Carina Heights

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

Carina Heights' population was around 7,459 as of November 2025, showing an increase of 575 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.4% rise from the previous population count of 6,884. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 7,404 in June 2024 and an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,193 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Carina Heights' growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (7.3%), making it a growth leader regionally. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.5% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. These state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Future population trends indicate a median increase is expected, with Carina Heights projected to grow by 992 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.6% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Carina Heights has received approximately 31 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 155 homes. As of FY26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling adds about 2.9 new residents per year, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost for these dwellings is $398,000, which is 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 about 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 various price points.

With around 368 people per approval, Carina Heights indicates a mature market. By 2041, it is projected to grow by 937 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate), with current development well-suited to meet future needs and maintain steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Carina Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 19 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable ones include Greendale Village Shopping Centre, Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, Aveo Parkside Carindale Redevelopment, and Belmont Private Hospital Expansion. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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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 professional services well-represented, and an unemployment rate of 5.4% as of September 2025. The area's employment rate is 1.4% higher than Greater Brisbane's at 4.0%, with a workforce participation rate of 69.6% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%.

Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with the latter showing strong specialization at 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 4.0% versus the regional average of 5.6%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points in Carina Heights. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and a fall in unemployment of 0.5%.

Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Carina Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The median taxpayer income in Carina Heights SA2 was $62,337 and the average was $83,381 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is among the highest in Australia compared to Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $71,058 (median) and $95,046 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Carina Heights cluster around the 70th percentile nationally. The income band of $1,500 - $2,999 captures 34.3% of the community (2,558 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 64th percentile nationally. 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 were 53.8% houses and 46.3% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other') as of the latest Census, compared to Brisbane metro's 71.2% houses and 28.8% others. Home ownership in Carina Heights was 23.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented ones at 41.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Brisbane's $2,200 average, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to Brisbane's $450. Nationally, Carina Heights' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 making up 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+ have a high level of educational attainment, with 38.9% holding university qualifications compared to the Queensland average of 25.7% and the Australian average of 30.4%. The area's educational advantage is evident in its Bachelor degree holders (26.6%), 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%). Educational participation is notably high in Carina Heights, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes tertiary education (7.9%), primary education (7.8%), and secondary education (6.1%).

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

Analysis of public transport in Carina Heights shows 49 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with 14 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes facilitate 2,586 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 141 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 369 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Carina Heights residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with a low prevalence of common conditions compared to the general population, although higher than national averages for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 61% of Carina Heights' total population (4572 people) has private health cover, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's 63.9%, but lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions in the area, affecting 10.6% and 8.1% of residents respectively.

A total of 68.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 72.4%. The area has a lower percentage of seniors aged 65 and over (13.6%, or 1013 people) than Greater Brisbane (15.6%). While health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population, overall data indicates relatively positive health trends in Carina Heights.

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, surveyed in 2016, had a higher overseas-born population at 27.4%, compared to the local average. 19.3% spoke languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 50.4%.

Buddhism, however, was overrepresented at 2.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 1.8%. Top ancestral groups were English (24.8%), Australian (21.9%), and Other (10.1%). Notably, Russian (0.7% vs 0.5%), New Zealand (1.2% vs 1.0%), and Spanish (0.7% vs 0.5%) groups showed higher representation than the regional averages.

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

Carina Heights' median age is 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.5% of Carina Heights' population compared to Greater Brisbane, while 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%, and the 25-34 cohort has declined from 18.6% to 17.5%. By 2041, projections indicate significant demographic changes for Carina Heights. The 45-54 age group is expected to increase by 239 people (25%), from 972 to 1,212. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 0-4 cohorts.