Karalee

Karalee lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates, the Karalee statistical area's population is estimated at around 5,983 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 462 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,521. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 5,947 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 388 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Karalee has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with Karalee expected to grow by 902 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.8% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Karalee had around 29 residential properties approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, about 146 homes were approved, with 17 more in FY-26 so far.

This averages to approximately 5.5 new residents per home built over those years. The average construction cost of these dwellings was $481,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Karalee had significantly lower building activity, around 53.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically boosts demand and prices for existing properties in the area.

All new constructions were standalone homes, maintaining Karalee's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. As of now, there are estimated to be 410 people per dwelling approval in the area. By 2041, AreaSearch forecasts an increase of 707 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to influence the local area's performance: Warrego Highway - Mount Crosby Road Interchange Upgrade, Citiswich Business Park Expansion, Bundamba Industrial Precinct Expansion, and Woodlinks Village.

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The exceptional employment performance in Karalee places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Karalee has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 1.7% as of September 2025. This is lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Employment growth in Karalee over the past year was estimated at 3.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. There is particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 14.0% of Karalee's workforce compared to 16.1% in Greater Brisbane.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.4% while labour force increased by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Karalee's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Karalee suburb's income level is slightly above average nationally, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Karalee's median taxpayer income is $60,566 and average income stands at $69,198, compared to Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $66,568 (median) and $76,056 (average). Census data shows Karalee's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 82nd and 91st percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 33.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,022 residents), similar to metropolitan regions at 33.3%. Economic strength is evident with 39.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. Housing accounts for 13.8% of income, and strong earnings rank residents within the 92nd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Karalee's dwellings were 98.3% houses and 1.7% other types at the latest Census, compared to Brisbane metro's 88.4% houses and 11.6% others. Home ownership in Karalee was 26.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 60.8% and rented ones at 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,133, above Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Karalee was $400, higher than Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Karalee's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Karalee features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 87.5% of all households, including 49.0% couples with children, 29.8% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 12.5%, consisting of 10.8% lone person households and 1.3% group households. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Karalee Trail has educational qualifications that fall short of Greater Brisbane's benchmarks, with 23.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees compared to the region's 30.5%. This disparity suggests potential for educational advancement and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 13.3% while certificates make up 28.2%.

Educational participation is notably high in Karalee Trail, with 32.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Karalee's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Karalee residents have relatively positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, though higher than national averages for older and at-risk cohorts. Approximately 55% (~3,267 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 50.5%.

Mental health issues and asthma are most common, affecting 8.8% and 8.2%, respectively. About 70.8% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 62.2%. Karalee has 12.4% (741 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.3%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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

Karalee's population is predominantly Australian-born, with 83.3% born in the country. Citizenship stands at 91.8%, and English is spoken exclusively at home by 95.1%. Christianity is the primary religion, practiced by 53.0% of Karalee residents, compared to 49.5% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.0%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (8.3%). Notably, German ancestry is slightly higher in Karalee at 6.5%, compared to the regional average of 6.4%. South African ancestry is also higher at 0.8% versus 0.3%, and Welsh ancestry is at 0.7% compared to 0.6% regionally.

Karalee's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Karalee's median age is nearly 37 years, close to Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Karalee has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (16.8%) but fewer in the 25-34 age group (9.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75-84 age group has grown from 2.8% to 3.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Karalee's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 89%, adding 186 residents to reach 396. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.