Curra

Population growth drivers in Curra are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census date, Curra's estimated population is around 2,576 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 472 people (22.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,104 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,369 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 25 persons per square kilometer. Curra's 22.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the Curra statistical area (Lv2) expected to grow by 235 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decline of 1.5% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Curra when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Curra averaged around 17 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 89 homes were approved, with 9 more in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling resulted in an average of 2.5 new residents annually over the past five financial years, suggesting healthy demand supporting property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $435,000. This year, Curra has registered $740,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of Qld, Curra's construction activity per person is comparable, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas.

All new constructions were standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 130 people per approval, Curra reflects a developing area. Population is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Curra has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to impact the area significantly due to changes in local infrastructure. These key projects include: Lower Wonga Solar Farm (Proposed), Curra Town Centre Development, Woolooga Solar Farm, and EQUIS Lower Wonga (Woolooga) BESS. The following list details those projects likely to be 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 reveals Curra recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Curra's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with a high representation.

In the past year, unemployment was 7.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 9.1%. As of September 2025, Curra has 999 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 48.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade has a particularly high share of employment, at 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services employ only 1.0% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 5.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 9.1%, while labour force grew by 10.0%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest Curra's employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Curra's current employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Curra had a median taxpayer income of $35,741 and an average income of $43,443 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages; Rest of Qld's median income was $53,146 with an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $39,283 (median) and $47,748 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Curra all fell between the 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 31.7% of locals (816 people) earned between $800 and $1,499, differing from surrounding regions where the predominant category was $1,500 to $2,999 at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe; only 83.9% of income remained, ranking at the 8th percentile.

Curra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Curra's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings. Non-Metro Qld had 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Curra's home ownership rate was 40.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.2% and rented ones at 11.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Curra was $1,268, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,326. The median weekly rent in Curra was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $290. Nationally, Curra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Curra has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.2% of all households, including 28.1% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Curra exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 7.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 5.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (37.0%). Educational participation is high, with 26.7% currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.7% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Curra is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Curra faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 44% (~1,144 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of Qld's 46.6% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent, impacting 12.1% and 11.4% respectively.

However, 57.5% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 60.3%. The area has 22.3% (574 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Qld's 25.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Curra is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Curra's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.3% of its population born in Australia, 90.3% being citizens, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Curra, comprising 48.4% of its population, compared to 50.4% across the Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups in Curra are English (33.6%), Australian (31.1%), and Irish (7.7%).

Notably, Maori (0.9%) and German (4.7%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 5.8%, respectively, while Dutch representation is slightly higher at 1.6%.

Curra hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Curra has a median age of 45, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and well above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 14.9%, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 9.1%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 5.6% to 6.7%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.6% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group declined from 16.8% to 15.3%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 13.7% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Curra's age structure. Notably, the 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 22%, reaching 210 from 172. The combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.