Mermaid Waters

Population growth drivers in Mermaid Waters are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Mermaid Waters statistical area (Lv2) is around 14,169, reflecting an increase of 1,081 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.3% increase from the previous population count of 13,088. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 14,098, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 288 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,012 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 8.3% growth since census positions it closely to the non-metro area's growth rate of 8.8%. 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where utilized. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas, with the Mermaid Waters (SA2) expected to expand by 3,891 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 26.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Mermaid Waters averaged around 54 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 273 homes were approved, with a further 991 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 4.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $1,370,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $7.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to the rest of Qld, Mermaid Waters shows substantially reduced construction, being 69.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. New development consists of 37.0% standalone homes and 63.0% attached dwellings, indicating a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

Currently, the area's housing is 60.0% houses, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 449 people per dwelling approval, Mermaid Waters shows a developed market. Population forecasts indicate it will gain 3,819 residents through to 2041. 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 55 projects that may impact the area. Key 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.

Mermaid Waters ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Mermaid Waters has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, with estimated employment growth of 2.5% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, there are 7,869 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.5% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is 63.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. The area has notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.3% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5%, while labour force and unemployment remained broadly flat (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts (May-25) suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industries. Applying these projections to Mermaid Waters' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Mermaid Waters' median taxpayer income was $47,845 and average was $115,415 in financial year 2023, ranking high nationally. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $52,586 and average $126,853, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. In Mermaid Waters, incomes cluster around the 51st percentile nationally according to the 2021 Census. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant with 28.7% of residents (4,066 people), similar to regional levels at 31.7%. High housing costs consume 17.4% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 50th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Mermaid Waters' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 59.6% houses and 40.5% other dwellings. Non-Metro Qld had 45.3% houses and 54.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mermaid Waters was 35.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.0% and rented ones at 29.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,019. Median weekly rent in Mermaid Waters was $450, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $465. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 30.5%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households making up 6.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, 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 notably high at 28.4%, surpassing both the Rest of Queensland average (20.6%) and the SA4 region average (25.4%). Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent, with 20.1% of residents holding such qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ possessing them, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (23.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.3%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (5.0%).

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

The analysis of public transportation in Mermaid Waters shows that there are currently 49 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of bus services, with a total of 12 individual routes running through them. Collectively, these routes provide for 1,496 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent in Mermaid Waters, with residents typically located just 192 meters away from the nearest transport stop on average. The service frequency across all routes averages out to 213 trips per day, 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 have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (10,333 people), compared to 59.4% across Rest of Qld and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.3% and 6.4% of residents respectively. Seventy-three point eight percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.7% across Rest of Qld. Eighteen point one percent of residents are aged 65 and over (2,564 people). Health outcomes among seniors in the area perform even better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mermaid Waters was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mermaid Waters had a higher cultural 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, making up 49.5%. Judaism showed an overrepresentation of 0.4%, compared to 0.4% in the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.0%), Australian (22.4%), and Other (8.9%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences: New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.4% versus 1.3%, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and French at 0.7% versus 0.8%.

Mermaid Waters's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Mermaid Waters is 39 years, lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 16.0%, while those aged 55-64 are 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 has increased from 10.7% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 10.7% to 9.3%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 11.2% to 9.9%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Mermaid Waters's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 967 people (43%) from 2,267 to 3,235. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 8% (128 people).