Parrearra - Warana
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Parrearra-Warana's population is 11,713 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 1,321 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 10,392. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,118 in June 2024 and an additional 612 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,700 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 12.7% since the 2021 census exceeds both the non-metro average (8.8%) 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 from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas by 2041. Parrearra-Warana is expected to increase by 3,178 persons by 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 22.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Parrearra-Warana has seen approximately 179 new home approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 895 homes. As of FY26, there have been 14 approvals recorded. On average, one person has moved to the area per dwelling built each year between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply-demand market with stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $414,000.

This financial year, there have been $29.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Parrearra-Warana has seen 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. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. Nationally, this activity is well above 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 area's existing housing (currently 68.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. Parrearra-Warana reflects a transitioning market with around 243 people per approval. Looking ahead, it is expected to grow by 2,580 residents through to 2041. 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 26 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include BHC Affordable Housing Birtinya, Oceanside Birtinya, Kawana Health Precinct Expansion, and Oasis Bokarina Beach. 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 in June 2025 was 2.1%.

There were 5,653 residents employed at this time, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction had notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 0.5% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparison between working population and local population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, with employment decreasing by 1.8%, resulting in a fall of 0.5 percentage points in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a rise of 0.2 percentage points in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Parrearra-Warana's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Parrearra-Warana's median income among taxpayers was $50,098 and average income was $72,062 in the financial year 2022. This compares to Rest of Qld's figures of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income would be approximately $57,107 and average income $82,143 based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Parrearra-Warana rank modestly between the 41st and 45th percentiles. The income bracket $1,500 - 2,999 captures 27.7% of the community (3,244 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

In Parrearra-Warana, as per the latest Census, 67.5% of dwellings were houses while 32.5% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parrearra-Warana stood at 39.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented ones at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,048, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in the area was $465 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Parrearra-Warana's median mortgage repayment exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 while rents were substantially higher than 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 comprise the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households making up 3.5% of the total. 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 at 26.3% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.0% and certificates for 25.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.9% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education. Kawana Waters State College anchors the area, serving 2,249 students. The area offers balanced educational opportunities, typical of Australian schools (ICSEA: 1039). All 1 school provides integrated K-12 education, ensuring continuity throughout students' academic journey. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 19.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.3, indicating the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis shows 30 active stops operating within Parrearra-Warana area, serving a mix of bus routes. These are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 1253 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 256 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 179 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 41 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Parrearra - Warana is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Parrearra-Warana faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high, at approximately 55% of the total population (~6,477 people), compared to 52.7% across the rest of Queensland.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.8 and 7.7% of residents respectively, while 66.9% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.2% across the rest of Queensland. As of 30 June 2016, 23.9% of residents were aged 65 and over (2,794 people), which is higher than the 22.3% in the rest of Queensland.

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 below average 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, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.6%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (9.7%). Notably, New Zealanders are equally represented at 1.1%, while Scottish representation is slightly higher at 9.1% versus 8.8%, and German representation is marginally higher at 4.7% compared to the regional average of 4.6%.

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

Warana's median age is 46 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Warana has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.0%). Between 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.5% to 12.1%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 11.2%. By 2041, Warana is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 39%, adding 405 people and reaching a total of 1,455 from the current 1,049. The 15 to 24 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 5%, with an increase of 74 residents.