Clontarf

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Clontarf's population is around 8,901 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 486 people (5.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,415 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,869 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,410 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 57.2% 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 utilised, 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,314 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 14.4% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 22 residential properties granted approval annually, with 111 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 11 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.5 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $311,000. There have also been $6.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clontarf has significantly less development activity (69.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. 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. At around 379 people per approval, Clontarf indicates a mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Clontarf will gain 1,282 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 21 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Bramble Bay Foreshore Restoration Project, Clontarf Beach State High School - Major Upgrade and Expansion, Clontarf State Special School - New Campus, and Pelican Waters Estate - Stage 3 & 4, 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.

Employment performance in Clontarf has been broadly consistent with national averages

Clontarf features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.7%, and 4.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,463 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (62.2% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 5.2% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 4.8% alongside the labour force increasing by 4.0%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Clontarf. 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 Clontarf's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Clontarf SA2 is just below the national average, with the median assessed at $54,672 while the average income stands at $65,947. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,090 (median) and $72,482 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Clontarf, between the 27th and 29th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 31.7% of locals (2,821 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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

Dwelling structure within Clontarf, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.1% houses and 21.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Clontarf was well beyond that of Brisbane metro, at 30.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.6%) or rented (34.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Brisbane metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $345, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Clontarf's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 65.5% of all households, comprising 23.4% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.1%) substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (30.4%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 35 active transport stops operating within Clontarf, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 494 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 194 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 5% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. Some 14.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, equating 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Clontarf, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~4,619 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.8% and 10.4% of residents, respectively, while 60.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,113 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.2% of its population being citizens, 79.4% born in Australia, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Clontarf is Christianity, which makes up 48.1% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Clontarf are English, comprising 31.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of Clontarf (vs 1.1% regionally), New Zealand at 1.2% (vs 1.0%) and Samoan at 0.5% (vs 0.9%).

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

The 46-year median age in Clontarf is significantly above Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Clontarf has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (12.4%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (9.2%). Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.0% to 8.4% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.4% to 9.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Clontarf's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 63% (471 people), reaching 1,221 from 749. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 65% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups will see reduced numbers.