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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bargara is around 10,561, reflecting an increase of 1,678 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 18.9% increase from the previously reported population of 8,883. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 10,150 in Jun 2024 and validated new addresses totalling 511 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,127 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bargara's growth exceeded that of Rest of Qld (9.1%) and its SA3 area, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. Post-2032 and for areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb of Bargara expected to grow by 2,222 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 17.1% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Bargara experienced around 138 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past 5 financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 694 homes. So far in FY-26, recorded approvals amount to 231. Over these 5 years, an average of 2.2 new residents per year was associated with each dwelling, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $494,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $15.8 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bargara has 138.0% 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 the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 71 people per approval, Bargara reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Bargara to grow by 1,811 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Bargara has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to impact the region. Key projects include Club Bargara Resort Development, Bargara Emerging Communities Infrastructure Planning, MIRA Living, and Bargara Headlands Estate, with the following list detailing those 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 conditions in Bargara demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Bargara has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.9% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 8.8%. As of December 2025, there were 4,662 residents in work, and the unemployment rate was 1.1% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was at 53.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%. According to Census responses, 7.7% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries 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 appeared limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 8.8%, while labour force increased by 8.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Bargara. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bargara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Bargara had a median income among taxpayers of $48,345 and an average income of $59,738 in the financial year 2023, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are lower than those for Regional Qld, which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,136 (median) and $65,658 (average). Census data from 2021 shows that household, family and personal incomes in Bargara all fall between the 17th and 20th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Bargara spans 26.2% of locals (2,766 people) with incomes in the $800 - 1,499 category, unlike the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is dominant at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally. The suburb'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

Dwelling structure in Bargara, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.4% houses and 21.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bargara was at 47.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.8% and rented ones at 27.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Bargara was $340, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Bargara's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment in Bargara is notable with 23.7% of residents aged 15+ having university qualifications, compared to 13.3% in the SA4 region and 14.7% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent with 35.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (25.2%). A significant portion of the population is actively engaged in education, with 22.3% pursuing formal education.

This includes 8.3% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Bargara shows that there are 48 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 93 weekly passenger trips provided collectively by these routes. The accessibility to transport is rated as good, with residents typically located an average of 219 meters from their nearest transport stop. As Bargara is predominantly residential, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 94% of residents. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling in Bargara is 1.2, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 7.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Bargara's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Bargara's health metrics closely match national benchmarks based on AreaSearch's assessment conducted in October 2021.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be standard for both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which numbered around 5,373 people as of October 2021. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (12.9%) and mental health issues (8.1%). Around 59.0% of residents declared themselves free from medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of October 2021, 37.6% of residents were aged 65 and over (3,970 people), higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Bargara, surveyed in June 2016, had a low cultural diversity with 80.0% of its residents born in Australia and 89.3% being citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 94.2%. Christianity dominated religiously at 57.8%, compared to 52.2% regionally.

Ancestral origins showed dominance of English (32.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (9.5%) groups. Notable differences were found in German (6.1% vs regional 4.7%), Scottish (9.1% vs 7.8%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.5%) representations.

Bargara ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Bargara is 54 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and the national norm of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, the cohort aged 65-74 is notably over-represented at 18.6% locally, while those aged 5-14 are under-represented at 7.7%. The concentration of the 65-74 age group in Bargara is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 12.9% to 14.4%, while the percentage of those aged 5-14 has declined from 10.1% to 7.7%, and the percentage of those aged 45-54 has dropped from 11.7% to 10.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Bargara, with the cohort aged 85+ projected to grow by 117%, adding 568 residents to reach a total of 1,054. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 69% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, both age groups 5-14 and 15-24 are projected to have reduced numbers.