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 since Feb 2026, the suburb of Clear Island Waters' population is estimated at around 4,528. This reflects an increase of 133 people (3.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,395 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,528, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,029 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the suburb 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 we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the suburb 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 an average of two dwelling approvals per year from 2016 to 2020, totalling 12 approvals over five years. This low development activity reflects the rural nature of the area, with residential growth primarily driven by local housing needs rather than broader market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to the rest of Queensland and national averages, Clear Island Waters has much lower development activity. Recent development has consisted solely of detached dwellings, focusing on family homes suited for those seeking rural lifestyles and space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (64.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With approximately 9024 people per dwelling approval, Clear Island Waters exhibits a highly mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Clear Island Waters is projected to gain 433 residents by 2041. 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 has identified six projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones 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.

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 Clear Island Waters demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Clear Island Waters has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

There were 2,111 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 2.0% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 55.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 20.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services.

The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.2% of Clear Island Waters's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.1% while labour force increased by 2.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, the 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 insight into potential future demand within Clear Island Waters. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Clear Island Waters's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Clear Island Waters had a median taxpayer income of $47,353 and an average income of $60,118 in financial year 2023, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This compares to Rest of Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $52,046 and average income $66,076. Census 2021 data shows Clear Island Waters' incomes rank modestly, between the 34th and 42nd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that 26.9% of the population (1,218 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the broader area where 31.7% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The suburb'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

In Clear Island Waters, as per the latest Census, 63.6% of dwellings were houses while 36.5% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clear Island Waters stood at 47.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented ones at 21.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Clear Island Waters was $540, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Clear Island Waters' monthly mortgage repayments were significantly 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 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 comprise the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks. As of the latest data point, 32.7% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 25.4% in SA4 region. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 8.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.7% and certificates at 18.5%.

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis shows three active transport stops operating within Clear Island Waters. These stops serve a mix of buses running eight individual routes, collectively providing 806 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 648 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car remaining the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, some 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 boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Clear Island Waters, as per AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both young and elderly cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (around 2,310 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.7% and 6.1% of residents respectively. About 69.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Clear Island Waters has 28.7% of its population aged 65 and over (1,299 people), which is higher than the state average of 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for 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, comprising 57.5% of people. Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 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 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 significantly older than Rest of Qld's 41 and the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 11.1%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 9.5% compared to Rest of Qld. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25-34 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.5%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 10.1% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 14.4% to 12.2%, and the 15-24 group dropped from 10.5% to 9.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Clear Island Waters's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 85+ age cohort projected to expand considerably, adding 166 people (68%) from 244 to 411. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 52% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.