Karana Downs
Statistical Area - sa2

Karana Downs has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Karana Downs' population, as of August 2025, is approximately 6,259, indicating a rise of 227 individuals (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,032. This increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,254 in June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 100 persons per square kilometer, suggesting ample space per person and potential for further development. Overseas migration contributed roughly 60.9% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year.

For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. Note that these state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied where used. Future trends indicate a population decline of 104 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to grow by 231 individuals.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Karana Downs, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Karana Downs has seen approximately 9 new homes approved annually. Between fiscal years FY-21 and FY-25, 46 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY-26 so far. Over these past five financial years, the average population growth per dwelling built was 1.1 people per year.

However, this has increased to 5.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. The average construction cost value of new homes is $438,000, aligning with regional trends. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Karana Downs shows significantly reduced construction activity, being 88.0% below the regional average per person. This limited supply typically supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Overall, development activity in Karana Downs is also under the national average, indicating its established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

Recent development has exclusively consisted of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. As of now, there are an estimated 778 people per dwelling approval in the area, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Karana Downs should experience reduced pressure on housing, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Karana Downs has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to affect the region: Warrego Highway - Mount Crosby Road Interchange Upgrade, Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (SuperGrid), Centenary Motorway (Darra - Yamanto) planning, and Ipswich Public Transport Improvements. The following list details those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Karana Downs performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Karana Downs has an educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.3% as of June 2025.

Employment stability has been relative over the past year. There are 3,634 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 2.8% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 70.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

The area specializes in education & training with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Transport, postal & warehousing has a limited presence at 3.1%, compared to the regional average of 5.6%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited based on Census data analysis. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force grew by 0.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. As of Sep-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. This compares to the national unemployment rate of 4.5% and national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Karana Downs's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data, released for financial year 2022, shows Karana Downs had a median income among taxpayers of $59,503 and an average of $68,047. These figures are higher than the national averages. Greater Brisbane's median income was $55,645 with an average of $70,520 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $66,471 and an average of around $76,015 as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census, Karana Downs ranks highly in household, family, and personal incomes, between the 75th and 87th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 33.6% of locals (2,103 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region where 33.3% occupy this range. Economic strength is evident with 37.6% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.5% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. Karana Downs' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Karana Downs' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.8% houses and 4.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Karana Downs was at 31.6%, with mortgaged properties at 58.0% and rented ones at 10.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,918, surpassing Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Karana Downs was recorded at $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Karana Downs' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Karana Downs features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 85.9% of all households, including 44.5% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 14.1%, with lone person households at 13.2% and group households making up 0.9%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Karana Downs exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Karana Downs is notably high, with 33.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 17.2% in the broader SA3 area and 18.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (23.7%). Educational participation is high, with 31.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.7%), secondary education (10.0%), and tertiary education (5.6%). Mount Crosby State School serves Karana Downs, with an enrollment of 589 students as of a recent report. The school's ICSEA score is 1042, indicating typical Australian school conditions and balanced educational opportunities. It offers primary education exclusively, with secondary options available in nearby areas. There are 9.4 school places per 100 residents in Karana Downs, which is below the regional average of 18.0. Some students may attend schools in adjacent areas due to this difference.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Karana Downs's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows Karana Downs residents have relatively positive health outcomes. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 53% of the total population (~3,342 people) has private health cover, compared to 49.9% in Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.7 and 8.4% of residents respectively. About 69.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.2% in Greater Brisbane. The area has 17.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,062 people), higher than the 15.3% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Karana Downs had a low level of cultural diversity, with 77.6% of its residents born in Australia, 91.4% being citizens, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 47.0% of Karana Downs' population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Karana Downs compared to Greater Brisbane, with 0.2% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.4%), Australian (24.7%), and Irish (9.3%). Some other ethnicities showed significant differences: Welsh at 0.9% (compared to 0.6% regionally), Dutch at 2.2% (versus 1.3%), and South African at 1.1% (against 0.3%).

Karana Downs hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Karana Downs has a median age of 42 years, which is significantly higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 years and older than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Karana Downs has a notably over-represented cohort of 45-54 year-olds (17.0%) and an under-represented group of 25-34 year-olds (7.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group increased from 4.0% to 5.7%, while the 15-24 cohort grew from 12.3% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort declined from 14.3% to 12.6%, and the 25-34 group decreased from 8.4% to 7.0%. Demographic modeling indicates that Karana Downs' age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 247%, adding 214 residents to reach 302. This growth is due entirely to demographic aging, as all growth is anticipated among residents aged 65 and older. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 45-54 cohorts.