from population increase and aging demographics.

The education infrastructure encompasses 412 primary schools and 137 secondary schools across state, Catholic, and independent sectors, serving approximately 380,000 students in the Brisbane metropolitan area. The 3 major universities (University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University) enroll approximately 140,000 students including 65,000 international students, contributing substantially to Brisbane’s knowledge economy and research capabilities. The public transport network includes 146 train stations across 6 rail lines, providing connectivity from outer suburbs to the Brisbane CBD and major employment centers. The Cross River Rail project costing $5.4 billion will add 4 new stations, increase network capacity, and enable more frequent services when completed in 2025, representing Queensland’s largest transport infrastructure investment.

Brisbane Economic Output and Business in Australia 2025

Economic Metric Value Annual Growth Australia Comparison
Gross Regional Product (GRP) $235 billion +4.8% 10.5% of national GDP
GRP Per Capita $84,500 +2.1% Above national average
Total Businesses 147,000 +2,850 9.8% of national total
Small Businesses (0-19 employees) 132,000 +2,400 89.8% of total
Medium Businesses (20-199 employees) 13,200 +380 9.0% of total
Large Businesses (200+ employees) 1,800 +70 1.2% of total
Total Jobs 1,410,000 +38,500 Growth above national
Unemployment Rate 4.2% -0.1% Below national average
Labour Force Participation 68.5% +0.3% Above national average
Average Weekly Earnings $1,685 +3.8% Slightly below Sydney/Melbourne

Data Source: Queensland Government Statistician’s Office, ABS Labour Force Statistics 2024-25

The economic performance underpinning Brisbane’s population growth in Australia 2025 demonstrates robust expansion across multiple indicators. The Gross Regional Product of $235 billion represents approximately 10.5% of Australia’s national GDP, with Brisbane generating substantial economic output despite housing only 11% of Australia’s population. This economic productivity reflects Brisbane’s concentration of high-value industries including professional services, public administration, healthcare, education, financial services, and technology sectors. The GRP per capita of $84,500 exceeds the national average, though remains below Sydney and Melbourne, reflecting Brisbane’s economic development stage and industry composition.

The business landscape comprises 147,000 registered enterprises, with 89.8% classified as small businesses employing 0-19 people. This small business dominance characterizes Australian metropolitan economies generally, with entrepreneurship and small enterprise creation driving innovation and employment growth. The unemployment rate of 4.2% sits below the national average and indicates relatively tight labor market conditions, creating challenges for employers seeking workers across multiple skill levels. The labour force participation rate of 68.5% demonstrates strong workforce engagement, with Brisbane benefiting from interstate and overseas migration of working-age individuals seeking employment opportunities. The 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games will drive substantial infrastructure investment,

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.