Karabar

Karabar has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Karabar is around 8,409, reflecting a decrease of 108 people since the 2021 Census. The population was recorded as 8,517 in the 2021 Census. This decrease is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 8,409, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 1,204 persons per square kilometer, in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed about 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, according to this methodology, the suburb's population is projected to decline by 557 persons. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, with the 85 and over age group expected to increase by 86 people.

The level of residential development activity in Karabar is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Karabar has seen approximately 4 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 21 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY26. The declining population suggests that new supply has likely been keeping pace with demand, offering buyers good choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $589,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment and upmarket properties. This financial year, $98,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating Karabar's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Karabar records significantly lower building activity, at 94.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. The area also falls under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations.

All new construction in Karabar has been comprised of standalone homes, preserving its suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating continued strong demand for family homes. With around 1881 people per approval, Karabar shows a mature, established area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Karabar may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to influence the region: Queanbeyan Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade, Yass Road upgrade, Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive Intersection Upgrade, Queanbeyan Regional Integrated Transport Plan, South Jerrabomberra Urban Release Area.

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The employment environment in Karabar shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Karabar has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 4614 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.9% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Karabar stands at 68.1%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. Census responses show that only 7.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Karabar has a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 3.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance employs only 10.3% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 16.9%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.5%, while employment declined by 4.3%, resulting in a fall of 0.2 percentage points in unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Karabar. These projections estimate a national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Karabar's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that Karabar suburb has median income of $56,730 and average income of $66,789. This is lower than national averages but higher than Regional NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. As of March 2026, estimated incomes would be around $62,585 (median) and $73,682 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year ending June 2023. According to Census 2021 data, Karabar's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 70th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that majority of residents (33.6%, or 2,825 people) fall into $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to surrounding region where this group represents 29.9%. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses. Karabar's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Karabar is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Karabar's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.4% houses and 19.6% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% others. Home ownership in Karabar stood at 29.8%, with mortgaged properties at 41.0% and rented ones at 29.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, exceeding Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Karabar was $350, slightly higher than Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Karabar's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $350 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 73.2% of all households, including 33.0% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate was 20.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees were most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials were prevalent, with 37.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (26.3%). Educational participation was high at 29.0%, comprising 10.4% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Kabarar has 49 active public transport stops, served by 42 routes offering 613 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility, with an average distance of 148 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this predominantly residential area, with cars being the primary mode at 95%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 7.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 87 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 87 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Kabarar faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is prevalent at 53%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues (9.5%) and arthritis (9.2%) are the most common medical conditions in Karabar. 65.3% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,320 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Karabar records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Karabar's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 18.5% of its population born overseas and 15.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Karabar as of 2016, comprising 57.0% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Karabar were Australian (27.7%), English (23.6%), and Irish (7.7%).

Notably, Macedonian was overrepresented at 3.2% (vs regional average of 0.4%), Serbian at 0.9% (vs 0.2%), and Croatian at 1.2% (vs 0.3%).

Karabar's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Karabar's median age is 38, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but matches the national norm of 38. The age group of 25-34 has a strong representation in Karabar at 15.9%, compared to Regional NSW. However, the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent in Karabar at 8.7%. Post the 2021 Census, the population aged 35 to 44 grew from 13.3% to 15.1%, while the 5 to 14 age group declined from 12.8% to 11.0% and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 13.5% to 11.9%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Karabar's age profile by 2041. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 56%, reaching 223 from 142, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 80% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.