Mermaid Waters

Population growth drivers in Mermaid Waters are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mermaid Waters' population is around 14,421 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,216 people (9.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,205 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,359 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 291 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,036 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mermaid Waters' 9.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 64.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 3,965 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting 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 FY-21 to FY-25, around 295 homes were approved, with a further 1,004 approved in FY-26. This results in an average of about 4.4 new residents per year arriving for each dwelling constructed during these years.

However, supply appears to be lagging behind demand, which typically leads to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new homes is approximately $783,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In terms of commercial development, around $14.0 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Mermaid Waters shows significantly lower building activity, at 67.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Recent construction comprises 40.0% standalone homes and 60.0% medium and high-density housing.

This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and caters to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable departure from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 59.0% houses. The population per approval in Mermaid Waters is around 476 people, indicating a mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mermaid Waters is projected to add approximately 3,903 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and driving price increases.

Mermaid Waters has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 55 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include The Chevron, Lakeview Boulevard Townhouses, Mermaid Waters Sewer Pump Station Upgrade, and Miami State School Upgrade, with the following list detailing those of greatest 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.

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 in September 2025 was 2.6%, below the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%. As of that date, 8,040 residents were employed, with workforce participation at 63.5%. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food services. The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical jobs, which are 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.3% of local workers, lower than Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Over the past year, employment increased by 2.5%, with labour force also growing by 2.5%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and a slight rise in unemployment. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mermaid Waters' employment mix indicates potential local growth rates of 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022 shows Mermaid Waters SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $47,904 and an average income of $115,557. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high compared to the median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844 in Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 13.99% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $54,606 and average income is around $131,723 as of September 2025. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Mermaid Waters cluster at the 51st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 28.9% of residents (4,167 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, reflecting regional patterns where 31.7% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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

Dwelling structure in Mermaid Waters, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 58.8% houses and 41.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 45.3% houses and 54.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mermaid Waters was 35.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.8%) or rented (30.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, compared to Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,019. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $465. Nationally, Mermaid Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 6.4%. 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 rate is 28.5%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's rate of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 23.9%.

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.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 1,496 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 192 meters.

On average, there are 213 daily trips across all routes, resulting in 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 shows strong performance throughout Mermaid Waters. Both young and old age cohorts saw low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (11,176 people), compared to 68.9% across Rest of Qld.

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.2 and 6.4% of residents respectively. A total of 73.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.7% across Rest of Qld. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,588 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mermaid Waters was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mermaid Waters had a higher level of cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 15.6% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 30.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mermaid Waters, accounting for 49.4% of the population. While Judaism made up only 0.4% of the population, this was a similar proportion to the rest of Queensland (0.4%).

The top three ancestry groups were English at 29.0%, Australian at 22.4%, and Other at 9.0%. Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.3% compared to the regional average of 1.3%, French people were slightly underrepresented at 0.7% versus 0.8%, and Maori individuals were also slightly underrepresented at 0.9% compared to the regional average of 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 grew from 14.0% to 16.1%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.7% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 10.6% to 9.2%, and the 55-64 group 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 by a modest 8% (134 people).