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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Parrearra - Warana's population is around 11,723 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,331 people (12.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,392 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,116 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 612 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,701 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Parrearra - Warana's 12.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 54.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 3,178 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 21.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Parrearra - Warana has seen around 179 new homes approved annually, totalling 895 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1 person per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $414,000. There have also been $29.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Parrearra - Warana has slightly more development (13.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), balancing buyer choice with support for current property values, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This activity is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity shows 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% medium and high-density housing. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 68.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 243 people per approval, Parrearra - Warana reflects a transitioning market.

Looking ahead, Parrearra - Warana is expected to grow by 2,570 residents through to 2041 (from 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 26 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Oceanside Birtinya, Kawana Health Precinct Expansion, BHC Affordable Housing Birtinya, and Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, with the list below 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 employment environment in Parrearra - Warana shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Parrearra - Warana has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. As of December 2025, 5,492 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (60.3% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.9% 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, construction, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.5% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.2% combined with employment decreasing by 3.4%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Parrearra - Warana. 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 Parrearra - Warana's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Parrearra - Warana SA2's income level is well above the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Parrearra - Warana SA2's median income among taxpayers is $51,922 and the average income stands at $76,806, compared to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,067 (median) and $84,417 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Parrearra - Warana, between the 41st and 45th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 27.7% of the community (3,247 individuals), 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, and 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 within Parrearra - Warana, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 67.5% houses and 32.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Parrearra - Warana was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 39.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (28.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,048, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $465, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Parrearra - Warana's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 71.2% of all households, comprising 27.9% couples with children, 32.3% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.8%, with lone person households at 25.2% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (26.3% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%, reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (25.7%).

Educational participation is notably 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 reveals 30 active transport stops operating within Parrearra - Warana, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 1,132 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 256 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 3% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. Some 17.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 161 trips per day 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, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~6,682 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

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 as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. 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 Regional Qld, though ranking lower nationally than 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 be below average in terms 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 main religion in Parrearra - Warana is Christianity, which makes up 49.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Parrearra - Warana are English, comprising 33.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.5% 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 1.1% of Parrearra - Warana (vs 0.9% regionally), Scottish at 9.1% (vs 7.8%) and German at 4.7% (vs 4.7%).

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

Parrearra - Warana's median age of 46 years stands significantly above Regional Qld's 41 as well as well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional Qld, Parrearra - Warana has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (8.6%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (9.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.5% to 12.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.8% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.3% to 12.2%. By 2041, Parrearra - Warana is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 27% (388 people), reaching 1,820 from 1,431. The 15 to 24 group displays more modest growth at 4%, adding only 51 residents.