Clontarf
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was around 8,910 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 495 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,415 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,869 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1,412 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Clontarf's growth of 5.9% since census positioned it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 57.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections did not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipated an above median growth of statistical areas across the nation, with Clontarf expected to expand by 1,314 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 14.3% 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 approximately 22 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 111 homes were approved, with an additional three approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 3.5 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new properties is $311,000. In terms of commercial development, there have been $6.4 million in approvals this financial year, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clontarf has significantly less development activity, at 69.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

This trend is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings, making up 76.0%, with medium and high-density housing accounting for the remaining 24.0%. This maintains Clontarf's traditional suburban character, appealing to those seeking family homes with space. With around 379 people per approval, Clontarf indicates a mature market. Population forecasts suggest Clontarf will gain 1,273 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Clontarf has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects expected to affect the region. Notable initiatives include the Clontarf Beach State High School Major Upgrade and Expansion project, Bramble Bay Foreshore Restoration Project, Clontarf State Special School New Campus construction, and Clontarf Industrial Estate Expansion scheme. The following list details projects likely most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Clontarf exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Clontarf has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. In the year ending June 2025, employment grew by 11.9%, outpacing Greater Brisbane's growth of 4.4%.

As of that date, 4,497 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Clontarf was 57.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 5.2% of employment compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Many Clontarf residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the Census working population count. Over the 12 months ending June 2025, employment increased by 11.9%, while the labour force grew by 8.3%, leading to a 3.1 percentage point decrease in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clontarf's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Clontarf is $51,807 and average income stands at $62,787. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,055 (median) and $71,571 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Clontarf modestly, between the 28th and 29th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 31.7% of locals fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Clontarf's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, comprised 79.1% houses and 21.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 68.2% houses and 31.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clontarf was at 30.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.6% and rented ones at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Brisbane metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $345, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,733 and $350 respectively. 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

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

The university qualification rate in the area is 17.1%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 30.4%. Current educational participation is high at 25.3%, including 9.4% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

The area's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,805 students, serving typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 998). Education provision is balanced with two primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs at 20.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.1, indicating that the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis indicates 35 active stops in Clontarf, served by buses. There are three routes operating, offering a total of 517 weekly passenger trips. Residents' proximity to transport is rated excellent, with an average distance of 194 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 73 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 14 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Clontarf is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Clontarf faces significant health challenges, as shown by health data.

Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 51% (~4,553 people) of Clontarf's total population has private health cover, which is slightly lower than the average for SA2 areas. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.8% and 10.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 60.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 59.7% across Greater Brisbane. Clontarf has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (23.1%, or 2,056 people) than Greater Brisbane (28.2%). Health outcomes among seniors in Clontarf present similar challenges to those faced by 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 Australian citizens and 79.4% born in Australia. English was spoken by 94.0% of residents at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 48.1% of Clontarf's population.

Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, with 0.1% of Clontarf's population identifying as Jewish. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (9.9%). Notable divergences included Maori being overrepresented at 1.5%, New Zealand at 1.2%, and Samoan at 0.5%.

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 proportion of residents aged 65-74 (12.1%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 7.0% to 8.1%, while the population aged 25 to 34 declined from 10.4% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Clontarf's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 69% (500 people), reaching a total of 1,221 from the current figure of 720. Notably, the combined population aged 65 and above will account for 66% of the total population growth in Clontarf, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.