Karabar

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

According to AreaSearch, the population of Karabar was approximately 8,409 in May 2026, which is 108 fewer individuals, or 1.3%, compared to the 8,517 people counted during the 2021 Census. The figure of 8,409 is derived from the ABS estimate of 8,409 residents as of June 2025, combined with 33 newly validated addresses added after the census took place. This population size results in a density of 1,204 people per square kilometer, aligning closely with typical values observed by AreaSearch in other regions. Recent population increases have been mainly due to natural growth, which accounted for roughly 57.0% of the total gain. AreaSearch relies on ABS and Geoscience Australia forecasts for each SA2 region, published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline year.

When such data are unavailable, the organization turns to projections from the NSW State Government, issued in 2022 with 2021 as the reference year. Age-specific growth rates from these models are applied to all areas for the years 2032 through 2041. Future projections suggest a net decrease in the population, with a loss of 553 individuals anticipated by 2041 under this framework. Despite the overall decline, certain age groups are expected to grow, particularly those aged 85 and over, which is forecast to increase by 87 people. See the age section for more details.

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 residential approvals each year, with a total of twenty-one homes gaining permission across the period from FY-21 to FY-25 and none recorded to date in FY-26. The region has faced a shrinking population, which suggests that new supply has remained aligned with demand, providing buyers with ample options while new dwellings are built at an average construction cost of $326,000. In the current financial year, commercial approvals have reached $19.7 million, reflecting a steady pace of commercial construction.

When compared to the Rest of NSW, Karabar exhibits significantly reduced building activity, standing at 94.0% below the per capita regional average. This constrained new supply tends to benefit demand and values for existing homes. The area’s development rate also falls short of the national average, highlighting its mature status and hinting at possible planning restrictions. All recent residential construction has involved standalone homes, preserving the neighbourhood’s classic suburban layout and catering to families who prefer spacious living arrangements. Detached housing makes up 80.0% of current Census data, showing stronger-than-expected demand for family-oriented residences.

With roughly 2108 people per dwelling approval, Karabar represents a highly mature housing market. With population projections showing stability or decline, the area is likely to face reduced housing pressure, which is advantageous for buyers.

Karabar has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes, major projects and planning initiatives can have the greatest influence on an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 4 projects that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include the Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, Yass Road, Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive Intersection Upgrade, Queanbeyan Regional Integrated Transport Plan, and South Jerrabomberra Urban Release Area. The list below details those projects that are likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Karabar exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Karabar boasts a highly capable workforce with strong representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of only 2.9%. As of March 2026, the local area has 4,656 residents employed, placing the unemployment rate at 1.2% below the Regional NSW average of 4.1% while workforce participation exceeds the regional norm at 69.0% versus 60.6% for Regional NSW. Census data indicate that only 7.3% of residents work from home, a figure that should be viewed in the context of Covid-19 lockdown effects.

The primary employment sectors include public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Public administration & safety stands out as a particularly strong specialty, accounting for 3.1 times the regional employment share. Conversely, health care & social assistance represents a smaller proportion of local jobs at 10.3%, which is lower than the 16.9% observed in Regional NSW. The largely residential nature of the area suggests fewer local employment options, as shown by the ratio of working population to total residents.

According to AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS information, during the 12 months leading up to March 2026, the labour force shrank by 2.2% and employment dropped by 1.9%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment. This trend differs from Regional NSW, where employment fell by 0.9%, the labour force reduced by 0.4%, and unemployment increased by 0.5 percentage points. Long-term job market insights can be gained from Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts beginning May-25. These five and ten year projections are aligned with Karabar's current employment structure to anticipate future growth. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, sector specific growth varies considerably. When these industry projections are applied to Karabar's employment composition, local employment is expected to rise by 6.1% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch aggregated data from the Australian Taxation Office for financial year 2023, Karabar SA2 has a median taxpayer income of $59,615 and an average income of $68,484. These figures sit slightly above the national mean, unlike Regional NSW where the median stands at $52,390 and the average at $65,215. With Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% recorded since financial year 2023, projected values reach approximately $65,767 for the median and $75,552 for the average by March 2026. Census information indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Karabar cluster around the 70th percentile on a national scale. Distribution figures show that 33.6% of the population, comprising 2,825 individuals, earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which aligns with regional trends where 29.9% of people fall into that same bracket. Once housing costs are deducted, 85.6% of income is left for other expenditures, and the area's SEIFA income ranking positions it within the 5th decile.

