Carina Heights

Population growth drivers in Carina Heights are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the population of Carina Heights is estimated at around 7,832 people. This reflects an increase of 729 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,103 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,803 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 95 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,276 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 10.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (8.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. Future population trends indicate a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation, with an expected increase of 929 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.5% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Carina Heights has received approximately 41 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 207 homes. As of FY-26, nine approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling is estimated to accommodate 2.4 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is approximately $709,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, around $29.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting robust commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Carina Heights maintains similar development levels per capita, preserving market balance consistent with the broader area, although recent periods show some moderation in development activity. New building activity comprises 58% detached houses and 42% townhouses or apartments, offering a mix of medium-density options across various price brackets.

With approximately 339 people per dwelling approval, Carina Heights demonstrates an evolving market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Carina Heights is projected to grow by around 900 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially facilitating growth that surpasses current forecasts.

Carina Heights 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 18 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Greendale Village Shopping Centre, Holland Park Busway Station Upgrade, 208 Meadowlands Road Carina Development, and Aveo Parkside Carindale Redevelopment. 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.

The labour market in Carina Heights demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Carina Heights has a highly educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 4.9% as of December 2025. Employment grew by 2.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

There are 4,623 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is 1.7 percentage points higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is at 74.0%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. A moderate 24.0% of residents work from home, as indicated by Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 4.1% compared to the regional average of 5.6%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, while labour force increased by 2.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2% and a decrease in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's 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 Carina Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Carina Heights had a median taxpayer income of $62,097 and an average income of $83,061 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This places it among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $69,151 (median) and $92,497 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Carina Heights are at the 71st percentile nationally. The income band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 35.3% of the community's individuals (2,764), which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 65th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Carina Heights displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Carina Heights' dwellings, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 51.1% houses and 48.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Brisbane metro had a higher proportion of houses at 73.5%. Home ownership in Carina Heights was 23.1%, lower than Brisbane's 60.6%. Mortgaged dwellings were 34.9% and rented ones 42.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, above Brisbane's $1,863 but in line with the national average of $1,863 recorded on 27 June 2021. Weekly rent was $403, higher than Brisbane's $380 and the national figure of $375 as of July 2021.

Carina Heights features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.3% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.7%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 6.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Carina Heights demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Carina Heights' residents aged 15 and above exhibit high educational attainment, with 39.2% holding university qualifications, compared to Queensland's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common (26.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.7% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (19.0%). Educational participation is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.1% in tertiary education, 7.6% in primary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in tertiary education, 7.6% in primary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Carina Heights has 48 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together facilitate 2,671 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 146 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 82% of residents, while only 12% use buses. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 24.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 381 trips per day, equating to approximately 55 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Carina Heights are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Carina Heights shows below-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,707 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues impact 10.7% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.1%. A total of 68.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 13.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,080 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Carina Heights was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Carina Heights' population showed greater cultural diversity than most local areas, with 27.5% born overseas and 19.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 49.8% of residents. Judaism's representation in Carina Heights (0.1%) mirrored Greater Brisbane's figure.

The top three ancestral groups were English (25.0%), Australian (21.8%), and Other (10.1%). Notably, Russian (0.7%), New Zealand (1.2%), and Spanish (0.7%) ethnicities had higher representations in Carina Heights compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 1.0%, and 0.4% respectively.

Carina Heights's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Carina Heights' median age of 36 years is equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 18.0%, higher than Greater Brisbane, while the 5-14 cohort stands at 10.1%. From 2021 onwards, the 75-84 age group grew from 3.6% to 4.8%, and the 45-54 cohort increased from 12.1% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 19.0% to 18.0%. By 2041, forecasts suggest significant demographic shifts: the 45-54 age group is projected to increase by 226 people (22%), from 1,033 to 1,260. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts.