Merrimac
Statistical Area - sa2

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 7397 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 187 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7210 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7390 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 889 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.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected, with Merrimac expected to expand by 1418 persons to 2041, reflecting a 19.1% increase 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 recorded approximately seven residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 35 dwellings were approved, with one approval recorded so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, 2.2 people moved to the area per new home constructed, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $442,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Merrimac records significantly lower building activity, at 75.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The recent construction comprises 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 48.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 5506 people, reflecting Merrimac's quiet development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Merrimac will gain 1,411 residents by 2041. 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 25 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include SkyRidge (previously Pacific View Estate), Lakesview Robina, Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, and SkyRidge Living Estate. The following list details those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis reveals Merrimac significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Merrimac's workforce is skilled with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of June 2025, showing a 2.2% increase in employment over the past year.

This rate is 1.4% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 65.0%, higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for Merrimac residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2% of local workers compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

The Census working population vs resident population suggests limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, labour force grew by 2.0%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force expand by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Nationally, unemployment stood at 4.5% with a 0.26% employment growth. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merrimac's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Merrimac had a median taxpayer income of $50,975 and an average income of $64,718. Nationally, the median was $50,780 and the average was $64,844. By March 2025, estimates suggest Merrimac's median income will be approximately $56,944 and the average will be around $72,296, factoring in an 11.71% growth since financial year 2022. Census data indicates Merrimac has modest household, family, and personal incomes, ranking between the 47th and 47th percentiles. The majority of residents (3,003, or 40.6%) earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, similar to the broader area where 31.7% fall into this income range. Income data suggests severe housing affordability pressures in Merrimac, with only 79.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Merrimac, as per the latest Census, consisted of 48.2% houses and 51.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 50.9% houses and 49.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merrimac stood at 20.0%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (44.5%) or rented (35.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent figure in Merrimac was recorded at $465, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $500. Nationally, Merrimac's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

In Merrimac Trail Regional area, 23.2% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. The most common qualifications are bachelor degrees (16.9%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 14.4%, while certificates make up 26.7%. Educational participation is high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.0% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education. Merrimac's four schools have a combined enrollment of 3,461 students as of the latest data. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1063) and functions as an education hub with 46.8 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 18.5. This attracts students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of public transport in Merrimac shows that there are 19 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 2 individual routes providing service to the area. Together, these routes facilitate 188 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as good, with residents typically situated approximately 218 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency stands at 26 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

Merrimac's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Merrimac residents show positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions compared to the general population but higher than national averages among older, at-risk groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% (3,839 people), slightly above the average SA2 area's rate. Mental health issues and arthritis are most prevalent at 8.5% and 6.9%, respectively, with 71.6% reporting no medical ailments, similar to Rest of Qld's 71.7%. Merrimac has 15.3% (1,131 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Qld's 17.1%, yet seniors face health challenges requiring extra attention.

Merrimac 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

Merrimac's population was found to be more linguistically diverse than most local markets, with 17.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 32.0% of Merrimac residents were born abroad. Christianity was the predominant religion in Merrimac, comprising 47.3% of its population.

However, Judaism was notably overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 0.3%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.2%), Australian (22.0%), and Other (10.1%). Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.4% of Merrimac's population, slightly higher than the regional average of 1.5%. Maori residents comprised 1.7%, compared to the region's 1.1%, and French residents accounted for 0.8%, marginally higher than the regional average of 0.7%.

Merrimac's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Merrimac's median age is 37 years, which is significantly below the Rest of Qld average of 41 years but essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 35-44 cohort is notably over-represented in Merrimac at 15.8%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 7.7%. Following the Census conducted on 2021-Aug-10, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.6% to 15.2% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 12.1%, and the 85+ group dropped from 3.4% to 2.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Merrimac's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041-Jun-30. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 38%, adding 429 residents to reach 1,550. On the other hand, both the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.