Mermaid Waters

Population growth drivers in Mermaid Waters are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for Mermaid Waters is around 14,162. This figure reflects an increase of 1,074 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,088. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 14,100 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 288 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,011 persons per square kilometer, above the national average according to AreaSearch assessments. Mermaid Waters' population growth of 8.2% since the census is within 0.6 percentage points of the non-metro area's growth rate of 8.8%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Age category splits are applied proportionally according to ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data when state projections are utilized. Based on projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas, with Mermaid Waters expected to expand by 3,891 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 27.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Mermaid Waters averaged approximately 55 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 275 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved so far in FY26. On average, 4.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $1,370,000, reflecting developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $14.0 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to the Rest of Qld. Mermaid Waters shows substantially reduced construction (69.0% below regional average per person), which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. New development consists of 36.0% standalone homes and 64.0% attached dwellings, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 60.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 457 people per dwelling approval, Mermaid Waters shows a developed market.

Population forecasts indicate that Mermaid Waters will gain approximately 3,826 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Mermaid Waters has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 55 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable projects include The Chevron, Lakeview Boulevard Townhouses, Mermaid Waters Sewer Pump Station Upgrade, and Miami State School Upgrade. Below is a list detailing those likely to be 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.

Employment conditions in Mermaid Waters demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Mermaid Waters has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of June 2025, there were 7,788 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.4% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 63.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. Professional & technical services had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 0.3% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, and labour force increased by 2.1%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mermaid Waters' employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localised population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Mermaid Waters had a median taxpayer income of $47,845 and an average income of $115,415 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This places it in the top percentile nationally, compared to the Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By September 2025, based on a 13.99% increase since financial year 2022 as per the Wage Price Index, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,539 (median) and $131,562 (average). The 2021 Census showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Mermaid Waters were at the 51st percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 28.7% of residents (4,064 people), similar to regional levels where 31.7% fell into this bracket. High housing costs consumed 17.4% of income, but strong earnings resulted in disposable income at the 50th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Mermaid Waters displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Mermaid Waters' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 59.6% houses and 40.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 45.3% houses and 54.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mermaid Waters was at 35.5%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (35.0%) or rented (29.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,019. The median weekly rent was recorded at $450, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $465. Nationally, Mermaid Waters' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Mermaid Waters were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $450.

Mermaid Waters features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.5% of all households, including 28.9% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 6.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 28.4% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region average of 25.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 23.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.3% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 5.0% in tertiary education. Miami State School and Merrimac State High School serve a total of 1,871 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1044) indicating balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is conventional, split between one primary and one secondary institution.

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

Mermaid Waters has 49 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 1,496 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 191 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 213 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mermaid Waters's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Mermaid Waters. Both young and old age cohorts exhibit low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (10,328 people), compared to 68.9% across Rest of Qld.

This compares favourably with the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.3 and 6.4% of residents respectively. Notably, 73.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.7% across Rest of Qld. As of 18th June 2021, the area has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,563 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Mermaid Waters was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Mermaid Waters had a higher linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 15.6% speaking a language other than English at home, and 29.9% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mermaid Waters, accounting for 49.5%. While Judaism comprised only 0.4%, this was similar to the regional average of 0.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.0%), Australian (22.4%), and Other (8.9%). Notable differences included New Zealanders at 1.4% compared to 1.3% regionally, Hungarians at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and French at 0.7% versus 0.8%.

Mermaid Waters's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Mermaid Waters is 39 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 16.0%, while the 55-64 group is smaller at 9.9% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 13.7% to 16.0%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.7% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 10.7% to 9.3%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 11.2% to 9.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Mermaid Waters's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 969 people (43%), from 2,265 to 3,235. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 8%, adding 129 people.