Murarrie

Murarrie lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Murarrie's population is around 5,179 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 404 people (8.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,775 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,164 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 613 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Murarrie's 8.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.8%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 56.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and interstate migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 1,366 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 26.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Murarrie among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Murarrie has averaged around 26 new dwelling approvals per year, with 133 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 2 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 4.3 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $378,000. Additionally, $20.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Murarrie has slightly more development (22.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New building activity shows 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% attached dwellings. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 73.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 140 people per dwelling approval, Murarrie shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Murarrie will gain 1,351 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Murarrie has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 25 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Rivermakers Masterplan, with the below list detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The exceptional employment performance in Murarrie places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Murarrie has a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and 5.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,597 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (85.4% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 23.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 13.9% employment compared to 16.1% regionally. With 3.0 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 5.3% while the labour force increased by 5.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane, where employment rose by 3.2%, the labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Murarrie. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Murarrie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Murarrie SA2's income level is extremely high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Murarrie SA2's median income among taxpayers is $68,271 and the average income stands at $84,237, which compares to Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $75,037 (median) and $92,585 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Murarrie, between the 86th and 88th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 35.5% of locals (1,838 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 37.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 15.8% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 87th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Murarrie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Murarrie, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 72.7% houses and 27.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Murarrie lagged that of Brisbane metro, at 20.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (43.7%) or rented (35.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Brisbane metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Murarrie's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Murarrie features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 74.3% of all households, comprising 33.0% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.7%, with lone person households at 19.4% and group households comprising 6.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Brisbane average.

Murarrie shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Educational attainment in Murarrie significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 35.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 23.7% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in QLD. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 24.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (21.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.3% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 16 active transport stops operating within Murarrie, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 34 individual routes, collectively providing 2,779 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 257 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 80%, with 11% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 23.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 397 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 173 weekly trips per individual stop.

Murarrie'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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Murarrie residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions being quite low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (3,190 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.1% and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 72.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 9.7% of residents aged 65 and over (504 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane and ranks lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Murarrie was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Murarrie was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 15.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 28.1% born overseas. The main religion in Murarrie is Christianity, which makes up 49.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Murarrie are English, comprising 26.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.0% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of Murarrie (vs 1.0% regionally), Maori at 0.9% (vs 1.1%) and South Australian at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

Murarrie's population is younger than the national pattern

Murarrie's median age of 36 years stands equal to Greater Brisbane's 36, though somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 35 - 44 age group shows strong representation at 18.3% compared to Greater Brisbane, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 5.4%. In the period since 2021, the 55 to 64 age group has grown from 9.4% to 10.8% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.1% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 18.6% to 16.1% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.3% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Murarrie. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 362 people (46%) from 787 to 1,150. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 cohort grows by a modest 8% (23 people).