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

Murarrie's population is around 5,179 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 404 people 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 level of population equates to a density ratio of 613 persons per square kilometer. Murarrie's growth of 8.5% 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 was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 56.8%.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas, with the area expected to expand by 1,366 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 26.1% over the 17 years.

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

Murarrie averaged approximately 26 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25133 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. This results in a significant demand for housing, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of these new properties is $378,000. In terms of commercial development, Murarrie has registered $20.8 million in approvals this financial year, indicating moderate levels of activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Murarrie has slightly more development, with 22.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new building activity shows a skew towards compact living, with 17.0% detached dwellings and 83.0% attached dwellings.

This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 140 people per dwelling approval, Murarrie exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Murarrie is forecasted to gain 1,351 residents by 2041. 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

A total of 25 infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area. Among these, several key projects include Rivermakers Masterplan, completed in June 2018; Rivermakers Masterplan, scheduled for completion in December 2020; another Rivermakers Masterplan, planned for completion in March 2023; and a fourth Rivermakers Masterplan, with no specified completion date. The following list details those projects likely to be of most relevance.

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

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

Murarrie has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% as of September 2025. This rate is lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 4.0%.

Employment growth in Murarrie over the past year was estimated at 6.4%. As of September 2025, there were 3,579 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Greater Brisbane's rate. Workforce participation in Murarrie is high at 84.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 23.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and construction. Murarrie has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence with 13.9% employment compared to the regional average of 16.1%. There are 3.0 workers for every resident in Murarrie, indicating that it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 6.4% while labour force grew by 6.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points in Murarrie. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Murarrie's employment mix, local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

Murarrie SA2 has an exceptionally high national income level based on AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers is $68,271 and average income stands at $84,237. This compares to Greater Brisbane figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $75,037 (median) and $92,585 (average), accounting for a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data places Murarrie's household, family, and personal incomes in the top 86th to 88th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 35.5% of locals (1,838 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income category, similar to regional levels where 33.3% occupy this range. Notably, 37.0% exceed $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Despite high housing costs consuming 15.8% of income, disposable income remains at the 87th percentile. 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

Murarrie's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.7% houses and 27.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murarrie was 20.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.7% and rented ones at 35.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Murarrie was $450, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Murarrie's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 74.3% of all households, consisting of 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

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

Murarrie's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 35.1% have university qualifications, compared to 23.7% in the SA4 region and 25.7% statewide in Queensland (QLD). The area's high proportion of residents with bachelor degrees (24.3%), postgraduate qualifications (7.3%), and graduate diplomas (3.5%) contributes to this advantage. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.5% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (21.9%).

Educational participation is high in Murarrie, with 29.3% of residents 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

A transport analysis indicates 16 functional transport hubs in Murarrie, offering a blend of train and bus services. These hubs are supported by 34 unique routes, facilitating a total of 2,779 weekly passenger journeys. The accessibility to public transport is deemed good, with residents situated an average of 257 metres from the nearest hub. Predominantly residential, Murarrie sees most commuters travelling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 80%, while trains account for 11%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 23.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 397 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 173 weekly trips per individual hub.

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 shows mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks, with a low prevalence of common health conditions among the general population. However, prevalence is higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to the national average.

Private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 62% of Murarrie's total population (3,190 people) having it, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.1 and 8.0% of residents respectively. 72.2% of Murarrie residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 9.7% of residents aged 65 and over (504 people), which is lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. However, this percentage 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's population, as of the 2016 Census, showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 15.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 28.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Murarrie, accounting for 49.0% of residents. Notably, Judaism was more prevalent in Murarrie at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.0%), Australian (23.0%), and Irish (9.7%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: New Zealanders made up 1.6% of Murarrie's population versus 1.0% regionally, Maori comprised 0.9% compared to 1.1%, and South Africans constituted 0.7% versus 0.6%.

Murarrie's population is younger than the national pattern

Murarrie's median age is 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group makes up 18.3%, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort comprises only 5.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group grew from 9.4% to 10.8%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.1% to 13.5%. However, the 25-34 cohort decreased from 18.6% to 16.1%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 12.3% to 10.6%. By 2041, population forecasts show significant demographic changes for Murarrie. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 362 people (a 46% rise) from 787 to 1,150. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort grows modestly by 8%, adding 23 people.