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 May 2026, the suburb of Curra's population is estimated at around 2,373. This reflects an increase of 269 people (12.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,104 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,364, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 60 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 23 persons per square kilometer. Curra's 12.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.2%), along with 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. 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the suburb of Curra expected to grow by 193 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.8% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Curra among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Curra averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 90 homes were approved, with another 17 approved in FY-26 to date. This results in an estimated 3.3 new residents per home built annually over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of these properties is $435,000. In comparison, Curra has seen $740,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development activity. Despite comparable construction activity per person to the rest of Queensland, Curra maintains a low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing, attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 133 people per approval, Curra reflects a developing area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch projects Curra's population to grow by 184 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply is expected to meet demand comfortably, potentially supporting further growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely impacting the region: Lower Wonga Solar Farm (Proposed), Curra Town Centre Development, Woolooga Solar Farm, and EQUIS Lower Wonga (Woolgooga) BESS. The following details those most relevant.

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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. The unemployment rate was 6.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 8.5%.

As of December 2025, 1,011 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 2.6% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation lagged at 55.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Only 9.9% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with retail trade being particularly strong at 1.4 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services employed only 1.0% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 5.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 8.5%, while the labour force grew by 9.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Curra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for local population projections.

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

The suburb of Curra has a median taxpayer income of $35,741 and an average income of $43,443 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Curra would be approximately $39,801 (median) and $48,378 (average) as of March 2026. Census data from 2021 shows that incomes in Curra fall between the 2nd and 6th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. The majority of locals, spanning 31.7% (752 people), earn within the $800 - $1,499 category, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Curra, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Curra, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.1% houses and 4.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Curra was 40.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.2% and rented ones at 11.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,268, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Curra was $300, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Curra's mortgage repayments were 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households making up 21.8% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 5.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 46.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (37.0%).

Educational participation is 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 well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Curra faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 44% of the total population (around 1,054 people), compared to Regional Queensland's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 12.1% and 11.4% of residents respectively. However, 57.5% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to Regional Queensland's 67.6%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Curra has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (552 people), higher than Regional Queensland's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings.

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. The dominant religion in Curra is Christianity, which accounts for 48.4% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (33.6%), Australian (31.1%), and Irish (7.7%).

Notable differences exist in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maori is overrepresented at 0.9% compared to 0.8% regionally, German remains consistent at 4.7%, and Dutch are slightly higher at 1.6% versus 1.1%.

Curra hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Curra has a median age of 45, which is higher than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, comprising 15.2% of the population, compared to 9.4% nationally and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 at 8.8%. Since the Census in 2021, the age groups have shifted: the 75-84 group has grown from 5.6% to 7.3%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 9.6% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 group declined from 16.8% to 15.0%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.7% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Curra's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 22%, reaching 254 people from its current figure of 208. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 55-64 and 5-14 years old.