Carrara

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

Carrara's population is approximately 14,157 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,010 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,147. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,145 in June 2024 and the addition of 37 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 970 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Carrara's growth rate of 7.7% since the 2021 Census exceeds that of its SA3 area at 5.7%, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although natural growth and interstate migration also played positive roles.

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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase for non-metropolitan Australia, with Carrara expected to expand by 1,530 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 10.7% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Carrara recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Carrara has received approximately 26 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 133 homes. In FY-26 so far, 60 approvals have been recorded. On average, 8.1 new residents per year arrive per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and increases buyer competition. New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $550,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $15.8 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Carrara records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 14th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing homes. This activity is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 42.0% detached houses and 58.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 1134 people per dwelling approval, Carrara reflects a highly mature market.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Carrara will gain 1,518 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Twenty-four projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Coomera Connector Stage 1 South, Nielsens Road Apartment Development, Serenity Estate - Gilston, and Carrara Stadium - 2032 Olympics Venue. The following list details those likely to be 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 environment in Carrara shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Carrara has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 3.3%. In the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 2.4%. As of September 2025, 7,776 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation similar at 65.7%.

According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Arts & recreation has notable concentration with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.4%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4% and labour force by 2.5%, keeping the unemployment rate stable. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Carrara's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Carrara's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Income data from AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2023 shows median income in Carrara SA2 was $53,379 and average income was $63,944. This is lower than Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $58,669 and average income $70,281 based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Carrara rank modestly, between the 38th and 42nd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The largest income segment consists of 32.5% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,601 residents), similar to the surrounding region at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 80.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 36th percentile. Carrara's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Carrara displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Carrara, as per the latest Census, 52.1% of dwellings were houses while 47.9% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld's figures which stood at 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings respectively. Home ownership in Carrara was recorded at 32.3%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (39.5%) or rented (28.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,900, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Carrara was $450, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of $345. Nationally, Carrara's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 71.0% of all households, including 28.0% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 24.8% and group households making up 4.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

Carrara Trail's residents aged 15+ have 23.2% holding university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 40.0%, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (26.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.8% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (8.9%), secondary (7.7%), and tertiary (4.5%).

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

Carrara has 32 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that combined provide 1033 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 356 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 15% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 147 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Carrara's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Carrara, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~7,149 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.5%) and asthma (7.4%), while 68.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 67.6%. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are broadly typical for the area. There are 21.1% seniors aged 65 and over (2,982 people), with health outcomes above average, aligning with national rankings.

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

Carrara has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 13.1% of its population speaking languages other than English at home and 29.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Carrara, making up 51.7% of its population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.3% of Carrara's population versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.2%), Australian (22.8%), and Other (8.5%). Notable differences exist in the representation of certain ethnicities: New Zealanders make up 1.4% of Carrara's population compared to 0.9% regionally, Maori 1.1% versus 0.8%, and South Africans 0.8% versus 0.5%.

Carrara's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Carrara is 41 years, which matches Rest of Queensland's average but is somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Queensland, Carrara has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (14.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 10.4% to 12.9%, while the 25-34 cohort rose from 12.7% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group decreased from 12.9% to 11.0%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 11.6% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Carrara's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 28% (561 people), reaching a population of 2,575 from the current figure of 2,013. Conversely, the 5-14 and 15-24 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.