Clontarf

An assessment of population growth drivers in Clontarf reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Clontarf's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 8,901, indicating an increase of 486 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,415. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,869 in June 2024 and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 1,410 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57.2% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. By 2041, the area is projected to expand by 1,314 persons, reflecting a gain of 14.4% over the 17 years, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Clontarf recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Clontarf has recorded approximately 22 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 111 homes have been approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 3.5 people move to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This high demand significantly exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $311,000. In FY-26, there have been $6.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to Greater Brisbane, where Clontarf has significantly less development activity, 69.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New development consists of 76.0% detached dwellings and 24.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Clontarf indicates a mature market with around 379 people per approval. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Clontarf is forecasted to gain 1,282 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Clontarf has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that may affect the region. Notable initiatives include the Bramble Bay Foreshore Restoration Project, Clontarf Beach State High School's major upgrade and expansion, Clontarf State Special School's new campus, and Pelican Waters Estate's Stage 3 & 4 development. The following list details those projects most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Clontarf demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Clontarf's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 9.0%.

As of September 2025, there are 4,511 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Brisbane's. Workforce participation in Clontarf is 62.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 14.4% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction employment levels are at 1.5 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence with 5.2% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 9.0%, labour force grew by 5.9%, and unemployment fell by 2.7 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded lower growth rates in these areas. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that over five years (May-25 to May-30), national employment is expected to expand by 6.6%. Over ten years (May-25 to May-35), this expansion is projected to reach 13.7%. Applying these projections to Clontarf's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Clontarf SA2 had a median income of $54,672 and an average income of $65,947. This is below the national averages of $58,236 (median) and $72,799 (average) for Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest median income would be approximately $60,090 and average income would be around $72,482 as of September 2025. Census 2021 data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Clontarf rank modestly, between the 27th and 29th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 31.7% of locals (2,821 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region's 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Clontarf, with only 81.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile.

Clontarf is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Clontarf, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.1% houses and 21.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clontarf stood at 30.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.6% and rented dwellings also at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below the Brisbane metro average of $1,863. The median weekly rent was $345, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Clontarf's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Clontarf features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.5% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households making up 3.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Clontarf fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.1%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (30.4%). Educational participation is high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.4% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Clontarf has 35 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that collectively facilitate 494 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 194 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Clontarf residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (88%). Train usage stands at 5%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Clontarf is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Clontarf faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~4,619 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 55.8%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Clontarf, affecting 10.8 and 10.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 60.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population in Clontarf faces notable health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. As of the assessment date, 23.8% of Clontarf's residents are aged 65 and over (2,113 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Clontarf ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Clontarf's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.2% of its population being citizens and 79.4% born in Australia. English is the language spoken at home by 94.0%. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 48.1% of Clontarf's population.

Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.2%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (9.9%). Notably, Maori (1.5% vs 1.1%), New Zealand (1.2% vs 1.0%), and Samoan (0.5% vs 0.9%) groups are overrepresented in Clontarf compared to regional figures.

Clontarf hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Clontarf is 46 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, which is also older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clontarf has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (12.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 7.0% to 8.4% of Clontarf's population, while the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 10.4% to 9.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Clontarf's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 63%, reaching 1,221 people from 749. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 65% of total population growth, reflecting Clontarf's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are projected to decrease in number.