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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Sarina's population is around 12,476 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 654 people (5.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,822 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,409 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 106 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 8.7 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Sarina's 5.5% growth since the census positions it within 1.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.1%), 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 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 population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,551 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 11.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Sarina has recorded around 32 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 164 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 20 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 4.8 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $333,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $39.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Sarina records about three-quarters of the building activity per person and ranks in the 34th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 466 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Sarina will gain 1,484 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Sarina has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 12 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Ozcare Sarina Aged Care Expansion, Anzac Street Sarina Railway Crossing, Central Village Sarina, and Pacific Parks Estate, 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.

Employment performance in Sarina exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Sarina has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.6%, and 4.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,336 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 7.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are mining, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 4.4 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 9.6% versus the regional average of 16.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4% and the labour force increased by 5.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Sarina. 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 Sarina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23, the Sarina SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,318 with the average level standing at $75,658. This is high nationally and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,395 (median) and $83,156 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Sarina, between the 42nd and 52nd percentiles. Distribution data shows 31.5% of the population (3,929 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.2% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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

Dwelling structure within Sarina, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.5% houses and 6.5% 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 Sarina was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 37.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.9%) or rented (22.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Sarina's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Sarina has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 76.3% of all households, comprising 31.4% couples with children, 34.5% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.7%, with lone person households at 21.3% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (9.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (38.6%).

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

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

Public transport analysis reveals 12 active transport stops operating within Sarina, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 50 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 5527 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 7.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 7 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Sarina is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Sarina, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~7,061 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.1% and 7.6% of residents, respectively, while 67.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,471 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.8% of its population being citizens, 92.1% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Sarina is Christianity, which makes up 57.0% of people in Sarina, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Sarina are Australian, comprising 33.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 29.9% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 1.6% of Sarina (vs 0.4% regionally), German at 4.9% (vs 4.7%) and Australian Aboriginal at 4.4% (vs 3.9%).

Sarina's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Sarina is close to Regional Qld's average of 41 and similarly well above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (12.6% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (6.0%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.7% to 11.9% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.8% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 13.4% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.2% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Sarina. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 425 people (30%) from 1,430 to 1,856. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.