Carrara

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

As of Nov 2025, Carrara's population is estimated at around 14,137. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 13,138 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 14,125 following examination of ABS ERP data release in Jun 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level equates to a density ratio of 1,068 persons per square kilometer. Carrara's 7.6% growth exceeded the SA3 area's 5.7%, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.00000000000001% of overall population gains recently, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with base year 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts lacking category splits. Considering projected demographic shifts, the Carrara statistical area (Lv2) is expected to grow by 1,524 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 10.8% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Carrara has experienced around 26 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 133 homes. So far in FY-26, 59 approvals have been recorded. On average, 8.1 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25.

Supply is substantially lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average value of $654,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $15.8 million in commercial development approvals, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of Qld, Carrara has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 15th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing homes. This lower activity reflects market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consists of 42.0% standalone homes and 58.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 1076 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Population forecasts suggest Carrara will gain 1,521 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely 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 has identified 23 projects likely affecting 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 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 performance in Carrara exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Carrara has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4%.

As of September 2025, 7,764 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is standard at 63.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in arts & recreation, with an employment share twice the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 2.4%, and unemployment remained flat, contrasting with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment increased by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Carrara's local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

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. In Carrara, the median income among taxpayers is $50,303, and the average income stands at $61,171. These figures compare to those of Rest of Qld's, which are $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023, current estimates for Carrara would be approximately $55,288 (median) and $67,233 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census data from 2021, incomes in Carrara rank modestly, between the 39th and 43rd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates in Carrara, with 32.5% of residents (4,594 people), 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Carrara, as per the latest Census, consisted of 52.1% houses and 47.9% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had a higher percentage of houses at 71.9%, with the remaining 28.1% being other dwellings. Home ownership in Carrara stood at 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 39.6% and rented dwellings accounting for 28.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Carrara was $1,900, lower than the Non-Metro Qld average of $1,950. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Carrara was recorded at $450, slightly higher than Non-Metro Qld's $435. Nationally, Carrara's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $450 compared to 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.8.

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

In Carrara Trail region, 23.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. 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 and above, with advanced diplomas at 13.4% and certificates at 26.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.8% 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 operating within the city. These stops are serviced by 7 different bus routes that collectively provide 1,033 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 359 meters from the nearest transport stop.

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

Health outcomes in Carrara are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Carrara's health indicators show below-average results, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 51% (~7,272 people) of Carrara's population has private health cover, which is relatively low. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.5%) and mental health issues (7.4%). About 68.9% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in the rest of Queensland. Carrara has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.1% (2,982 people), compared to 16.7% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors in Carrara are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 13.1% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 29.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Carrara, comprising 51.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 0.3% of Carrara's population versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.3%), Australian (22.9%), and Other (8.5%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: New Zealanders comprise 1.4% of Carrara's population compared to 1.8% regionally, Maori make up 1.1% versus 1.9%, and South Africans constitute 0.8% versus 0.7%.

Carrara's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Carrara is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but well above Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.7% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 10.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.3% to 12.6%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 12.6% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 12.9% to 11.1%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.6% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for Carrara in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 634 people (33%), from 1,936 to 2,571. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.