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

As of August 2025, Clear Island Waters' population is estimated at 4,528, reflecting a 3.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,395 people. This growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 4,528 in June 2024 and one validated new address since the Census date. The resulting population density is 1,029 persons per square kilometer, roughly inline with averages across assessed locations by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 97.1% of recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 and based on 2022 data for SA2 areas.

For uncovers areas and years beyond 2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 are adopted, using proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Based on current trends, Clear Island Waters is projected to increase by 433 persons by 2041, representing a 9.6% total gain over the 17-year period.

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 between 1997 and 2002 (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. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes between 2016 and present, 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.

Looking ahead, Clear Island Waters is expected to grow by 433 residents between 2016 and 2041. 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3, Merrimac Railway Station, Clear Island Waters Urban Village, and Cypress Central. The following details these projects, focusing on those most relevant.

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

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

Clear Island Waters has a well-educated workforce with professional services being prominently represented. The unemployment rate in the area was 1.9% as of June 2025, compared to 3.9% in the rest of Queensland (Rest of Qld).

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%. There were 2,147 residents employed while the workforce participation rate was 51.8%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Major employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area has a particularly high 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 discrepancy between Census working population and resident population figures. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while labour force grew by 2.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with an increase in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. As of Sep-25, Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, and employment growth was recorded at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Clear Island Waters' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Clear Island Waters median taxpayer income was $47,353 with an average of $60,118 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is below national averages: Rest of Qld's median income was $50,780 and average income was $64,844. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,898 (median) and $67,158 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes rank modestly in Clear Island Waters, between the 35th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution shows 26.9% (1,218 individuals) within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, 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

In Clear Island Waters, as per the latest Census data, 63.6% of dwellings were houses while 36.5% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasted with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 50.9% houses and 49.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Clear Island Waters was 47.3%, higher than Non-Metro Qld's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 31.4% and rented ones for 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Clear Island Waters was $540, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of $500. Nationally, Clear Island Waters' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 comprise 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%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 2.4%. 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 significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 32.7% of residents aged 15 and above held university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the 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 at 12.7% and certificates at 18.5%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education. St Vincent's Primary School provides local educational services within Clear Island Waters, with an enrollment of 795 students as of 2016. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1094. There is one school focused exclusively on primary education, with secondary options 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 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses along eight different routes. Together, these routes facilitate 806 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is limited, with residents generally located 648 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 115 trips per day across all routes, which equates to 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.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~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. 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 (1,302 people), 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 high level of 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, comprising 57.5% of the population. Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 0.8% of the population in Clear Island Waters versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.0%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (9.5%). Notable divergences include Russian (0.6% vs regional 0.4%), South African (0.8% vs 0.8%), and Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.4%) groups in Clear Island Waters compared to the rest of Queensland.

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 that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 11.2%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 9.0% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group grew from 10.1% to 11.2%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 8.0% to 9.0%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 14.4% to 12.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Clear Island Waters' age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, growing by 169 people (70%) from 242 to 412. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts.