Karana Downs

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the suburb of Karana Downs is around 3,911, reflecting an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,800 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and ABS ERP estimates from surrounding areas applied to Karana Downs by AreaSearch. The latest estimate, as of June 2024, was 3,904 residents. Overseas migration contributed approximately 61% of the overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 are adopted, using proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections from 2023. Looking ahead to 2041, population projections indicate a decline of 106 persons for the suburb. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to increase by 158 people.

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 indicates that Karana Downs has seen approximately 4 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 21 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, this results in around 0.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

The supply of new dwellings meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new properties is $438,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Karana Downs shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 91.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This limited new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes in the area. Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints or maturity of the area.

All new constructions in Karana Downs have been detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 1303 people, reflecting the area's quiet and low-activity development environment. With stable or declining population projections, Karana Downs should experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers in the long run.

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 expected to affect the region: Warrego Highway - Mount Crosby Road Interchange Upgrade. Other notable projects include Centenary Motorway (Darra - Yamanto) planning, Ipswich Smart City Program, and Ipswich City Plan 2025. The following details those likely 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 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 was 1.4% as of June 2025, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Workforce participation stood at 69.6%, higher than the regional average of 64.5%. Key employment areas include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training has a high share of employment, at 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence with 3.4% compared to the regional average of 5.6%.

Despite its residential nature, Karana Downs offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force remained unchanged (0.0%) while employment decreased slightly (-0.1%), leading to a rise in unemployment rate (+0.2 percentage points). This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's growth in employment (+4.4%) and labour force (+4.0%), accompanied by a fall in unemployment (-0.4 percentage points). Jobs and Skills Australia projections from Sep-22 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Karana Downs' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by similar rates, at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

Karana Downs' income level is above the national average according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2022. Karana Downs' median income among taxpayers was $58,637 and the average income stood at $67,056, compared to Greater Brisbane's figures of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $66,840 (median) and $76,437 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Karana Downs rank highly nationally, between the 73rd and 81st percentiles. Income analysis shows that 37.0% of the population (1,447 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting regional patterns where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. The locality demonstrates affluence with 33.3% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 87.1% of income, indicating strong purchasing power. Karana Downs' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Brisbane metro had 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Karana Downs was at 29.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.4% and rented ones at 12.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Karana Downs was $400, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Karana Downs' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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 comprise the remaining 14.7%, with lone person households at 13.4% and group households making up 1.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Karana Downs' residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 32.3% compared to the broader SA3 area's 17.2% and SA4 region's 18.8%. 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas (12.1%) and certificates (25.8%). Educational participation is high at 30.0%, including primary education (10.6%), secondary education (9.0%), and tertiary education (5.6%).

Mount Crosby State School serves Karana Downs, with an enrollment of 589 students as of the latest data. The school has an ICSEA score of 1042, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. It caters exclusively to primary education, while secondary options are available in nearby areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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 Karana Downs residents have relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen across both young and old age groups at a fairly standard level. Private health cover is high, at approximately 54% of the total population (~2,102 people), compared to 49.9% in Greater Brisbane.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.3 and 8.4% of residents respectively. 67.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.2% in Greater Brisbane. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over (700 people), higher than the 15.3% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 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 main religion, comprising 46.5%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% in Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.4%), Australian (24.8%), and Scottish (9.3%). Welsh, Dutch, and South African ethnicities showed notable divergences: Welsh at 0.9% vs regional 0.6%, Dutch at 2.3% vs 1.3%, and South African at 1.0% vs 0.3%.

Karana Downs hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Karana Downs' median age is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Karana Downs has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (15.7%) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (8.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 4.3% to 6.2%, while the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 11.5% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group decreased from 14.6% to 12.9% and the 25 to 34 group fell from 10.0% to 8.6%. Demographic modeling indicates that Karana Downs' age profile will significantly change by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 59%, adding 142 residents to reach 385. This growth is attributed solely to demographic aging, as residents aged 65 and older represent 100% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.