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 ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Clear Island Waters' population is estimated at around 4570 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 175 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4395 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4570, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1038 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 97.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 and 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 future population trends are examined, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the suburb of Clear Island Waters expected to increase by 361 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.9% in total over the 16 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's important to note that the small sample size means individual development projects can substantially influence annual growth and relativity statistics. Compared to 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 9026 people per dwelling approval, Clear Island Waters reflects a highly mature market. Population forecasts indicate Clear Island Waters will gain 361 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate (as of March 2022). 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

Six projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly: Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, Merrimac Railway Station, Clear Island Waters Urban Village, and Cypress Central. These projects are detailed below for their relevance.

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 significant representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.2% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025, 2,129 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Clear Island Waters lagged significantly at 56.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Based on Census responses, 20.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area had a strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.2% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.3% and labour force grew by 2.4%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.2%. 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 suggest potential future demand within Clear Island Waters. Applying these projections to the local employment mix indicated that local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Clear Island Waters had a lower than average national income level according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Clear Island Waters was $47,353 and the average income stood at $60,118. These figures compared to those for Regional Qld which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,732 (median) and $66,947 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data showed household, family and personal incomes all ranked modestly in Clear Island Waters, between the 34th and 42nd percentiles. Income analysis revealed that 26.9% of the population (1,229 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.7% similarly occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Clear Island Waters, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 63.6% houses and 36.5% other dwellings. In Regional Qld, this was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clear Island Waters was 47.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented at 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, compared to Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in the area was $540, whereas Regional Qld's figure was $345. Nationally, Clear Island Waters' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's 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 account for 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 constitute 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, aligning with the Regional Queensland 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 high, with 32.7% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This compares to a broader benchmark of 20.6% in the Rest of Qld region and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.2% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.7% and certificates for 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.

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

Clear Island Waters has three active public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by eight different routes that together facilitate 806 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically residing 648 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, and cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 20.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

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

Clear Island Waters's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Clear Island Waters.

AreaSearch's assessment found low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,332 people). The most common medical conditions were arthritis (8.7%) and mental health issues (6.1%). A majority, 69.9%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 28.2% (1,288 people), compared to the regional average of 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Clear Island Waters was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Clear Island Waters has a high level of cultural diversity, with 24.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 39.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Clear Island Waters, accounting for 57.5% of people. Judaism is overrepresented compared to regional averages, comprising 0.8% of the population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.0%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (9.5%). Notably, Russian (0.6%) and Hungarian (0.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Clear Island Waters compared to regional averages.

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

Clear Island Waters's median age is 50 years, which is notably older than Regional Queensland's median age of 41 and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-old group comprises 11.5% of the population, a figure much higher than both Regional Queensland's 6.2% and Australia's 6.1%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up only 9.8% of Clear Island Waters' population, compared to Regional Queensland's 17.0%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25-34 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.8%, while the 65-74 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 12.0%, and the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.1% to 13.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Clear Island Waters' population aged 85 and above will expand significantly, increasing from 214 to 353 people, a growth of 64%. This expansion is projected to contribute to 51% of the total population growth. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.