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

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Clear Island Waters' population was approximately 4,570 as of May 2026. This represents an increase of 175 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,395. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 4,570 in June 2025 and one validated new address since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,038 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 95.6% 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 areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. 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 360 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 7.9% in total over the 16 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 had 2 dwelling approvals annually between 2016 and 2020. This low development level is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited construction activity due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. Yearly growth figures can vary considerably based on individual projects, given the low approval numbers.

The area shows significantly less construction activity than the rest of Queensland and below national patterns. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, reflecting Clear Island Waters' rural character with larger properties being typical. Notably, 64% of dwellings were traditional houses at Census, indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates the area's population will grow by 360 residents.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting 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. 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.

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

Clear Island Waters has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, lower than the Regional Queensland average of 4%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.3%.

As of December 2025, 2,129 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 1.9% below Regional Qld's rate. Workforce participation is lower at 55.9%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 20.9% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.2% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, indicated by a lower working population compared to resident population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, while labour force grew by 2.4%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 1.9%. Regional Qld recorded slower growth in the same period: employment rose by 0.7% and labour force by 1.0%, with unemployment increasing to 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts, published in May-25, project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clear Island Waters' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, although 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

The Clear Island Waters SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $50,077 and an average income of $62,786 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This was lower than the national average, unlike Regional Qld which had a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. By March 2026, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%, estimated incomes were approximately $55,766 (median) and $69,918 (average). The 2021 Census showed Clear Island Waters' household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly, between the 34th and 42nd percentiles. Income distribution revealed that 26.9% of the population fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region's 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 in Clear Island Waters, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 63.6% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clear Island Waters was 47.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented ones at 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in the area was $540, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Clear Island Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus Australia's 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 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%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the Regional Queensland 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 is notably high, with 32.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares 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 at 8.2% and graduate diplomas at 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.

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

Public transport analysis shows three active stops operating within Clear Island Waters. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling eight individual routes that collectively provide 806 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 648 metres from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 20.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 115 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 268 weekly trips per 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,303 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis (8.7%) and mental health issues (6.1%). 69.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. 28.0% of residents were aged 65 and over (1,281 people), higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors were 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 has a high cultural diversity, with 24.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 39.5% born overseas. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 57.5% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Clear Island Waters, comprising 0.8% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (26.0%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (9.5%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Russian is overrepresented at 0.6%, South Australian at 0.8%, and New Zealand at 1.0%.

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

Clear Island Waters' median age is 50 years, which is significantly older than Regional Queensland's 41 years and the Australian median of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 11.4%, while the 25-34 group comprises only 9.8% compared to Regional Queensland. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25-34 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.8%, while the 65-74 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 12.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Clear Island Waters' age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 85+ age cohort projected to expand considerably, increasing by 139 people (66%) from 210 to 350. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 51% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.