Sarina
Statistical Area - sa2

Sarina is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Sarina's population was around 12,422 as of August 2025. This reflected an increase of 600 people, a growth rate of 5.1%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 11,822 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,409 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 92 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 8.6 persons per square kilometer. Sarina's growth rate of 5.1% since the census positioned it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration which contributed approximately 54.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were adopted. However, these state projections did not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applied 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 population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas was expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,551 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, indicating an overall increase of 12.4% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Sarina when compared nationally

Sarina has recorded approximately 28 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data from the ABS shows a total of 143 approvals over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25, with six more in FY26 so far. On average, about 4.8 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY20 and FY25, indicating high demand outstripping supply. New homes are constructed at an average cost of $475,000, aligning with regional trends.

In FY26, commercial approvals valued at $39.4 million have been registered, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland and nationally, Sarina records about three-quarters the building activity per person, placing it in the 35th percentile of areas assessed, which results in relatively limited buyer choice and interest in existing dwellings. Recent development has consisted solely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. As of now, there are an estimated 466 people per dwelling approval in Sarina, reflecting its quiet development environment.

Population forecasts project an increase of 1,538 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Sarina has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects impacting the area, including key ones like Ozcare Sarina Aged Care Expansion, Anzac Street Sarina Railway Crossing, Central Village Sarina, and Sarina Northern Drainage Project. Below details those likely most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Sarina demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Sarina has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, and there was an estimated 1.7% employment growth in the past year.

As of June 2025, 6,232 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include mining, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. Mining employment levels are at 4.4 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 9.6% versus the regional average of 16.1%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7%, and labour force decreased by 0.3%, causing a 1.9 percentage point fall in unemployment rate. By contrast, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National unemployment is 4.5%, and national employment growth is 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Sarina's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.0%% over five years and 11.4% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 indicates Sarina had a median income among taxpayers of $58,250 with an average level standing at $73,106. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Rest of Qld's levels of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $65,071 (median) and $81,667 (average) as of March 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Sarina rank modestly between the 42nd and 52nd percentiles. Income distribution data shows 31.5% of the population (3,912 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

Sarina is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Sarina, as evaluated in the latest Census, consisted of 93.5% houses and 6.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sarina was at 37.4%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (39.9%) or rented (22.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $340. Nationally, Sarina's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Sarina has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 76.3% of all households, including 31.4% couples with children, 34.5% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for 23.7%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with the average in the Rest of Qld.

Sarina faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate was 9.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials were held by 46.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 7.4% and certificates at 38.6%. Educational participation was high, with 30.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.7% in primary, 10.0% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

Six schools operated in Sarina educating approximately 1,906 students. Five were primary schools and one was a secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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

Sarina has 12 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route, offering a total of 50 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility of the transport system is limited, with residents on average located 5527 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, buses run 7 times per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Sarina has significant health issues, with common conditions affecting both younger and older residents.

Private health cover is high at approximately 56%, covering about 6,956 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and asthma (7.6%). A total of 67.2% reported no medical ailments, compared to 69.7% in the rest of Queensland. Residents aged 65 and over make up 19.4%, or 2,412 people, which is higher than the 16.2% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader population.

The latest Census data sees Sarina placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Sarina's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.8% of its population being citizens and 92.1% born in Australia. Additionally, 97.2% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Sarina, representing 57.0% of the population, compared to 56.8% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestral groups were Australian (33.1%), English (29.9%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 1.6% in Sarina versus 2.4% regionally, German at 4.9% compared to 4.7%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.4% compared to 3.6%.

Sarina hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Sarina is close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years, both figures being well above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Sarina at 12.4%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.7% to 11.8% of Sarina's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 13.7%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 13.2% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Sarina. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 463 people, from 1,392 to 1,856, a 33% increase. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.