Merrimac

Merrimac has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Merrimac's population is around 7,395 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 185 people (2.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,210 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,390 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 888 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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, an above median population growth for locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,418 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 19.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Merrimac has averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 35 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.2 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average construction value of $315,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $1.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Merrimac has significantly less development activity (75.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 48.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated count of 5506 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Merrimac adding 1,413 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Merrimac has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 23 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, Carrara Stadium - 2032 Olympics Venue, Sage Apartments, and Macadie Park Residences, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most 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.

Employment conditions in Merrimac demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Merrimac has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and 2.8% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,259 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (72.0% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in retail trade, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 2.8% alongside the labour force increasing by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Merrimac. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Merrimac's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Merrimac SA2 is in line with national averages, with the median assessed at $53,908 while the average income stands at $67,590. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,250 (median) and $74,288 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Merrimac, between the 46th and 46th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 40.6% of the community (3,002 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Merrimac displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Merrimac, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 48.2% houses and 51.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Merrimac lagged that of Regional Qld, at 20.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (44.5%) or rented (35.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $465, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Merrimac's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 74.0% of all households, comprising 31.8% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 16.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.0%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households comprising 4.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Merrimac trail regional benchmarks, with 23.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (14.4%) and certificates (26.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.9% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 19 active transport stops operating within Merrimac, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 188 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 218 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 12.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Merrimac, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads that of the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~3,889 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.5 and 6.9% of residents, respectively, while 71.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,118 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Merrimac is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 17.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. The main religion in Merrimac is Christianity, which makes up 47.3% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Merrimac are English, comprising 29.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.0% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Merrimac (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 1.7% (vs 0.8%) and French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%).

Merrimac's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 37 years, Merrimac's median age is significantly below the Regional Qld average of 41 and is essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (15.7% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (7.8%). Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.6% to 15.7% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 11.7% and the 85+ group dropped from 3.4% to 2.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Merrimac's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 34%, adding 391 residents to reach 1,550. On the other hand, the 15 to 24 group will contract by 19 residents.