Carina Heights

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Nov 2025 the Carina Heights statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 7,765. This reflects an increase of 662 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,103 people, indicating a growth rate of 9.3%. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,705 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 90 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,257 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Carina Heights (SA2)'s 9.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.3%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected for the Carina Heights (SA2), with an expected increase of 1,051 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 12.4% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Carina Heights had around 41 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 207 homes. By FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. This averages out to about 2.3 new residents per dwelling annually between FY-21 and FY-25. The average expected construction cost for new dwellings is around $709,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $29.0 million, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Comparing Carina Heights to Greater Brisbane, it maintains similar development levels per person, though activity has moderated recently. Detached houses make up 58.0% of new building activity, with townhouses or apartments at 42.0%, offering a mix of housing options across price brackets.

With around 338 people per dwelling approval, Carina Heights indicates a growing market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates an increase of 963 residents. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially exceeding current forecast growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 19 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Greendale Village Shopping Centre, Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025, Holland Park Busway Station Upgrade, and 208 Meadowlands Road Carina Development. The following list details those projects 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 conditions in Carina Heights remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Carina Heights has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.2% as of September 2025.

Employment stability remained relatively consistent over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of September 2025, 4,500 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Carina Heights was 70.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services.

The area has a notably high concentration in professional & technical employment, at 1.2 times the regional average. However, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence with 4.1% employment compared to the regional average of 5.6%. Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.6%, while employment decreased by 0.5%, causing a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 3.8% and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

Carina Heights' median income among taxpayers was $62,097 in financial year 2023. The suburb's average income stood at $83,061 during the same period. Greater Brisbane's median and average incomes were $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Carina Heights would be approximately $68,251 and $91,292 based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Carina Heights are around the 71st percentile nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 35.3% of residents earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (2,741 residents). This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area where 33.3% fall into the same category. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income in Carina Heights, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 65th percentile nationally. 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

In Carina Heights, as per the latest Census evaluation, 51.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 48.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Brisbane metropolitan area's figures of 71.2% houses and 28.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carina Heights stood at 23.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented ones at 42.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,200. The median weekly rent in Carina Heights was $403, compared to Brisbane metro's $450. Nationally, Carina Heights' mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $403 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 32.7%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households making up 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 has a notably high level of educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 39.2% holding university qualifications compared to the Queensland average of 25.7% and the Australian average of 30.4%. This advantage is particularly evident in bachelor degree holders (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 high in the area, 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

Transport analysis shows 48 active public transport stops in Carina Heights, served by buses. These stops are covered by 13 routes offering a total of 2,671 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents usually within 146 meters of the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 381 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 55 weekly trips per individual stop.

Carina Heights's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Carina Heights' health data shows a relatively positive picture with low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages, but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 60% (4,667 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 65.6%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.7% and 8.1% of residents respectively. About 68.7% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 72.4% in Greater Brisbane. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.5% (1,048 people), versus Greater Brisbane's 15.6%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader 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, surveyed in 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas. Its population born overseas was 27.5%, with 19.3% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 49.8%.

Judaism, at 0.1%, was slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.1%. The top ancestry groups were English (25.0%), Australian (21.8%), and Other (10.1%). Notably, Russian (0.7% vs regional 0.5%), New Zealand (1.2% vs 1.0%), and Spanish (0.7% vs 0.5%) groups were more prevalent in Carina Heights than regionally.

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 17.6%, higher than Greater Brisbane, while the 5-14 cohort stands at 10.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.6% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 19.0% to 17.6%. By 2041, significant demographic shifts are projected for Carina Heights. The 45-54 age group is expected to increase by 250 people (25%), from 1,001 to 1,252. Conversely, population declines are forecasted for the 35-44 and 0-4 cohorts.