Clear Island Waters

Clear Island Waters has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Clear Island Waters as of November 2025 is around 4,528. This reflects an increase of 133 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,395. The change is inferred from the resident population estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Residential Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,029 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 97.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected. The suburb is expected to increase by 433 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Clear Island Waters according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Clear Island Waters had minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually between 2016 and 2020. This resulted in a total of 12 approvals over these five years. The low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand.

It should be noted that the small sample size means individual development projects can substantially influence annual growth and relativity statistics. Compared to the Rest of Qld and national averages, Clear Island Waters naturally has much lower development activity. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, with a focus on family homes suited to those seeking rural lifestyle and space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (64.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.

With around 9024 people per dwelling approval, Clear Island Waters reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Clear Island Waters will gain 433 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate (as of Q2 2021). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Clear Island Waters 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 identified six projects that may impact the region. Notable projects include Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 (Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads), Merrimac Railway Station, Clear Island Waters Urban Village, and Cypress Central. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Clear Island Waters demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Clear Island Waters has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% in June 2025, lower than Rest of Qld's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%. Workforce participation is lower at 51.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services, with a strong specialization in the latter (1.9 times regional level). Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited representation (0.2% vs Rest of Qld's 4.5%).

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, labour force by 2.1%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% with a slight increase in unemployment (0.2 percentage points). Jobs and Skills Australia's Sep-22 forecasts suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clear Island Waters' employment mix indicates potential local growth of 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Clear Island Waters' median income among taxpayers was $47,353 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $60,118 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of Qld's, which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $53,978 (median) and $68,529 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Clear Island Waters rank modestly, between the 34th and 42nd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 26.9% of the population (1,218 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Clear Island Waters displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Clear Island Waters, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.6% houses and 36.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasted with Non-Metro Qld's composition of 50.9% houses and 49.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clear Island Waters stood at 47.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented dwellings at 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,907. The median weekly rent in Clear Island Waters was recorded at $540, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $500. Nationally, Clear Island Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Clear Island Waters has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 73.8% of all households, including 31.6% couples with children, 31.4% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, matching the Rest of Qld average.

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

Educational attainment in Clear Island Waters is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 32.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.7% and certificates at 18.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education. St Vincent's Primary School serves the area, with an enrollment of 795 students as of 2022. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA index of 1094.

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

Transport analysis indicates three operational public transport stops within Clear Island Waters. These stops offer mixed bus services, with eight distinct routes collectively facilitating 806 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as limited, with residents generally situated 648 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 115 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 268 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Clear Island Waters, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,310 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.7 and 6.1% of residents respectively. 69.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.7% across Rest of Qld. The area has 28.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,299 people), which is higher than the 17.1% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Clear Island Waters is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Clear Island Waters has a high cultural diversity, with 24.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 39.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, making up 57.5%. Notably, Judaism comprises 0.8%, compared to 0.3% in Rest of Qld.

In ancestry, the top three groups are English (26.0%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (9.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Russian is overrepresented at 0.6% vs regional 0.4%, Hungarian at 0.4% vs 0.4%, and New Zealand at 1.0% vs regional 1.5%.

Clear Island Waters ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Clear Island Waters' median age is 50 years, which is significantly older than Rest of Qld's median age of 41 and higher than the Australian median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-olds are particularly prominent at 11.2%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 9.0% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35-44 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.2%, while the 65-74 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Clear Island Waters' age profile. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand by 171 people (71%) from 239 to 411. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 50% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.