Merrimac

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

AreaSearch's analysis estimates Merrimac's population as 7,395 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a growth of 185 people since the 2021 Census, which reported 7,210 inhabitants. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 7,390 in June 2024 and 28 validated new addresses post-Census. The population density stands at 888 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove Merrimac's population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, applying proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Demographically, locations outside capital cities are projected to have above median population growth. Merrimac is expected to increase by 1,418 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.1% over the 17 years based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 7 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 35 homes. As of FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 resulted in a gain of 2.2 new residents per year, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $315,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY26, there have been $1.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting minimal commercial development activity compared to the rest of Queensland, where Merrimac has 75.0% less development activity per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, which is also below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% attached dwellings, demonstrating a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements, differing from the current housing mix which is 48.0% houses. The area's population density per dwelling approval is estimated at 5506 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections suggest Merrimac will add 1,413 residents by 2041, based on 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 23 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, Carrara Stadium - intended venue for the 2032 Olympics, Sage Apartments, and Macadie Park Residences. The following list details 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.

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

Merrimac has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%. As of September 2025, 4,213 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was 71.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 12.0% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade had notable concentration with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.2%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.3% alongside labour force increasing by 2.3%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Merrimac's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that Merrimac SA2 has a median income of $53,908 and an average income of $67,590. This is comparable to Rest of Qld's figures, which are $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $59,250 and average income around $74,288, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year ending June 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Merrimac's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 46th and 46th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 40.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999, reflecting metropolitan patterns where 31.7% fall into this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 42nd percentile. Merrimac'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

The dwelling structure in Merrimac, as per the latest Census, consisted of 48.2% houses and 51.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's dwelling structure which was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Merrimac stood at 20.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (44.5%) or rented (35.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, which is higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Merrimac was recorded at $465, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. 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 account for 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 constitute 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

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 (16.9%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.1% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (14.4%) and certificates (26.7%).

Educational participation is high at 31.9%, comprising primary education (11.0%), secondary education (9.2%), and tertiary education (5.3%).

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 are served by two routes that together offer 188 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 218 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Merrimac's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 93%, with an average of 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 12% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately nine 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 substantial health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~3,889 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.5% and 6.9% of residents respectively. 71.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of 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 Rest of 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's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 17.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Merrimac, comprising 47.3% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.3% compared to 0.1% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.2%), Australian (22.0%), and Other (10.1%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.4% compared to 0.9% regionally, Maori at 1.7% versus 0.8%, and French at 0.8% compared to 0.5%.

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 and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Merrimac has a notably over-represented 25-34 cohort (15.7% locally), while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented (7.8%). As of the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 13.6% to 15.7%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort 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. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 group is projected to contract by 19 residents.