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 Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Bargara statistical area (Lv2) is around 10,451 people. This reflects a growth of 1,568 individuals since the 2021 Census, marking a 17.7% increase from the previously reported figure of 8,883 persons. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), which indicates a resident population of 10,150 people. This growth can be attributed primarily to interstate migration, contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. The population density ratio is currently around 1,115 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Comparing the Bargara (SA2) growth rate of 17.7% since the 2021 Census to the SA3 area's 8.7%, it is evident that Bargara has been a notable growth leader in the region during this period.

For population projections, AreaSearch adopts 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Looking ahead, the Bargara (SA2) is projected to experience above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an expected increase of 2,259 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 17.4% 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 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years up to FY-25. This totals an estimated 690 homes. So far in FY-26227 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated 2.2 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand supporting property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $494,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In this financial year, $15.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bargara has 137% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 89% detached dwellings and 11% medium and high-density housing, preserving Bargara's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 72 people per approval, Bargara reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Bargara to grow by 1,824 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

Area's performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Club Bargara Resort Development, Bargara Emerging Communities Infrastructure Planning, MIRA Living, and Bargara Headlands Estate. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Bargara has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 9.9%.

As of September 2025, there are 4665 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lags at 47.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance has a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

However, construction has limited presence at 8.1% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 9.9%, while the labour force grew by 10.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data. These figures are lower than those for Rest of Qld, which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated median income would be approximately $53,136 and average income around $65,658. Income data from Census 2021 shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Bargara all fall between the 17th and 20th percentiles nationally. The most common income bracket in Bargara is $800 - 1,499, with 26.2% of locals (2,738 people) falling into this category, whereas the broader area has a predominant cohort of $1,500 - 2,999 at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains in Bargara, 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

The dwelling structure in Bargara, as per the latest Census, was 78.4% houses and 21.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Bargara was 47.8%, with the rest being mortgaged or rented at 24.8% and 27.4% respectively. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bargara was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Bargara was $340, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Bargara's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 percent of all households, including 19.3 percent that are couples with children, 41.3 percent that are couples without children, and 8.6 percent that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.2 percent, with lone person households at 27.7 percent and group households comprising 2.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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

Educational attainment in Bargara is notable with 23.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing the SA4 region's 13.3% and the SA3 area's 14.7%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 35.8%, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (25.2%). A significant 22.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, comprising 8.3% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

A substantial 22.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.3% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 48 active stops operating in Bargara, serving buses only. These stops are covered by one route, offering 93 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport access is rated good, with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 shows significant challenges for Bargara with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% (~5,317 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of Qld's 48.4%.

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% (3,804 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 26.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming 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, as per data collected, has a lower than average cultural diversity level with 80.0% of its residents born in Australia, 89.3% being citizens, and 94.2% predominantly speaking English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Bargara, accounting for 57.8% of the population, slightly higher than the 54.0% average across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth are English (32.7%), Australian (26.1%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, German ancestry is relatively high at 6.1%, compared to the regional average of 6.4%. Scottish ancestry also stands out at 9.1% versus the region's 7.8%, while Welsh ancestry is present at a higher rate than average, with 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 Queensland'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 Queensland's 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 average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown 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 the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Bargara, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 134%, adding 589 residents to reach 1,028. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 70% of population growth, underscoring trends towards demographic aging. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.