Merrimac
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of November 2025, Merrimac's population is approximately 7,397, marking a rise of 187 individuals (2.6%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,210. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,390 in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 889 persons per square kilometer, aligning with average densities observed across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings consistent with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, Merrimac is expected to experience above median population growth for Australia's regional areas, with a projected increase of 1,418 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall rise of 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 5 financial years, totalling 35 homes. In FY-26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years, an average of 2.2 people moved to the area per new home constructed, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes were built at an average expected construction cost value of $315,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating Merrimac's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, 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. 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 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 has identified 23 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, Carrara Stadium - intended venue for the 2032 Olympics, 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.

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

Merrimac has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%. As of June 2025, 4,232 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Merrimac was 65.0%, higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade had a particularly high share of employment at 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 0.2% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population counts. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points in Merrimac. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8%, labour force expansion of 2.0%, and an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merrimac's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 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 reports median taxpayer income in Merrimac was $50,975 in financial year 2022. Average income stood at $64,718. Nationally, the figures were approximately similar, with $50,780 and $64,844 for Rest of Qld respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be around $58,106 (median) and $73,772 (average), adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates Merrimac's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 47th and 47th percentiles. The majority, 40.6%, earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,003 residents), mirroring broader area patterns where 31.7% fall into this range. Income remaining after housing costs ranks at the 42nd percentile, with only 79.7% of income left. 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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Merrimac as 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 was at 20.0%, with the remainder being mortgaged (44.5%) or rented (35.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,907 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Merrimac was $465, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $500 and substantially above 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 comprise the remaining 26.0%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households making up 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

Educational qualifications in Merrimac trail regional benchmarks, with 23.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 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 at 14.4% and certificates at 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 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 3,461 students as of the latest data. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1063). Educational mix includes 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. Merrimac functions as an education hub with 46.8 school places per 100 residents – significantly higher than the regional average of 18.5 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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 serving buses. There are two routes in total, offering 188 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of these services is rated good, with residents on average being 218 meters away from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 26 trips per day, which translates to approximately nine 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 of common conditions among its general population, although higher than national averages for older and at-risk groups.

Approximately 52% (3,839 people) have private health cover, slightly above the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.5% of residents and arthritis impacting 6.9%. Notably, 71.6% of Merrimac residents report no medical ailments, similar to Rest of Qld's 71.7%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.3% (1,131 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 17.1%. However, health outcomes among Merrimac's senior residents require more attention than the broader population.

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 as of the latest data available in 2021. Regarding birthplace, 32.0% of Merrimac residents were born overseas. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 47.3% of people living in Merrimac.

However, Judaism stands out with a population share of 0.3%, which is similar to the regional average of 0.3%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.2%), Australian (22.0%), and Other (10.1%). Notably, New Zealanders make up 1.4% of Merrimac's population compared to 1.5% regionally, Maori represent 1.7% versus 1.1%, and French residents account for 0.8% versus 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 and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Merrimac has a notably over-represented cohort aged 35-44 (15.8%) and an under-represented cohort aged 65-74 (7.7%). Post-2021 Census, the population aged 25 to 34 grew from 13.6% to 15.2%, while those aged 35 to 44 increased from 14.7% to 15.8%. Conversely, the age group of 5 to 14 declined from 13.3% to 12.1% and the 85+ group dropped from 3.4% to 2.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Merrimac's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 38%, adding 429 residents to reach 1,550. Meanwhile, both the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.