Sarina

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

Sarina's population was around 12,424 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects an increase of 602 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,822 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,409 as of June 2024 and an additional 93 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8.6 persons per square kilometer. Sarina's growth rate of 5.1% since the census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.6%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 54.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected. The area is projected to increase by 1,551 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 12.4% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Sarina when compared nationally

Sarina recorded approximately 32 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 164 homes. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.8 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This demand outpaces supply, potentially influencing prices and buyer competition.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $333,000, in line with regional trends. In FY-26, $39.4 million in commercial approvals were registered, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Sarina records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks at the 34th percentile nationally, suggesting constrained buyer choice and interest in existing dwellings. Recent development has been exclusively detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 466 people. By 2041, Sarina is forecasted to gain 1,536 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Sarina has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects potentially impacting the area. Major initiatives include Ozcare Sarina Aged Care Expansion, Anzac Street Sarina Railway Crossing, Central Village Sarina, and Pacific Parks Estate. The following list details those likely to be 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.

Employment performance in Sarina has been broadly consistent with national averages

Sarina maintains a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2% over the past year as of September 2025.

In this period, 6,310 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include mining, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. Mining has a particularly high concentration with employment levels at 4.4 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 9.6% compared to the regional average of 16.1%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2%, labour force grew by 4.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. Job forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Sarina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Sarina SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,250 and an average level standing at $73,106. Nationally, these figures are high compared to levels of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) across Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Sarina would be approximately $66,399 (median) and $83,334 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Sarina rank modestly between the 42nd and 52nd percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 31.5% of the population (3,913 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to patterns seen at regional levels where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power.

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

The dwelling structure in Sarina, as per 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. The home ownership level in Sarina was 37.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (39.9%) or rented (22.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $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 comprise the remaining 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 Rest of Qld average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (38.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.7% in primary, 10.0% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Sarina shows that there are currently twelve active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. There is one individual route servicing these stops collectively providing fifty weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Sarina is rated as limited, with residents typically located 5527 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages seven trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four 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 faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population, which amounts to around 6,957 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.1% and 7.6% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 67.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.7% across the rest of Queensland. As of June 2021, 19.4% of residents are aged 65 and over, totaling 2,412 people, which is higher than the 16.2% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, 92.1% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Sarina, comprising 57.0% of people, compared to 56.8% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.1%), English (29.9%), and Scottish (7.7%).

Notably, Maltese (1.6%) was overrepresented in Sarina compared to the regional average of 2.4%, as were German (4.9% vs 4.7%) and Australian Aboriginal (4.4% vs 3.6%).

Sarina's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Sarina is close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years, both being higher than the Australian median of 38 years. 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 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 13.7%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 13.2% to 12.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Sarina, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to expand by 463 people (33%), from 1,392 to 1,856. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.