Merrimac

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

As of May 2026, Merrimac's population is approximately 7,423. This figure represents an increase of 213 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,210. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population data for June 2025 and additional validated addresses since the Census date. Merrimac's population density is around 892 persons per square kilometer, roughly in line with averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth in the area.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. By 2041, Merrimac is projected to increase by 1,265 persons, reflecting a total increase of 17.0% over the 16-year period.

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 averaged approximately seven new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 35 homes. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 2.2 new residents were gained annually for each dwelling built. The average construction cost value of new homes was $315,000, below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, there have been $1.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to the Rest of Qld region, where Merrimac is 75.0% below the average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, which is also under the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. New developments consist of 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift contrasts with the current housing mix, which is 48.0% houses, due to reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The area's population per dwelling approval is estimated at 5506 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Merrimac will add 1,265 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Future projections show Merrimac adding 1,265 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that could impact this region. Notable initiatives include Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, Carrara Stadium - intended Olympics venue in 2032, Sage Apartments, and Sunrise Residences. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

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

Merrimac has a skilled labour force with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.8%.

As of that date, 4,259 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.4% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Merrimac was 71.7%, higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 12.0% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade is particularly notable 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%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 2.8% while labour force increased 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 in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merrimac's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Merrimac SA2 has median and average incomes of $53,908 and $67,590 respectively. These figures are comparable to national averages but differ from Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Considering an 11.36% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $60,032 (median) and $75,268 (average). The 2021 Census data ranks Merrimac's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 46th and 46th percentiles. Income distribution reveals that 40.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to metropolitan regions at 31.7%. Merrimac faces severe housing affordability pressures with only 79.7% of income remaining, ranked at the 42nd percentile. 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

Merrimac's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 48.2% houses and 51.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merrimac was at 20.0%, with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (44.5%) or rented (35.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Merrimac was $1,733, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Merrimac was $465, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Merrimac's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $465 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

Merrimac Trail residents aged 15+ have 23.2% university degree holders, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 14.4% and certificates at 26.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.9% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 5.3% in tertiary education.

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

Merrimac has 19 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 188 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 218 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Merrimac being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 93% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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

Merrimac faces significant health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 53% (~3,904 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues affect 8.5% of residents, while arthritis impacts 6.9%. Around 71.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Under-65s in Merrimac have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 15.5% (1,150 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings largely 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's population showed high linguistic diversity, with 17.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Overseas-born residents constituted 32.0%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.3%.

Judaism's representation in Merrimac was notably higher at 0.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (29.2%), Australian (22.0%), and Other (10.1%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: New Zealanders made up 1.4% in Merrimac versus regional 0.9%, Maori were at 1.7% compared to the region's 0.8%, and French residents stood at 0.8% against Regional Qld's 0.5%.

Merrimac's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Merrimac was 38 years as of the 2021 Census, slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but matching Australia's national median age of 38 years. The age group of 35-44 had a strong representation with 16.0% of Merrimac's population compared to Regional Qld, while the 65-74 cohort was less prevalent at 8.2%. Post-Census data showed that the 35-44 age group grew from 14.7% to 16.0% between censuses, whereas the 5-14 age group declined from 13.3% to 11.8%, and the 85+ group decreased from 3.4% to 2.0%. Population forecasts for Merrimac indicate significant demographic shifts by 2041. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 32%, increasing from 1,034 people in 2021 to 1,364 by 2041. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort is expected to decrease by 32 people during this period.