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

The estimated population of the Clear Island Waters statistical area (Lv2) as of November 2025 is around 4,528 people. This figure reflects an increase of 133 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,395 people. The recent growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 97% of overall population gains. By June 2024, AreaSearch estimated the resident population at 4,528 following an examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and validation of one new address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,029 persons per square kilometer, relatively inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch.

For future projections until 2032, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. Beyond 2032 and for areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the Clear Island Waters (SA2) is expected to increase by 433 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 9.6% over the 17-year period.

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 has had minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years (12 approvals in total). This low level of development reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically local and specific rather than driven by broad market demand. It's important to note that the small sample size can significantly influence annual growth and relative statistics.

Compared to the rest of Queensland and national averages, Clear Island Waters has much lower development activity. Recent development in the area has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, with a focus on family homes suited for those seeking rural lifestyle 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 reflects a highly mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that could affect this 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 likely to be 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 strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% in September 2025, lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Employment grew by 2.1% in the past year. Key industries include health care & social assistance and retail trade. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 0.2%.

Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.1% while labour force grew by 2.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Statewide in Queensland, employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Clear Island Waters' employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Clear Island Waters was $47,353 and the average income stood at $60,118, compared to figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,046 (median) and $66,076 (average) as of September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows household, family and personal incomes in Clear Island Waters ranked modestly, between the 34th and 42nd percentiles. Income analysis revealed that 26.9% of the population, equating to 1,218 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 after housing costs, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The suburb'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

Clear Island Waters' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 63.6% houses and 36.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro Qld had 50.9% houses and 49.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clear Island Waters was 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 $1,907. Median weekly rent in the area was $540, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $500. Nationally, Clear Island Waters' 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 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 average for the Rest of Queensland.

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. Specifically, 32.7% of residents aged 15 years and above have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the Rest of Queensland 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 common, with 31.2% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 12.7% while certificates make up 18.5%.

Educational participation is high in the area, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education programs. 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

The analysis of public transport in Clear Island Waters shows that there are three active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of eight individual routes providing service to the area. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 806.

The accessibility of transport in this region is rated as limited, with residents on average located 648 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 115 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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.

Common health conditions are 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, which comprises around 2,310 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.7% and 6.1% of residents respectively. Approximately 69.9% of residents 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, totaling around 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 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 main religion in Clear Island Waters, comprising 57.5% of people. Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 0.8% of Clear Island Waters' population versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.0%), Australian (19.7%), and Other (9.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Russian is overrepresented at 0.6%, Hungarian is at 0.4%, and New Zealand is underrepresented at 1.0% compared to regional figures of 0.4% and 1.5%, respectively.

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 41 and Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-old group comprises 11.2%, while the 25-34 group constitutes 9.0%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.2%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects that the 85+ age cohort will expand by 171 people (71%), reaching 411. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 50% of population growth. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.