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 is approximately 8,882 as of May 2026. This figure represents a rise of 467 people (5.5%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,415. The increase is estimated based on ABS data showing an ERP of 8,876 in June 2025 and the validation of 39 new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1,407 persons per square kilometer, higher than average national levels according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.9% of recent population growth.

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, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future population trends suggest above median growth, with the area projected to expand by 1,169 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 13.1% over the 16-year period.

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-25111 homes were approved, with a further 14 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, around 3.5 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This 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 69.0% less development activity 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's latest quarterly estimate, Clontarf is forecasted to gain 1,163 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 top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely influencing the region. Notable ones include Clontarf Beach State High School's major upgrade and expansion, Clontarf State Special School's new campus, Pelican Waters Estate's stages 3 & 4 development, and Clontarf Industrial Estate's expansion. Below is a list of projects most relevant to the area.

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 has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment is notably high at 1.5 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 5.2% of residents employed in this sector compared to the regional average of 8.9%. As of December 2025, Clontarf's unemployment rate was 3.7%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.8%. Workforce participation in Clontarf is lower at 62.0% compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%.

Approximately 14.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.8%, labour force grew by 4.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.7 percentage points. National employment forecasts suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clontarf's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The latest AreaSearch postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows that median income in Clontarf SA2 was $54,672 and average income was $65,947. This is lower than Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from July 1, 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in Clontarf would be approximately $60,883 and average income would be around $73,439. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Clontarf rank modestly, between the 27th and 29th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income category in Clontarf is $1,500 - 2,999, with 31.7% of locals (2,815 people) falling into this bracket, similar to the broader surrounding region at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Clontarf, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 79.1% houses and 21.0% other dwellings including semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Brisbane metropolitan area's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership level in Clontarf was recorded at 30.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (34.6%) or rented (34.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent figure for Clontarf stood at $345, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Clontarf's median monthly mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly 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 comprising 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 prevalent at 12.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.2% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 30.4%. Educational participation is 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 together facilitate 494 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 194 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 88% of residents, while train usage stands at 5%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.4% of residents work from home, a figure that 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

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

Private health cover is slightly lower than average at approximately 52% of the total population (~4,609 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.8% and 10.4% of residents respectively. However, 60.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Clontarf has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, with national rankings generally in line with the overall 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, 79.4% born in Australia, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Clontarf, comprising 48.1% of people. Judaism's representation was over twice that of Greater Brisbane (0.1% vs 0.05%).

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (9.9%). Maori (1.5%) and New Zealand (1.2%) ethnicities had higher representation than the regional average, while Samoan representation was lower at 0.5% compared to 0.9%.

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

The median age in Clontarf is 46 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, and also older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clontarf has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (12.0%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 7.0% to 8.3%, while the 25-34 age group decreased from 10.4% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clontarf's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 62%, reaching 1,193 people from the current 738. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 65% of total population growth, reflecting Clontarf's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.