Clear Island Waters
Statistical Area - sa2

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

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Clear Island Waters' population is approximately 4,528 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 133 individuals (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 an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,029 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 97.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected. The area is projected to increase by 433 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 9.6% in total over the 17 years based on the latest population numbers.

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 had minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually on average between 2015 and 2019 (a total of 12 approvals). This low level of development is characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest, and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that yearly growth figures can vary considerably with such low approval numbers due to individual projects.

Clear Island Waters showed significantly less construction activity than the rest of Queensland during this period, which was also below national patterns. Recent building activity consisted entirely of standalone homes, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties and space are typical. Interestingly, developers were 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 between 2016 and 2041 according to Queensland Government projections.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the area.

Clear Island Waters has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Six projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads), Merrimac Railway Station, Clear Island Waters Urban Village, and Cypress Central.

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

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

Clear Island Waters has a highly educated workforce with professional services being well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of June 2025, lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%. There were 2,147 residents in work while workforce participation was 51.8%, significantly below the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.2% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.5% while labour force grew by 2.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific projections suggesting potential local growth of approximately 7.0%% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Clear Island Waters had a median taxpayer income of $47,353 and an average of $60,118 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average for that year. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $53,978 (median) and $68,529 (average). The 2021 Census figures show that household, family, and personal incomes in Clear Island Waters rank modestly, between the 35th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution indicates that 26.9% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 42nd percentile. 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

The dwelling structure in Clear Island Waters, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.6% houses and 36.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 50.9% houses and 49.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clear Island Waters was at 47.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (21.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,907. Weekly rent figures were recorded at $540 in Clear Island Waters, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $500. Nationally, Clear Island Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 73.8% of all households, including 31.6% couples with children, 31.4% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.2%, composed of 24.1% lone person households and 2.4% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the average in the Rest of Qld.

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 is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 32.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 12.7% and certificates for 18.5%.

Educational participation is 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. St Vincent's Primary School serves the educational needs of Clear Island Waters, with an enrollment of 795 students as of the latest count. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with a socio-educational index (ICSEA) of 1094, indicating above-average conditions. Secondary educational options are available in surrounding areas.

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

Clear Island Waters has three operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by eight different routes that together facilitate 806 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically residing 648 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 115 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 268 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Clear Island Waters are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Clear Island Waters. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (around 2,241 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.7% and 6.1% of residents respectively. Approximately 69.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.7% across Rest of Qld. The area has 28.8% of residents aged 65 and over (around 1,302 people), which is higher than the 17.1% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Clear Island Waters is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Clear Island Waters has a notable cultural diversity, with 24.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 39.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Clear Island Waters, making up 57.5% of people. Judaism, however, is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.8% of the population versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.0%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (9.5%). Russian, South African, and Hungarian ethnicities show notable representation in Clear Island Waters at 0.6%, 0.8%, and 0.4% respectively, compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.8%, and 0.4%.

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

Clear Island Waters' median age of 50 years is significantly older than Rest of Qld's 41 and higher than Australia's median of 38. The age profile shows a prominent group of 75-84 year-olds at 11.2%, compared to the national average of 6.0%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is smaller at 9.0% than in Rest of Qld. Post-2021 Census data shows changes in certain age groups: the 35-44 cohort grew from 10.1% to 11.2%, while the 25-34 group increased from 8.0% to 9.0%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 14.4% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Clear Island Waters' age profile. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand by 169 people (70%), from 242 to 412. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts.