Karabar

Karabar has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Karabar's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 8,456 by November 2025. This figure represents a decrease of 61 individuals from the 2021 Census total of 8,517 people. The decline is inferred from ABS estimates showing an resident population of 8,446 in June 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 33 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,211 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth accounted for approximately 58.4% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using a 2021 base year are applied. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are used for years 2032 to 2041. Future population projections indicate an overall decline over this period, with Karabar's population expected to decrease by 508 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over group projected to increase by 107 people.

The level of residential development activity in Karabar is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Karabar has seen approximately four new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, with 21 homes approved between FY21 and FY25. No new homes have been approved in FY26 so far. The area's population decline suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $589,000, which is higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $19.7 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial growth compared to the rest of NSW. Karabar's construction activity is 94.0% below the regional average per person, suggesting limited new supply which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This figure is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining Karabar's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (80.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes. The location has approximately 2117 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Karabar should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Karabar has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects are the Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, Yass Road, Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive Intersection Upgrade, and the Queanbeyan Regional Integrated Transport Plan.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Karabar has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Karabar's workforce is skilled with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 3.4%.

In Karabar, 4671 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 0.3% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation in Karabar was higher at 65.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents included public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Karabar had a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 3.1 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented, with only 10.3% of Karabar's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.6%, and employment decreased by 4.8%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, with a labour force growth of 0.3% and an unemployment rate increase of 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Nov-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%, compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Karabar's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The Karabar SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $56,730 and an average income of $66,789 in financial year 2022. This was slightly higher than the national average, contrasting with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $63,884 (median) and $75,211 (average). Census data indicates that incomes in Karabar cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 33.6% of the community, with 2,841 individuals falling within this range. After housing expenses, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Karabar is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Karabar, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.4% houses and 19.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 74.5% houses and 25.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Karabar was at 29.8%, similar to Non-Metro NSW's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 41.0%, with rented dwellings making up 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Karabar was $1,950, lower than the Non-Metro NSW average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Karabar was recorded at $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's figure of $355. Nationally, Karabar's median monthly mortgage repayment is higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while its median weekly rent figure is lower than the national average of $375.

Karabar has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 73.2% of all households, including 33.0% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

Educational outcomes in Karabar fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate stands at 20.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent among qualifications, with 12.4% of residents holding one. Postgraduate qualifications follow at 5.4%, and graduate diplomas make up 2.4%.

Trade and technical skills are prominent in the area, with 37.0% of residents aged 15 and above possessing vocational credentials. Advanced diplomas account for 10.7%, while certificates represent 26.3% of these skills. Educational participation is notably high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 43 active transport stops operating within Karabar. These stops are serviced by 42 individual routes, collectively providing 607 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 149 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 86 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Karabar is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Karabar faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, which is higher than the average SA2 area but lower than the Rest of NSW at 61%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Karabar, impacting 9.5% and 9.2% of residents respectively. 65.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.7% across Rest of NSW. The area has 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,317 people), which is higher than the 13.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Karabar records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Karabar's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 18.5% born overseas and 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Karabar, accounting for 57.0%, compared to 52.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.7%), English (23.6%), and Irish (7.7%).

Notably, Macedonian (3.2%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.5%. Similarly, Serbian (0.9%) and Croatian (1.2%) also show higher representation than their respective regional averages of 0.6% and 0.9%.

Karabar's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Karabar's median age is 38, which is lower than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The age group of 25-34 years shows strong representation in Karabar at 16.2%, compared to Rest of NSW. Conversely, the 65-74 age cohort is less prevalent in Karabar at 8.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 13.3% to 14.8%, while the 25 to 34 age group increased from 14.9% to 16.2%. However, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 12.2%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.8% to 11.5%. Demographic modeling indicates that Karabar's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 64%, reaching 235 people from the current 142. This growth is largely driven by an aging population, with those aged 65 and above comprising 54% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 and 45 to 54 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.