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

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Parrearra - Warana's population is approximately 11,634 as of May 2026. This figure shows an increase of 1,242 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,392. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 11,380 in June 2025 and an additional 616 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,688 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Parrearra - Warana's growth rate of 12.0% since the 2021 census exceeds Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted for the area, with an expected increase of 3,043 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 24.0% over the 16 years.

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, 24 approvals have been recorded. On average, one person moves to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $414,000.

This financial year has seen $29.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Parrearra-Warana has slightly more development, 15.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values, although development activity has moderated recently. The area's new building activity shows 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% medium to high-density housing, reflecting a notable shift from the existing housing stock (currently 68.0% houses). This transition is due to decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles, creating 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 approximately 2,788 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

Twenty-five infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable ones include Oceanside Birtinya, Kawana Health Precinct Expansion, BHC Affordable Housing Birtinya, and Sunshine Coast Health Precinct.

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

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The employment environment in Parrearra - Warana shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Parrearra-Warana has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.6% as of December 2025. It has 5,492 residents in work, which is 1.4% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is at 58.8%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%.

According to Census responses, 17.9% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment levels are particularly notable, at 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employ just 0.5% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparison of working population to local population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.2%, with employment decreasing by 3.4%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.3% over ten years. 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 and the average income stood at $76,806 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures compare to regional Queensland's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $57,820 (median) and $85,531 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Parrearra - Warana rank modestly, between the 41st and 45th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 captures 27.7% of the community (3,222 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th 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

Dwelling structure in Parrearra-Warana, as per the latest Census, comprised 67.5% houses and 32.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parrearra-Warana was 39.7%, with the rest mortgaged at 31.4% or rented at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,048, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Parrearra-Warana was $465, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Parrearra-Warana's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,048 versus 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 comprise 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 Regional Queensland 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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 25.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 30 active stops operating in Parrearra-Warana, served by a mix of bus routes. These provide 1,132 weekly passenger trips via seven individual routes. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 256 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward, predominantly by car (92%), with 3% cycling. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 17.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 161 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per stop.

Parrearra - Warana'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 for Parrearra - Warana residents shows mortality rates and health conditions largely aligning with national averages. The prevalence of common health issues among the general population is low, but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national figures.

Approximately 57% (~6,631 people) have private health cover, exceeding Regional Qld's 52.5%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (9.8%) and mental health issues (7.7%), with 66.9% reporting no medical ailments, close to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. As of the latest data, 24.8% (~2,886 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than Regional Qld's 20.4%, but lower nationally.

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 be below average in cultural diversity, with 79.1% of its population born in Australia, 87.7% being citizens, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, comprising 49.0% of the population. Judaism, at 0.1%, is overrepresented compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.6%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (9.7%). Notably, New Zealanders are overrepresented at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 0.9%, Scots at 9.1% versus 7.8%, and Germans at 4.7%.

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

Parrearra-Warana's median age is 46 years, significantly higher than Regional Queensland's 41 and the national average of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Parrearra-Warana has a higher percentage of 75-84 year-olds (8.9%) but fewer 25-34 year-olds (8.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.5% to 12.2%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 10.9%. By 2041, Parrearra-Warana's age composition is expected to change notably. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 29%, adding 423 people and reaching 1,870 from 1,446. The 15-24 group is expected to grow by 5%, with an increase of 76 residents.