Clear Island Waters

Clear Island Waters has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Clear Island Waters's population is around 4,528 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 133 people (3.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,395 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,528 from the ABS as of June 2024 and 1 validated new address since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,029 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 97.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilized, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to increase by 433 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 9.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Clear Island Waters according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Clear Island Waters has minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually (12 approvals over five years). Such low development levels are characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is naturally limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Note: with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects.

Clear Island Waters shows significantly less construction activity than Rest of Qld. This activity level is similarly below national patterns. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties and space are typical. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (64.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.

Looking ahead, Clear Island Waters is expected to grow by 433 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Clear Island Waters has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads), Merrimac Railway Station, Clear Island Waters Urban Village, and Cypress Central, 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Clear Island Waters significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Clear Island Waters features a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 2.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,129 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (56.0% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 20.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 2.3% alongside labour force increasing by 2.4%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Clear Island Waters. 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 Clear Island Waters'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 levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Clear Island Waters SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $50,077 and an average of $62,786 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $55,040 (median) and $69,008 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Clear Island Waters, between the 34th and 42nd percentiles. Looking at income distribution, 26.9% of the population (1,218 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Clear Island Waters displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Clear Island Waters, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 63.6% houses and 36.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Clear Island Waters was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 47.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (21.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $540, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Clear Island Waters's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Clear Island Waters has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 73.8% of all households, comprising 31.6% couples with children, 31.4% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

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

Educational attainment in Clear Island Waters significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 32.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 25.4% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (18.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 3 active transport stops operating within Clear Island Waters, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 806 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 648 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 20.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 115 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 268 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clear Island Waters'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 Clear Island Waters, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts show a low prevalence of common health conditions, while the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,282 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.7% and 6.1% of residents, respectively, while 69.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The area has 28.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,300 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Clear Island Waters 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

Clear Island Waters scores highly on cultural diversity, with 24.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 39.5% born overseas. The main religion in Clear Island Waters is Christianity, which makes up 57.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Clear Island Waters are English, comprising 26.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 19.7% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%, and Other, comprising 9.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Russian is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of the population (vs 0.2% regionally), South Australian at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and New Zealand at 1.0% (vs 0.9%).

Clear Island Waters ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Clear Island Waters's median age of 50 years is materially older than Regional Qld's 41 and is significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (11.1%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (9.5%) than in Regional Qld. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.5% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.1% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 12.2% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 10.5% to 9.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Clear Island Waters's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 166 people (68%) from 245 to 412. Senior residents (65+) will drive 52% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.