Karabar
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Karabar's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 8,456, a decrease of 61 people from the 2021 Census figure of 8,517. This decline, representing a 0.7% reduction, is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,446 in June 2024 and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 1,211 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 58.4% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area's population is projected to decline by 508 persons. The 85 and over age group is expected to increase by 107 people during this period.

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 so far in FY26. The area's population decline suggests that new supply is meeting demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average construction value of new homes is $589,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $19.7 million in commercial development approvals, indicating moderate commercial growth compared to the rest of NSW. Karabar's construction levels are 94.0% below the regional average per person, supporting stronger demand and values for established dwellings. The area's traditional suburban character is maintained by recent development being entirely detached houses, with developers building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests. Karabar has approximately 2117 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, housing pressure should be reduced, potentially creating buying opportunities.

Karabar has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include the Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, the Yass Road, Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive Intersection Upgrade, and the Queanbeyan Regional Integrated Transport Plan. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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 has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.4% as of June 2025. It has 4,671 residents in work, which is 0.3% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

The workforce participation rate is 65.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Karabar has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 3.1 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 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%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.1%, labour force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that Karabar's employment could increase by approximately 6.1% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

Karabar's median taxpayer income was $56,730 and average income was $66,789 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly above 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 of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated median income would be approximately $63,884 and average income would be around $75,211 by September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Karabar cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.6% of the community (2,841 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 29.9% in the same category. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Karabar's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 80.4% houses and 19.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 74.5% houses and 25.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Karabar stood at 29.8%, similar to Non-Metro NSW. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 41.0% and rented dwellings made up 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $2,167. The median weekly rent was $350, slightly higher than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $355. Nationally, Karabar's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $350 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches 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 is 20.2%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 26.3%. Educational participation is high, with 29.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.4% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary.

Karabar's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,236 students, serving typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 977) with balanced opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 14.6 places per 100 residents versus the regional average of 10.1, indicating it serves as an educational center for the region.

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

Kabarar has 43 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 42 different routes that together facilitate 607 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to transportation is rated as excellent, with an average distance of 149 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 86 trips per day across all routes, which translates 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. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~4,430 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than the Rest of NSW's 61.0%. Mental health issues impact 9.5% of residents, while arthritis affects 9.2%. Conversely, 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), 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.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Karabar was found to be above average when compared nationally for 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%).

Notable differences exist in the representation of Macedonian (3.2% vs regional 1.5%), Serbian (0.9% vs 0.6%), and Croatian (1.2% vs 0.9%) ethnic groups.

Karabar's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Karabar has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure at 43 but matches the national norm also at 38. The age group of 25-34 years old makes up 16.2% of Karabar's population, higher than the Rest of NSW figure. Conversely, the 65-74 age group constitutes 8.7%, lower than the Rest of NSW percentage. Post the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has risen from 13.3% to 14.8%. The 25 to 34 cohort has also increased, from 14.9% to 16.2%, while the 45 to 54 group has decreased from 13.5% to 12.2%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.8% to 11.5%. By 2041, Karabar's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 64%, reaching 235 people from the current 142. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are projected to make up 54% of the population increase. Meanwhile, the 65-74 and 45-54 age groups are expected to experience population declines.