Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Population
Karana Downs has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Karana Downs' population is estimated at around 3,904 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 104 people (2.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,800 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,897 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 520 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with Karana Downs' population expected to decline by 108 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 157 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Karana Downs is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Karana Downs has seen approximately 4 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 20 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. This results in an estimated 0.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply meeting or surpassing demand.
New properties are constructed at an average value of $438,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Karana Downs has seen significantly reduced construction (91.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This activity is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in the area has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population count of 1117 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.
Population projections showing stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Karana Downs has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting the region: Warrego Highway - Mount Crosby Road Interchange Upgrade, Centenary Motorway (Darra - Yamanto) planning, Ipswich Smart City Program, and Ipswich Better Bus Network are key initiatives, with the following projects being most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025
The Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025 is a strategic framework focused on energy affordability, reliability, and sustainability, replacing the previous 2022 Energy and Jobs Plan. Key initiatives include a $400 million Energy Investment Fund, a $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee for existing assets, and a new Regional Energy Hubs framework. The plan targets 6.8 GW of new wind/solar and 3.8 GW of storage by 2030 through private sector investment. It also prioritizes the CopperString Eastern Link (330kV) to be delivered by 2032 and a 400MW gas-fired generation tender in Central Queensland. The Energy Roadmap Amendment Act 2025, passed in December 2025, formally repealed previous renewable energy targets while maintaining a net zero by 2050 commitment.
Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure Program
A $7.1 billion infrastructure program overseen by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA). Key projects include a new 63,000-seat multi-purpose stadium at Victoria Park for ceremonies and athletics, a new National Aquatic Centre, and the Brisbane Athletes Village at the Showgrounds. The program focuses on 17 new and upgraded venues alongside major transport improvements to create a long-term legacy for South East Queensland.
Brisbane 2032 Games Venue Infrastructure Program
A $7.1 billion program managed by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) to deliver 17 new and upgraded venues for the Brisbane 2032 Games. Key projects include the new 63,000-seat Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park ($3.785 billion) and the National Aquatic Centre at Spring Hill ($1.2 billion). As of early 2026, the program is in the procurement and early works phase, with principal architects being appointed for major venues and the Unite32 consortium serving as the primary delivery partner.
Building Future Hospitals Program
Queensland's Hospital Rescue Plan is a landmark $18.5 billion infrastructure initiative delivering over 2,600 new and refurbished public hospital beds by 2032. The program includes the construction of three new hospitals in Coomera, Bundaberg, and Toowoomba, alongside major expansions at Ipswich (Stage 2), Logan, Princess Alexandra, and Townsville University hospitals. It also encompasses satellite hospitals and a statewide cancer network to address the needs of a growing and aging population.
Ipswich AOD Residential Rehabilitation Facility (West Moreton Recovery)
Now open, West Moreton Recovery is a state-of-the-art 46-bed residential treatment facility providing voluntary rehabilitation and withdrawal services for adults. The $51.7 million center includes a 36-bed residential rehabilitation unit and a 10-bed withdrawal (detox) unit. Operated by Lives Lived Well in partnership with Queensland Health, the facility offers evidence-based care, 24/7 staffing, and programs ranging from 6 to 12 weeks to support recovery from alcohol and other drug issues.
South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Supplement (SEQIP & SEQIS)
The South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan (SEQIP) and its Supplement (SEQIS) establish a multi-decade strategic framework for infrastructure investment across the SEQ region. As of 2026, the plan is being updated to align with ShapingSEQ 2023, focusing on a record $103.9 billion pipeline over five years. Key priorities include unlocking housing supply via the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, delivering Brisbane 2032 Olympic venues like the Victoria Park Games Precinct, and major transport projects such as Cross River Rail and the Coomera Connector to support a population reaching 4 million by 2026.
Ipswich Smart City Program
The Ipswich Smart City Program is a city-wide digital transformation initiative led by Ipswich City Council to enhance liveability and economic prosperity through technology. Key components include an IoT sensor network, smart lighting, public Wi-Fi, environmental monitoring, and a centralized city data platform. As of 2026, the program is integrated into the iFuture 2021-2026 Corporate Plan and the Ipswich City Plan 2025, with ongoing rollouts of smart parking, flood monitoring sensors, and digital innovation hubs like Fire Station 101.
Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor (I2S)
The Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor (I2S) is a proposed 25 km dedicated mass transit link connecting Ipswich Central and Springfield Central. The project traverses the high-growth areas of Ripley and Redbank Plains and is planned to include nine new stations. The corridor serves as a strategic link to the Brisbane CBD and aims to provide a competitive alternative to private vehicle travel for an estimated 200,000 residents. Following the completion of the Options Analysis in late 2024, a Detailed Business Case is scheduled to commence in early 2026, jointly funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government, and Ipswich City Council under the SEQ City Deal.
Employment
AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Karana Downs performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia
Karana Downs has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.3%, with estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation).
As of September 2025, 2,258 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7%, below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 69.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area specializes in education & training, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.
However, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence at 3.4%, compared to 5.6% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.2% and labour force grew by 3.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with a decrease in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Karana Downs' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis
The suburb of Karana Downs had an average national income level according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $58,637 and the average income stood at $67,056. These figures compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $64,448 (median) and $73,701 (average). Census 2021 income data showed household, family and personal incomes all ranked highly in Karana Downs, between the 73rd and 81st percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 37.0% of its population (1,444 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 33.3% similarly occupied this range. The locality demonstrated considerable affluence with 33.3% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retained 87.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Karana Downs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Karana Downs' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 93.7% houses and 6.2% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Brisbane metro had 88.4% houses and 11.6% others. Karana Downs' home ownership was 29.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.4% and rented at 12.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, above Brisbane's $1,517. Median weekly rent was $400, higher than Brisbane's $300. Nationally, Karana Downs' repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents higher at $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Karana Downs features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 85.3% of all households, including 41.0% couples with children, 32.9% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 14.7%, with lone person households at 13.4% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
The educational profile of Karana Downs exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
Karana Downs' residents aged 15+ have higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. 32.3% hold university qualifications, compared to 17.2% in the SA3 area and 18.8% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.9% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (25.8%).
Educational participation is high, with 30.0% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.6% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
No public transport data available for this catchment area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Karana Downs's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts
Health data shows positive outcomes for Karana Downs residents, with common health conditions similar across young and old age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 54%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 50.5%.
Mental health issues affect 9.3% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.4%. About 67.7% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 62.2%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 17.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with the general population's health profile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Karana Downs ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Karana Downs had a cultural diversity index below average, with 77.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.4% being citizens, and 94.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.5% of people in Karana Downs. Judaism's representation stood out at 0.3%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 0.1%.
The top three ancestral groups were English (31.4%), Australian (24.8%), and Scottish (9.3%). Other ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh was overrepresented at 0.9% in Karana Downs compared to the regional average of 0.6%, Dutch at 2.3% versus 1.3%, and South African at 1.0% against a regional average of 0.3%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Karana Downs's median age exceeds the national pattern
Karana Downs has a median age of 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and older than Australia's median of 38. The 45-54 age group is notably over-represented in Karana Downs at 15.7%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.6%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 4.3% to 6.2% of the population, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.5% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort declined from 14.6% to 12.9%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 10.0% to 8.6%. Demographic modeling indicates that Karana Downs' age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 59%, adding 141 residents to reach 384. This growth is driven entirely by demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing all anticipated population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 45-54 cohorts.