Merrimac

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

Merrimac's population is approximately 7,397 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 187 people from the 2021 Census total of 7,210. The population growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 7,390 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is around 889 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver for recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to grow by 1,418 persons to reach a population of approximately 8,795 by 2041, reflecting an increase of around 19.1% over the 17-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 has recorded approximately 7 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 35 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 2.2 people per year moved to the area for each new home constructed, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $315,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY26, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Merrimac records significantly lower building activity, with 75.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. 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 shift from the area's current housing composition of 48.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 5506 people, reflecting Merrimac's quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 23 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, Carrara Stadium - 2032 Olympics Venue, Sage Apartments, and Sunrise 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.

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

Merrimac has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.7% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 2.3%. As of September 2025, 4,213 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3%, below Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation was 65.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade is particularly specialized, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2%, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data analysis. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.3% and labour force by 2.3%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National forecasts from May-25 project total 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, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Merrimac SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $50,975 and an average income of $64,718. These figures were approximately national averages. Rest of Qld's median and average incomes were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. With a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since FY2022, estimated current incomes are approximately $58,106 (median) and $73,772 (average) as of September 2025. Census data ranks Merrimac's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 46th and 46th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 40.6% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,003 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.7% of income remaining, 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Merrimac, as per the latest Census evaluation, 48.2% of dwellings were houses while 51.8% were other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had a higher percentage of houses at 50.9%. Home ownership in Merrimac stood at 20%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.5% and rented ones at 35.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Merrimac was $465, slightly higher than the national average of $375 but lower than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $500. Nationally, Merrimac's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households comprise 74.0% of all households in the area, with couples having children making up 31.8%, and those without children accounting for 24.9%. Single parent families constitute 16.6%. Non-family households make up 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, which is 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 and above have educational qualifications that differ from Australian benchmarks. Specifically, 23.2% of Merrimac Trail residents hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.1% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 14.4% and certificates at 26.7%. Educational participation is high in the region, 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.

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. Two routes service these stops, offering a total of 188 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 218 meters to the nearest stop.

The services run approximately 26 times daily across all routes, equating 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's health data shows a relatively positive picture with low prevalence rates for common health conditions among its general population.

However, these rates are higher than the national average for older and at-risk cohorts. Approximately 52% of Merrimac residents have private health cover, slightly above the average SA2 area rate. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues (8.5%) and arthritis (6.9%), with 71.6% of residents reporting no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of Qld's 71.7%. Merrimac has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.3% (1,131 people) compared to Rest of Qld's 17.1%. While health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population, overall health indicators in Merrimac are relatively positive.

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, as of a study conducted on the 2nd of January 2021, showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets. 17.3% of its residents spoke a language other than English at home, and 32.0% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Merrimac, with 47.3% of people identifying as such.

However, Judaism, comprising 0.3% of Merrimac's population, showed an overrepresentation compared to the rest of Queensland, where it constituted 0.2%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.2%), Australian (22.0%), and Other (10.1%). Notable differences existed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealanders made up 1.4% of Merrimac's population compared to 1.5% regionally, Maori comprised 1.7% versus 1.1%, and French residents accounted for 0.8% against 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 and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Merrimac has an over-representation of the 35-44 cohort (15.8% locally) and an under-representation of the 65-74 year-olds (7.7%). Post the 2021 Census, the population aged 25 to 34 grew from 13.6% to 15.2%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 13.3% to 12.1% and the 85+ group dropped from 3.4% to 2.4%. Demographic projections suggest Merrimac's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 38%, adding 429 residents to reach 1,550. Meanwhile, both the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.