Brisbane has cemented its position as one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, with the release of the 2025 State of the City Report revealing the local economy has surged past the $200 billion milestone for the first time.
According to the report, Brisbane’s economy reached $201 billion in 2024, marking a 16% increase since 2020 and adding $28 billion of new economic activity in just four years.
A Job Market on the Rise
The city’s workforce is also expanding rapidly. Since 2020, Brisbane has created 274,000 new jobs — a 22% increase— with growth strongest in the health, construction, logistics, and tourism sectors.
This surge in employment reflects Brisbane’s evolving position as not only a hub for innovation and trade, but also a lifestyle destination that continues to attract both talent and investment.
Health Industry Leads the Charge
Among the city’s economic drivers, **healthcare has emerged as a powerhouse**. In 2024 alone, the sector contributed **\$22 billion** to the economy, having doubled in size since 2010. Growing at around **6% annually**, it remains the fastest-growing health industry in the nation.
Exports are playing a major role in this expansion, with **medical and pharmaceutical exports up 114% since 2013** — three times the national average.
The Experience Economy
Tourism, culture, and hospitality are also proving to be key growth engines. Brisbane’s so-called “experience economy” reached new heights in 2024, with visitor spending hitting $13.7 billion, the highest on record.
Hospitality in particular is thriving, expanding by 30% since 2020 — the fastest growth of any Australian capital city. With Brisbane’s reputation on the rise internationally, the city is well-positioned to capitalise on this momentum in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Investment Pipeline Fuelling Growth
Fueling this transformation is an extraordinary **infrastructure pipeline exceeding $100 billion. More than $11 billion is earmarked for the experience economy, with projects including new entertainment venues, sporting facilities, and the Mt Coot-tha Masterplan.
This wave of investment is reshaping the city’s landscape, ensuring Brisbane can meet the demands of a rapidly growing population while maintaining its liveability and global competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
Forecasts from Deloitte Access Economics paint a confident picture of Brisbane’s future, with significant growth projected across key industries over the next decade:
Property and construction: +41%
Advanced manufacturing: +29%
Transport and logistics: +43%
Knowledge economy: +50%
By 2041, Brisbane’s economy is expected to reach $275 billion, a 68% increase from today, underpinned by the fastest-growing working-age population in the country.
A City on the World Stage
Brisbane’s growth story is also gaining international recognition. The city recently debuted at 37th on Time Out’s “World’s Best Cities” list for 2025**, praised for its balance of green space, culture, and lifestyle.
With its economy booming, global visibility rising, and investment pipeline accelerating, Brisbane is firmly establishing itself as a city of opportunity — one that is not only thriving today but strategically positioning for long-term success.
