Carrara

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

As of February 2026, AreaSearch estimates the population of Carrara at around 14,137 people. This is an increase of 999 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,138. The current resident population estimate of 14,125 comes from AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,068 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Carrara's population growth of 7.6% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA3 area average of 5.7%, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, Carrara is expected to grow by just below the median rate for locations outside of capital cities. By 2041, aggregated SA2-level projections indicate a population increase of 1,526 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 10.8% over the 17-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 approximately 26 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 133 homes. As of FY-26, 59 approvals have been recorded. Historically, this area has seen an average of 8.1 new residents per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction cost value of new homes in Carrara is around $654,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $15.8 million, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to Rest of Qld, Carrara has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 15th percentile nationally for buyer choice, suggesting relatively constrained options and supporting interest in existing homes. This activity is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments in Carrara consist of approximately 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% townhouses or apartments, favouring compact living which offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

The area has around 1076 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Carrara is projected to gain approximately 1,522 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting 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 identified 23 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Coomera Connector Stage 1 South, Nielsens Road Apartment Development, Serenity Estate - Gilston, and Carrara Stadium - 2032 Olympics Venue. The following list details projects of greatest relevance.

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

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

Carrara has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate in the area is 3.3%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 7,764 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Carrara is broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Based on Census responses, 15.0% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Carrara has a particular specialization in arts & recreation, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 2.4% while labour force grew by 2.5%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Carrara. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Carrara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Carrara had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Carrara was $50,303, with an average income of $61,171. These figures compared to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since June 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,288 (median) and $67,233 (average). Census data from 2021 showed household, family, and personal incomes in Carrara ranked modestly, between the 39th and 43rd percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 32.5% of residents (4,594 people), similar to the regional figure of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 80.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 evaluation, 52.1% of dwellings were houses while 47.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carrara stood at 32.3%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (39.6%) or rented (28.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,900, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Carrara was recorded at $450, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Carrara's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 29.0%, with lone person households at 24.7% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Carrara trail regional benchmarks show that 23.2% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (26.6%). Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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 collectively facilitate 1,033 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically located 359 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 15% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 147 trips per day across all routes, 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 above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, around 7,272 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.5%) and mental health issues (7.4%). About 68.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over, approximately 2,968 people. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings generally in line with the overall 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 is culturally diverse, with 13.1% speaking a language other than English at home and 29.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Carrara, comprising 51.7% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 0.3% of Carrara's population versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (30.3%), Australian (22.9%), and Other (8.5%). There are also notable divergences in certain ethnic groups' representation: New Zealanders comprise 1.4% of Carrara's population compared to 0.9% regionally, Maori make up 1.1% versus 0.8%, and South Africans account for 0.8% versus 0.5%.

Carrara's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Carrara is 41 years, which matches the average for the Rest of Queensland but is older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Queensland, Carrara has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (14.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 10.3% to 12.9%, while the 25-34 age group rose from 12.6% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group decreased from 12.9% to 11.0%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 11.6% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Carrara's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 2,571 people from the current figure of 2,007. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are projected to experience population declines.