Parrearra - Warana

Population growth drivers in Parrearra - Warana are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Parrearra-Warana's population is approximately 11,723 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,331 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,392. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,116 in June 2024 and an additional 612 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1,701 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Parrearra-Warana's growth rate of 12.8% since the 2021 census exceeds both the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using a base year of 2022 for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, Parrearra-Warana is forecast to experience significant population increase among the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area's population is expected to rise by 3,178 persons, reflecting a total increase of 21.9% over the 17-year period, according to the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Parrearra - Warana among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Parrearra-Warana has seen approximately 179 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 895 homes. As of FY26, 23 approvals have been recorded. On average, one person moves to the area per dwelling built each year between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average value of $414,000.

In FY26, there has been $29.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Parrearra-Warana has slightly more development, with 13.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values. Development activity has moderated recently but remains well above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity shows 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift from the existing housing stock of 68.0% houses offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Parrearra-Warana reflects a transitioning market with around 243 people per approval. Looking ahead, the area is expected to grow by approximately 2,570 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Parrearra - Warana 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 26 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Oceanside Birtinya, Kawana Health Precinct Expansion, BHC Affordable Housing Birtinya, and Sunshine Coast Health Precinct. 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.

The labour market in Parrearra - Warana shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Parrearra-Warana has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 2.3%. At this time, 5,566 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 60.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 17.9% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction had notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 0.5% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.6% and employment decreased by 2.4%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Parrearra-Warana's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The median income among taxpayers in Parrearra - Warana SA2 was $51,922 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $76,806 during the same period. These figures are higher than those for Rest of Qld's, which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median income would be approximately $57,067 by September 2025, with the average being around $84,417 during that period. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Parrearra - Warana rank between the 41st and 45th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 27.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the sixth decile.

Parrearra - Warana displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Parrearra-Warara, as per the latest Census, comprised 67.5% houses and 32.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parrearra-Warara was at 39.7%, with the rest either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (28.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,048, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $465, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $375. Nationally, Parrearra-Warara's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,048 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Parrearra - Warana has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.2% of all households, including 27.9% couples with children, 32.3% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Parrearra - Warana performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates of 26.3%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, held by 37.7% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (25.7%).

Educational participation is high with 26.6% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.9% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

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

Parrearra-Warana has 30 active public transport stops, all bus services. These stops are served by seven routes, offering a total of 1,132 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically located 256 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 3% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.9% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 161 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Parrearra - Warana is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Parrearra-Warana demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 57% of the total population (~6,682 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.5% across the rest of Queensland. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.8 and 7.7% of residents respectively, while 66.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,810 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland but ranks lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Parrearra - Warana ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Parrearra-Warana was found to have a below-average level of cultural diversity, with 79.1% of its population born in Australia, 87.7% being citizens, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Parrearra-Warana is Christianity, comprising 49.0% of the population. However, there was an overrepresentation of Judaism, with 0.1% of the population identifying as such compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.6%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (9.7%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.1%, Scots at 9.1%, and Germans at 4.7% compared to regional averages.

Parrearra - Warana hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Parrearra-Warana's median age of 46 years is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Parrearra-Warana has a higher concentration of 75-84 year-olds at 8.6%, but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 9.2%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 9.5% to 12.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.3% to 10.8%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 13.3% to 12.2%. By 2041, Parrearra-Warana is projected to experience notable changes in its age composition. The 45 to 54 group is expected to grow by 27%, adding 388 people and reaching 1,820 from 1,431. The 15 to 24 group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 4%, with an increase of 51 residents.