Carina
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Carina are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Carina's population was 12,746 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 920 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,826. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,703 in June 2024 and an additional 421 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,910 persons per square kilometer, placing Carina in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 7.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.3%, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with Carina expected to grow by 1,512 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, representing an increase of 11.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Carina among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Carina has averaged approximately 87 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 437 homes. As of FY-26, 42 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this has intensified to 4.9 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $266,000, aligning with regional patterns.

Additionally, $18.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Carina shows moderately higher development activity, 29.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. New building activity comprises 74.0% standalone homes and 26.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

The location has approximately 207 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts project Carina will gain 1,469 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Carina has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Kensho Carina Retail Community Use Centre & Place of Worship - Creek Road (scheduled for completion on 30/06/2023), Shopping Centre Expansion - 789-805 Old Cleveland Road, Carina (commencing 01/07/2022), and Winstanley Street Medical Centre Development (expected to finish by 31/12/2022). The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Carina well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Carina has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year.

As of June 2025, there are 7,342 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is at 69.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Carina has a particular specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

Manufacturing employs only 4.8% of local workers, lower than Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, while labour force also grew by 1.8%, keeping the unemployment rate stable. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4% and labour force grow by 4.0%, with a fall in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Carina's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2022, Carina had a median income among taxpayers of $65,145 with the average level standing at $87,136. Nationally, these figures are extremely high, compared to levels of $55,645 and $70,520 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $74,259 (median) and $99,326 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Carina, between the 71st and 81st percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that the predominant cohort spans 33.6% of locals (4,282 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to 2,999, aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. High housing costs consume 16.0% of income, however strong earnings still place disposable income at the 71st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Carina displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Carina consisted of 55.4% houses and 44.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 71.2% houses and 28.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carina stood at 26.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.3% and rented dwellings at 34.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,200. Median weekly rent in Carina was recorded at $440, compared to Brisbane metro's $450. Nationally, Carina's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Carina features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 69.0% of all households, including 29.0% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.0%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Carina shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Carina's residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion of university qualifications than Queensland (37.7% vs 25.7%) and Australia (30.4%). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.7% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (18.9%). Educational participation is high in Carina, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.9% in primary education, 6.7% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education. The area's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,800 students. Carina has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1089). Education provision is balanced with two primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Transport analysis shows 35 active public transport stops in Carina, consisting of bus services. These stops are covered by 21 different routes, offering a total of 3,294 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 226 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 470 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 94 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Carina is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Carina demonstrates a lower prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.8 and 7.4% of residents respectively.

70.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the 72.4% figure for Greater Brisbane. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (8,131 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, with 16.8% (2,140 people) compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.6%.

Carina was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Carina's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 25.1% born overseas and 15.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Carina, accounting for 52.4% of its population, compared to 54.6% across Greater Brisbane. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.4%), Australian (23.8%), and Irish (10.1%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprised 1.1%, Koreans 0.7%, and Spanish individuals 0.6%, each slightly higher than their respective regional percentages of 1.0%, 0.7%, and 0.5%.

Carina's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Carina's median age is nearly 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and nearing Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Carina has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (17.7%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.9%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 16.5% to 17.7%, while the 0 to 4 cohort has decreased from 6.7% to 5.9%. By 2041, Carina's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 57%, adding 466 residents to reach 1,278. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 58% of population growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.