Berserker
Statistical Area - sa2

Berserker is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Berserker's population is around 7270 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 246 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7024 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7257 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 725 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Berserker's growth of 3.5% since census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 62.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is expected, with Berserker expected to increase by 662 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, recording an overall gain of 8.9% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Berserker according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Berserker has averaged approximately five new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, Berserker had 26 home approvals, with 10 approved so far in FY26. Each year, an average of 11 new residents per home has been recorded over these five financial years, indicating demand outstripping supply and contributing to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $248,000, below regional norms, suggesting more affordable housing options. This year alone, $8.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting limited focus on commercial development compared to the rest of Queensland, where Berserker has 81% less development activity per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though recent periods have seen increased development activity. Nationally, Berserker's development activity is also below average, indicating its established nature and potential planning limitations. New developments consist of 50% detached dwellings and 50% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 81% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. With an estimated 2071 people per dwelling approval, Berserker's development environment is quiet and low activity. Future projections indicate Berserker adding 649 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Berserker has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nineteen projects expected to impact the region. Notable ones include 196 Mason Street Residential Subdivision, Large Format Retail Development Moores Creek Road, Mildura Rise Estate, and ALDI at Stockland Rockhampton. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

AreaSearch assessment indicates Berserker faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Berserker's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with key service sectors well-represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate was 10.1%, indicating room for improvement compared to Rest of Qld's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.3%. There were 3,606 employed residents in Berserker, with an unemployment rate of 6.2% above Rest of Qld's rate. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 57.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, with a notable concentration in retail trade at 1.2 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.5% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the past year, employment increased by 3.3%, while the labour force grew by 5.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Berserker's employment could grow by approximately 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Berserker's median income among taxpayers was $46,562 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $54,956 during the same period. These figures are lower compared to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,014 (median) and $61,391 (average), adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 11.71%. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Berserker fall between the 11th and 24th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 29.5% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 2,144 residents falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the area showing 31.7% in the same income bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Berserker, with only 83.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Berserker, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 80.8% houses and 19.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Berserker stood at 25.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (43.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Berserker was $1,116, which is lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure for Berserker was recorded at $260, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Berserker's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Berserker features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 60.5% of all households, including 21.8% couples with children, 20.5% couples without children, and 16.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.5%, with lone person households at 35.0% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Berserker faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (32.6%).

Educational participation is high at 30.7%, including 12.3% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education. Berserker's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 943 students as of the latest data. The educational mix includes 2 primary schools and 1 K-12 school. School places per 100 residents stand at 13.0, below the regional average of 17.6, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Berserker is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Berserker faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 47% (~3,431 people) have private health cover, compared to 53.2% across the Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues (10.7%) and arthritis (9.9%) are the most prevalent conditions.

Around 61.1% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in the Rest of Qld. The area has 15.4% (1,116 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 18.5% in the Rest of Qld. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Berserker is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Berserker's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with its population comprising 86.2% citizens, 89.7% born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Berserker, accounting for 50.4% of its population, compared to 56.3% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups in Berserker are Australian (30.3%), English (29.6%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.8%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented in Berserker at 4.2%, compared to 4.9% regionally, while Vietnamese is at 0.7% versus 0.2%, and Filipino at 1.4% versus 1.0%.

Berserker's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Berserker is 34 years, which is lower than the average for Rest of Qld at 41 years and also notably under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Berserker has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.1%) but fewer individuals aged 65-74 (8.1%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 25 to 34 in Berserker grew from 15.3% to 18.1%. Meanwhile, the percentage of residents aged 5 to 14 decreased from 13.8% to 12.1%, and the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 dropped from 11.4% to 10.3%. By 2041, Berserker's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to increase by 29%, adding 375 people and reaching a total of 1,689 from the previous count of 1,313. However, both the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.