Carina Heights

Population growth drivers in Carina Heights are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Carina Heights's population is around 7,473 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 589 people (8.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,884 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,404 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,197 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Carina Heights's 8.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.4%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 62.5% 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to increase by 992 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 12.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Carina Heights when compared nationally

Carina Heights has experienced around 31 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 155 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 2.9 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $398,000—somewhat higher than regional norms—reflecting quality-focused development. Additionally, $29.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Carina Heights has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 46th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This indicates more limited choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 54.0% detached dwellings and 46.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. At around 368 people per approval, Carina Heights indicates a mature market.

Looking ahead, Carina Heights is expected to grow by 923 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Carina Heights has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Greendale Village Shopping Centre, Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025, Aveo Parkside Carindale Redevelopment, and Belmont Private Hospital Expansion, with the list below detailing those 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.

The employment landscape in Carina Heights shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Carina Heights possesses a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 5.1%, and 1.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,415 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (75.5% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 24.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing shows lower representation at 4.0% versus the regional average of 5.6%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.9% while the labour force increased by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Carina Heights. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Carina Heights's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Carina Heights SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $65,491 and an average of $86,037 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $71,981 (median) and $94,563 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Carina Heights cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.3% of the community (2,563 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 64th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Carina Heights, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 53.8% houses and 46.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Carina Heights was lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 23.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.9%) or rented (41.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Brisbane metro average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Carina Heights's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.7% of all households, comprising 25.2% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 6.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Carina Heights exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Carina Heights significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 26.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 30.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (19.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.0% of residents residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.9% in tertiary education, 7.8% in primary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 49 active transport stops operating within Carina Heights, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 13 individual routes, collectively providing 2,671 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 141 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with 12% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. Some 24.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 381 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 54 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Carina Heights 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 Heights demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (4,633 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.6% and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 68.7% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,056 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Carina Heights was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Carina Heights is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 27.4% of its population born overseas and 19.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Carina Heights is Christianity, which makes up 50.4% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 2.0% of the population, compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Carina Heights are English, comprising 24.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 21.9% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 0.7% of Carina Heights (vs 0.3% regionally), New Zealand at 1.2% (vs 1.0%) and Spanish at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

Carina Heights's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Carina Heights's median age of 36 years stands equal to Greater Brisbane's 36 though somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 16.8% compared to Greater Brisbane, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.8%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.6% to 5.0% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 18.6% to 16.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Carina Heights. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 227 people (23%) from 984 to 1,212. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 cohorts.