Carrara

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

Carrara's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 14,340 by May 2026. This figure indicates a rise of 1,193 individuals (9.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,147. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 14,340 in June 2025 and an additional 36 validated new addresses post-Census. Carrara's population density was around 982 persons per square kilometer, roughly aligning with averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 9.1% growth since the Census surpassed the SA3 average of 6.6%, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.3% to overall population gains during recent periods, although natural growth and interstate migration also positively influenced population growth.

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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort when utilising state projections. By 2041, Carrara is expected to increase by approximately 1,355 persons, reflecting a gain of 9.4% over the 16-year period, aligning with non-metropolitan median population growth trends in Australia.

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. As of FY-26, 65 approvals have been recorded. On average, 8.1 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpaces supply, which may put upward pressure on prices and increase buyer competition. The average construction value of new homes is $550,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $15.8 million, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland and nationally, Carrara records lower building activity per person, ranking in the 14th percentile of areas assessed, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing homes. New building activity consists of 42.0% detached houses and 58.0% medium and high-density housing, providing affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 1134 people per dwelling approval, Carrara reflects a highly mature market. AreaSearch quarterly estimates project an increase of 1,355 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that may affect this region. Notable 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 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 labour market in Carrara shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Carrara has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 2.8%.

As of December 2025, 7,865 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was 66.8%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Arts & recreation had notably high concentration at 2.0 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.4%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 2.8% and labour force by 2.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld had employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. 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 the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Carrara SA2 is below the national average. The median assessed income is $53,379 and the average income stands at $63,944. In comparison, Regional Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Carrara would be approximately $59,443 (median) and $71,208 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Carrara rank modestly, between the 38th and 42nd percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 32.5% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,660 residents), which aligns with the surrounding region where this cohort also represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Carrara, with only 80.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 36th percentile. The area'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

Dwelling structure in Carrara, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 52.1% houses and 47.9% other dwellings. In Regional Qld, this was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carrara was 32.3%, similar to Regional Qld's figure. Mortgaged dwellings were 39.5% and rented dwellings were 28.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Carrara was $450, compared to Regional Qld's $375. Nationally, Carrara's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $450 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 24.8% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Carrara Trail regional benchmarks show that 23.2% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them; advanced diplomas account for 13.4% and certificates for 26.6%. Educational participation is high, with 26.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.9% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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 serving buses. These stops are covered by 7 different routes, offering a total of 1,033 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents located an average of 356 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Car remains the primary transport mode at 94%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 15% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 147 trips per day, equating to about 32 weekly trips per 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 shows strong performance throughout Carrara. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts, with a low prevalence of common health conditions observed.

The rate of private health cover was relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~7,241 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.5 and 7.4% of residents respectively. A total of 68.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 21.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,078 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 had a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 13.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 29.5% born overseas. The predominant religion in Carrara was Christianity, comprising 51.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.3% of Carrara's population compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English at 30.2%, Australian at 22.8%, and Other at 8.5%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.4% in Carrara (vs regional 0.9%), Maori at 1.1% (vs 0.8%), and South Australian at 0.8% (vs 0.5%).

Carrara's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Carrara is 42 years, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 but higher than the Australian median of 38. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented in Carrara at 13.8%, compared to Regional Queensland's average. Conversely, the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.9%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 10.4% to 12.7%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 12.7% to 13.8%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort declined from 11.6% to 9.9%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.9% to 11.2%. Population forecasts for Carrara in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 524 people (26%) from 1,986 to 2,511. Conversely, the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.