Bargara

Bargara lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Bargara is around 10,427 people. This represents an increase of 1,544 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,883. The growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 10,065 residents following examination of the latest ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 467 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,112 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Between the 2021 Census and November 2025, Bargara's population grew by 17.4%, exceeding the SA3 area's growth rate of 8.6%. This growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 83.0% 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, non-metropolitan areas like Bargara are projected to have above median population growth. By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by an additional 2,266 persons, reflecting a total increase of 17.8% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Bargara was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Bargara experienced around 135 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 675 homes. So far in FY-26, 71 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.2 new residents per year were associated with each dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $494,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

This financial year, $27.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in the area. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bargara has 131.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Bargara's suburban nature while providing some housing diversity. With around 63 people per approval, Bargara reflects a developing area with growth potential. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bargara is expected to grow by 1,855 residents through to 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Bargara has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to impact the area. Notable ones are Bargara Headlands Estate, Club Bargara Resort Development, Bargara Emerging Communities Infrastructure Planning, and MIRA Living. 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 Bargara has been broadly consistent with national averages

Bargara has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.4%.

As of June 2025, there were 4,470 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.4% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was at 47.0%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Construction had limited presence with 8.1% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 6.4%, while labour force increased by 7.2%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8%, labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 estimated future demand within Bargara based on industry-specific projections applied to local employment mix. This suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Bargara's median income among taxpayers was $48,345 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $59,738 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $55,108 (median) and $68,095 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Bargara all fall between the 17th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that the predominant cohort spans 26.2% of locals (2,731 people) in the $800 - 1,499 income category. This differs from the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Bargara, as per the latest Census, 78.4% of dwellings were houses while 21.5% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's figures of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bargara stood at 47.8%, with mortgaged properties at 24.8% and rented dwellings at 27.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Bargara was $340, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Bargara's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $340 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 69.8% of all households, including 19.3% couples with children, 41.3% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.2%, with lone person households at 27.7% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Bargara shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Bargara, 23.7% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, exceeding the SA4 region's 13.3% and the SA3 area's 14.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 25.2%. A total of 22.3% of the population is actively pursuing education, including 8.3% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

Educational facilities seem located outside Bargara's immediate boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis in Bargara shows 48 active public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by one individual route, offering 93 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 219 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per stop.

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

Health data indicates significant challenges in Bargara regarding common health conditions, affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% (~5,305 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of Qld's 48.0%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.9%) and mental health issues (8.1%). About 59.0% report no medical ailments, similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Bargara has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 36.4% (3,795 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 26.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Bargara are above average and better than the general population in health metrics.

Bargara ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bargara's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 80.0% of its population born in Australia, 89.3% being citizens, and 94.2% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Bargara is Christianity, comprising 57.8% of the population, compared to 54.0% across the rest of Queensland. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (32.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented in Bargara at 6.1%, compared to 6.4% regionally, Scottish at 9.1%, compared to 7.8%, and Welsh at 0.7%, compared to 0.4%.

Bargara ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Bargara is 54 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and also above the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Bargara at 18.2%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 12.9% to 14.0% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has declined from 10.1% to 7.8%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 11.7% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Bargara, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 135%, adding 592 residents to reach 1,030. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 70% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.