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, as of May 2026, is approximately 12,554. This figure represents a growth of 732 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,822. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: 12,500 in June 2025 and an additional 120 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a density ratio of 8.7 persons per square kilometer. Sarina's growth rate of 6.2% since the census is close to the SA3 area's rate of 6.8%. Natural growth contributed approximately 41.4% of overall population gains recently, with all migration factors being positive.

AreaSearch uses 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections lack age category splits; thus proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied when utilized. Based on projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected for Sarina by 2041, with an increase of 1,441 persons and a total growth rate of 11.1% over the 16-year period.

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

Sarina recorded approximately 32 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling 164 homes. In FY-26 so far, 23 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand outpacing supply. The average construction cost of new homes was $333,000, aligning with regional trends.

This year, $39.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting significant local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Sarina records about three-quarters of the building activity per person and ranks among the 34th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. Recent development has been exclusively detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an estimated 466 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Sarina will gain 1,387 residents by 2041, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and price increases if current development rates persist.

Population forecasts indicate Sarina will gain 1,387 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are Ozcare Sarina Aged Care Expansion, Anzac Street Sarina Railway Crossing, Central Village Sarina, and Pacific Parks Estate. The following list details those 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 exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Sarina has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 4.4%. As of December 2025, 6,336 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is equal to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 7.9% of residents work from home.

Key industries include mining, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. Mining employment is notably high at 4.4 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 9.6%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4% and labour force grew by 5.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. Regional Qld recorded lower growth rates during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sarina's employment mix, local employment is expected to 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 ended June 30, 2023, Sarina SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,318 with the average level standing at $75,658. Nationally, these figures are high compared to median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ended June 30, 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $68,284 (median) and $84,253 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Sarina rank modestly, between the 42nd and 52nd percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 31.5% of Sarina's population, equating to 3,954 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this range. After accounting for 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

In Sarina, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sarina stood at 37.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented ones at 22.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Sarina was $300, lower than Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Sarina's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $375.

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

Family households account for 76.3 percent of all households, including 31.4 percent couples with children, 34.5 percent couples without children, and 9.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.7 percent, with lone person households at 21.3 percent and group households comprising 2.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5 people.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This 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%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 7.4% and certificates make up 38.6%.

Educational participation is 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

Sarina has 12 operating public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by a single route, collectively offering 50 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 5527 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Sarina's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7.9% of residents work from home, which 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

Sarina faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is high at approximately 57% of Sarina's total population (~7,105 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and asthma (7.6%). 67.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. 20.0% of Sarina's population is aged 65 and over (2,512 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, with national rankings 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's population was found to have low cultural diversity, with 86.8% being citizens, 92.1% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Sarina, comprising 57.0%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (33.1%), English (29.9%), and Scottish (7.7%).

Notably, Maltese representation was higher at 1.6% than the regional average of 0.4%. German representation was similar at 4.9%, compared to 4.7% regionally. Australian Aboriginal representation was slightly higher at 4.4%, compared to 3.9% regionally.

Sarina's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Sarina is close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years, both figures being well above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Sarina at 12.7%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.7% to 12.1% of Sarina's population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.8% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 13.5%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 13.2% to 12.0%. Population forecasts for Sarina in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to expand by 411 people (29%) from 1,428 to 1,840. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.