Mermaid Waters
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Mermaid Waters are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Mermaid Waters' population was around 14,419 as of August 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,214 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 13,205. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,359 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 290 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 2,036 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mermaid Waters' growth of 9.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area's 8.6% and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 64.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data were adopted. It should be noted that these state projections did not provide age category splits; hence where utilized, 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. Looking ahead, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas was forecast, with Mermaid Waters expected to grow by 3,965 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of 27.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mermaid Waters when compared nationally

Mermaid Waters has seen approximately 59 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 295 homes were approved, with another 18 approved in FY26 so far. The average increase in residents per year per dwelling constructed over these years is about 4.4.

This indicates a significant lag between supply and demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $1,370,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, around $14.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity compared to previous years. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Mermaid Waters has recorded markedly lower building activity, approximately 67.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Recent construction comprises around 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% medium to high-density housing.

This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently around 59.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles. At approximately 476 people per approval, Mermaid Waters indicates a mature market. Future projections estimate that Mermaid Waters will add around 3,905 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth in the area.

Mermaid Waters has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 56 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include The Chevron, Lakeview Boulevard Townhouses, Mermaid Waters Sewer Pump Station Upgrade, and Miami State School Upgrade. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Mermaid Waters significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Mermaid Waters has an educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% as of June 2025, compared to the Rest of Qld's 3.9%.

Employment grew by 2.1% in the past year. There were 7,956 residents employed in June 2025 with a workforce participation rate of 63.5%, close to the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food services. Professional & technical jobs are particularly concentrated at 1.6 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.3% of local workers compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Employment increased by 2.1% over a year alongside labour force growth of 2.1%, keeping unemployment flat. In contrast, the Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% with unemployment rising slightly. As of Sep-25, Queensland's state-level employment contracted by 0.23% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, unemployment was 4.5%, and employment grew by 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mermaid Waters' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022, Mermaid Waters had a median income among taxpayers of $47,904. The average income stood at $115,557 during this period. These figures are exceptionally high nationally compared to the Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% from financial year ending June 2022 to March 2025, current estimates would be approximately $53,514 (median) and $129,089 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Mermaid Waters cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 28.9% of residents, equivalent to 4,167 people, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Mermaid Waters, with only 82.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Mermaid Waters displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Mermaid Waters' dwellings in the latest Census were 58.8% houses and 41.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro Qld had 45.3% houses and 54.8% other dwellings. Home ownership was 35.1%, with mortgages at 34.8% and rentals at 30.0%. Median monthly mortgage repayments were $2,167, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $2,019. Median weekly rents were $450, versus Non-Metro Qld's $465. Nationally, Mermaid Waters' mortgage repayments averaged $2,167 and rents were $450.

Mermaid Waters features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.2% of all households, including 28.6% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 30.8%, comprising 24.4% lone person households and 6.4% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rates exceed regional averages, at 28.5% of residents aged 15+ compared to Rest of Qld's 20.6% and the SA4 region's 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent (20.2%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (23.9%), are held by 36.7% of residents aged 15+.

Educational participation is high, with 28.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.2% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education. Miami State School and Merrimac State High School serve a total of 1,871 students, reflecting typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1044) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is conventional, split between one primary and one secondary institution.

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

Mermaid Waters has 49 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. All these stops serve buses. There are 12 different bus routes that collectively facilitate 1,496 weekly passenger trips in the area.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 192 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 213 daily trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mermaid Waters's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics reveals robust performance throughout Mermaid Waters, with both younger and older age groups exhibiting low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 78% of the total population (11,174 people) has private health cover, higher than Rest of Qld's 68.9% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis at 7.2% and mental health issues at 6.4%, while 73.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 72.7% in Rest of Qld.

Mermaid Waters has 17.9% residents aged 65 and over (2,588 people), with seniors' health outcomes outperforming the general population in health metrics.

Mermaid Waters was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mermaid Waters has a higher level of cultural diversity than most local markets, with 15.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mermaid Waters, making up 49.4% of the population. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.4% of Mermaid Waters' population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (29.0%), Australian (22.4%), and Other (9.0%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealanders make up 1.3% of Mermaid Waters compared to the regional average of 1.3%, French residents account for 0.7% versus a regional average of 0.8%, and Maori people represent 0.9% compared to the region's 0.8%.

Mermaid Waters's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Mermaid Waters is 39 years, lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 16.1%, while the 55-64 group is smaller at 10.0% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.0% to 16.1%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 10.7% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 10.6% to 9.2%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 11.2% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Mermaid Waters's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 994 people (43%), from 2,320 to 3,315. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows modestly by 8%, adding 134 people.