Carrara

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by them, as of May 2026, the estimated population of Carrara is around 14,314. This figure represents an increase of 1,176 people (9.0%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,138 in the suburb of Carrara. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 36 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,081 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Notably, Carrara's growth rate of 9.0% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (6.6%), positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch employs 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 are adopted, which were released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort when utilising them. Considering projected demographic shifts, Carrara is expected to experience population growth just below the median of locations outside capital cities. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is anticipated to grow by 1,349 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 9.4% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Carrara recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Carrara had around 26 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 133 homes. In FY-26 so far, 64 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of about 8.4 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. Commercial development approvals this financial year totalled $15.8 million.

Carrara has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person compared to Rest of Qld, placing it among the 15th percentile nationally. This indicates relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing homes. New development consists of 42% standalone homes and 58% townhouses or apartments. Carrara has approximately 1075 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate it will gain around 1349 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones include Coomera Connector Stage 1 South, Nielsens Road Apartment Development, Serenity Estate - Gilston, and Carrara Stadium - 2032 Olympics Venue. The following list details those 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 Carrara demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Carrara has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8%. As of December 2025, there were 7,850 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 66.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents worked from home. The key industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Arts & recreation had a high employment share at 2.0 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 0.4%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data comparison. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 2.8% and labour force grew by 2.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasted with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Carrara's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Carrara has an income level below the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Carrara is $50,303, and the average income stands at $61,171. These figures compare to those of Regional Queensland, which are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on a 11.36% growth in wages since financial year 2023, current estimates for Carrara's median income would be approximately $56,017 and the average income around $68,120 as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Carrara rank modestly, between the 39th and 43rd percentiles. The data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 32.5% of residents (4,652 people), a figure similar to the regional average of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Carrara, with only 80.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 36th percentile. The suburb's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Carrara displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Carrara, as per the latest Census, 52.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 47.9% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. In comparison, Queensland region had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carrara stood at 32.3%, similar to Regional Qld's figure. Mortgaged dwellings comprised 39.6% while rented ones accounted for 28.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Carrara was $1,900, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Carrara was $450 compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Carrara's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also substantially higher at $450 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households are 71.0% of all households, including 28.0% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households making up 4.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

Carrara Trail's residents aged 15+ have 23.2% with university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.0% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (26.6%). Educational participation is high, with 26.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.9% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Carrara has 29 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 1,033 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 359 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the primary mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in Carrara. According to the 2021 Census, 15% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 147 trips per day, equating to approximately 35 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Carrara is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Carrara shows better-than-average health outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~7,363 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.5%) and mental health issues (7.4%), while 68.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes for working-age individuals are typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.5% (3,077 people), compared to the regional average of 20.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Carrara's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 29.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Carrara, comprising 51.7% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Carrara at 0.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (30.3%), Australian (22.9%), and Other (8.5%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.4% in Carrara (vs regional 0.9%), Maori at 1.1% (vs 0.8%), and South Australian at 0.8% (vs 0.5%).

Carrara's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Carrara is 42 years, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years but higher than the Australian median of 38 years. Comparing with Regional Queensland, Carrara has a notably over-represented 25-34 age cohort at 13.8%, while its 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.9%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 10.3% to 12.7%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.6% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group declined from 12.9% to 11.2%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 11.6% to 9.9%. Population forecasts for Carrara in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 524 people (27%), growing from 1,975 to 2,500. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 15-24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.