Carina Heights
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Carina Heights' population is approximately 7,459 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 575 people (8.4%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,884. The growth was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 7,404 in June 2024 and 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,193 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Carina Heights' growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (7.3%), making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.5% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation. By 2041, Carina Heights is expected to have a population increase of 992 persons, reflecting a total increase of 12.6% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

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

Carina Heights has seen approximately 31 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 155 homes. As of FY26, 6 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling brings in around 2.9 new residents annually between FY21 and FY25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $398,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen $29.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Carina Heights has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 46th percentile nationally, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 54% detached dwellings and 46% townhouses or apartments, offering options across different price points from family homes to more affordable compact living.

With around 368 people per approval, Carina Heights indicates a mature market. Looking ahead, projections suggest an increase of 937 residents by 2041. 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 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Greendale Village Shopping Centre, Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, Aveo Parkside Carindale Redevelopment, and Belmont Private Hospital Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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 has an educated workforce with significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.4% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.7%. In June 2025, 4,298 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Carina Heights was 69.6% versus Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

The area specializes in professional & technical jobs at a share of 1.2 times the regional level, but has lower representation in transport, postal & warehousing (4.0% vs regional average of 5.6%). Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, while labour force grew by 1.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4% and a fall in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. Job forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Carina Heights' employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Carina Heights had a median taxpayer income of $62,337 and an average income of $83,381 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $71,058 (median) and $95,046 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Carina Heights cluster around the 71st percentile nationally. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.3% of the community (2,558 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 65th 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

Carina Heights' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 53.8% houses and 46.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane's metropolitan area with 71.2% houses and 28.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carina Heights stood at 23.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (34.9%) or rented (41.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below Brisbane's metro average of $2,200. Median weekly rent was $400, compared to Brisbane's metropolitan area average of $450. Nationally, Carina Heights' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.7% of all households, including 25.2% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households at 6.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which 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

Carina Heights' residents aged 15 and above have a higher percentage of university qualifications (38.9%) compared to Queensland's state average (25.7%) and Australia's national figure (30.4%). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.8% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (19.1%). The area has a high rate of educational participation, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 7.9% in tertiary education, 7.8% in primary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education. Educational facilities may not be within immediate catchment boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 49 active transport stops in Carina Heights, served by buses via 14 routes. These provide 2,586 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average proximity to the nearest stop is 141 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

Daily service frequency averages 369 trips across all routes, translating to about 52 weekly trips per individual stop.

Carina Heights's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows that Carina Heights residents have relatively positive health outcomes. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population but higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (4,572 people), compared to 63.9% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.6 and 8.1% of residents respectively. 68.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.4% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 13.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,013 people), which is lower than the 15.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Carina Heights 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 Heights, surveyed in August 2021, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.4% of its population born overseas and 19.3% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.4%. Buddhism, however, was more prevalent in Carina Heights at 2.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 1.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.8%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (10.1%). Notably, Russian (0.7% vs regional 0.5%), New Zealand (1.2% vs 1.0%), and Korean (0.8% vs 0.7%) groups were overrepresented in Carina Heights compared to the region.

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

Carina Heights' median age stands at 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 17.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane. However, the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 10.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.6% to 4.7% of the population. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 18.6% to 17.5%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Carina Heights. The 45-54 age group is projected to increase by 239 people (25%) from 972 to 1,212. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 0-4 cohorts.