Clontarf (Moreton Bay - Qld)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Clontarf reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The suburb of Clontarf (Moreton Bay - Qld) had an estimated population of 8,943 as of Feb 2026. This was a 5.9% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 8,446 people. The growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 8,911 residents in Jun 2024 and 41 new addresses validated since the Census date. This resulted in a population density of 1,401 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Clontarf's growth rate was competitive with other SA3 areas, being within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's 8.8% growth since census. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% to the population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in Jun 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future population trends project an above median growth for national statistical areas. The suburb of Clontarf is expected to grow by 1,323 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.5% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Clontarf had approximately 22 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 111 homes. This fiscal year, FY-26, has seen nine approvals so far. Each new dwelling attracted an average of 3.5 people annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply lagging demand. New properties are constructed at an estimated $271,000 each, aligning with broader regional development figures.

In commercial development, Clontarf has recorded $6.4 million in approvals this fiscal year, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clontarf has significantly less development activity, 70.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, Clontarf's development levels are also lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of 81.0% detached houses and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a focus on family homes.

With approximately 377 people per dwelling approval, Clontarf indicates a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Clontarf is expected to grow by around 1,294 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Clontarf has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 21 projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Bramble Bay Foreshore Restoration Project, Clontarf Beach State High School's major upgrade and expansion, Clontarf State Special School's new campus, and Pelican Waters Estate's stages 3 & 4. 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Clontarf well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Clontarf has a balanced workforce encompassing white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 9.0%, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 4,534 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Clontarf was at 62.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 14.6% of residents worked from home.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a significant employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 5.1%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, suggesting local employment opportunities may not fully meet demand. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 9.0% and labour force grew by 5.9%, leading to a 2.7 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clontarf's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming no change in population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Clontarf's median income among taxpayers is $51,733. The average income in the suburb is $62,697. Both figures are below the national average. In Greater Brisbane, the median income is $58,236 and the average is $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Clontarf's median income would be approximately $56,860 by September 2025, with an average of around $68,910. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Clontarf rank modestly, between the 27th and 29th percentiles. Distribution data reveals that 31.5% of the community (2,817 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 33.3% fall into this category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Clontarf, with only 81.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 23rd percentile.

Clontarf is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Clontarf's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 78.7% houses and 21.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clontarf stood at 31.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.4% and rented ones at 34.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Brisbane metro's $1,863. Median weekly rent was recorded at $345, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Clontarf's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Clontarf features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.5% of all households, including 23.2% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 13.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Clontarf fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.2%, significantly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 30.4%. Educational participation is high, with 25.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Clontarf has 37 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 494 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility in Clontarf is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 194 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 88% of residents, while only 5% use trains. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Clontarf.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 70 trips per day, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Clontarf is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Clontarf faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is slightly lower than average at approximately 52% of the total population (~4,654 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues affect 10.8% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.5%. Conversely, 60.2% report no medical ailments, lower than the 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population has notably high chronic condition rates. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 23.7% of the population (2,119 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings.

Clontarf ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Clontarf's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 87.2% being Australian citizens, 79.4% born in Australia, and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 48.2%. Judaism, at 0.1%, was similarly represented to Greater Brisbane's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (25.7%), and Irish (9.9%). Maori (1.5%) and New Zealanders (1.2%) had higher representation than the regional averages of 1.1% and 1.0%, respectively, while Samoans (0.5%) were underrepresented compared to the region's 0.9%.

Clontarf hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Clontarf is 46 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clontarf has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (12.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 7.0% to 8.4% of Clontarf's population, while the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 10.4% to 9.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clontarf's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 63%, reaching 1,227 people from 751. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting Clontarf's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are projected to decrease in number.