Karabar is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

According to the most recent Census data, the residential composition in Karabar showed that 80.4% of dwellings were houses, whereas 19.6% were classified as other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or other dwellings, which contrasts with the figures for Regional NSW where 82.6% were houses and 17.4% were other dwellings. Home ownership rates in Karabar trailed those of Regional NSW, standing at 29.8%, while the rest of the housing stock was either mortgaged at 41.0% or rented at 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage payment in Karabar exceeded the Regional NSW mean of $1,950, and the median weekly rent was $350, compared to the Regional NSW benchmarks of $1,733 and $330 respectively. On a national scale, Karabar's mortgage payments surpass the Australian average of $1,863, yet the local rent level falls below the national average of $375.

Karabar has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Households consisting of family units account for 73.2% of the total, which includes 33.0% of couples with children, 24.6% of couples without children, and 14.2% of single parent families. The rest, making up 26.8%, are non-family households, with 24.6% being lone person households and 2.2% being group households. The median household size of 2.6 people exceeds the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

University qualification rates stand at 20.2 percent, which is significantly lower than the New South Wales average of 32.2 percent. This gap presents both a difficulty and a chance for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 12.4 percent, with postgraduate qualifications at 5.4 percent and graduate diplomas at 2.4 percent. Vocational training is widely held, as 37.0 percent of people aged 15 and over possess trade credentials, including advanced diplomas at 10.7 percent and certificates at 26.3 percent.

Current enrollment in formal schooling is quite high, with 29.0 percent of residents actively studying. This figure includes 10.4 percent in primary education, 8.0 percent in secondary education, and 4.1 percent in tertiary education.

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

Karabar features 49 active transport stops that operate as a mix of buses. These locations are served by 42 separate routes, which together deliver 613 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility to transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 148 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and most residents commute outward, with car remaining the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 7.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 87 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Karabar are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Karabar shows below-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's review of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~4,481 people). Mental health issues and arthritis were the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 9.5 and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 65.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,317 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 demonstrates a higher than average level of cultural diversity, as evidenced by 18.5% of its residents having been born overseas and 15.4% of households speaking a language other than English. Christianity is the predominant faith in Karabar, accounting for 57.0% of the local population, a figure that slightly exceeds the 55.9% average observed across Regional NSW. When examining ancestry based on the country of birth of parents, the largest groups in Karabar are Australian, making up 27.7%, followed by English at 23.6%, which is significantly below the regional average of 30.5%, and Irish at 7.7%.

There are also distinct variations in the presence of other ethnic groups; for instance, Macedonian is notably overrepresented at 3.2% compared to the regional 0.4%, Serbian stands at 0.9% against a regional 0.2%, and Croatian is present at 1.2% versus a regional 0.3%.

Karabar's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Karabar has a median age of 38, which is below the Regional NSW average of 43 but matches the national average of 38. The 25 - 34 age group accounts for 15.9% of the population, which is higher than the Regional NSW figure, while the 65 - 74 age group makes up 8.7%, which is lower. According to the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group increased from 13.3% to 15.1% of the total population. In contrast, the 5 to 14 age group decreased from 12.8% to 10.9%, and the 45 to 54 age group fell from 13.5% to 11.9%. Demographic projections indicate that Karabar's age structure will change substantially by 2041. The 85+ age group is projected to increase by 54% (78 people), rising from 145 to 224. People aged 65+ are expected to account for 84% of the overall population growth. At the same time, the 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 age groups are predicted to shrink.