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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
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Merrimac has an estimated 7,423 residents, up from 7,212 at the 2021 Census — a change of 211 people, or 2.9%. That puts 768 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Merrimac has an estimated resident count of 7,423, based on AreaSearch assessments incorporating broader ABS figures alongside post-Census validated addresses. Compared to the 2021 Census tally of 7,212 people, this represents an addition of 211 residents, or 2.9%. The updated figure reflects an examination of the June 2025 ABS ERP release together with 28 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. With 768 persons per square kilometer, the local population density aligns closely with typical AreaSearch benchmark areas. Recent demographic expansion has been driven almost entirely by overseas migration.
Projections for the suburb of Merrimac incorporate 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 modeling using 2022 as a base, supplemented post-2032 and for unmapped locations by 2023 Queensland State Government SA2 projections based on 2021 numbers. Because state releases omit age breakdowns, proportional weightings from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (2022 base) are applied across cohorts. Demographic forecasts indicate that the suburb of Merrimac is set to outpace the median growth rate of Australian non-metropolitan regions, expanding by 1,249 persons (a 16.8% rise) over the 16 years leading to 2041.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
35 new dwellings have been approved in Merrimac over the past five years, an average of 7 a year. That is 1.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 4, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Merrimac averaged around 7 homes annually over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), totalling an estimated 35 dwellings, alongside 4 approvals recorded to date in FY-25. Across the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the suburb added an average of 2.5 new residents per completed residence, demonstrating resilient demand. The average expected construction cost for newly approved dwellings sits at $382,000, presenting a relatively affordable building profile compared to broader regional figures. Meanwhile, non-residential activity has been subdued, with $1.6 million in commercial development approvals registered this financial year.
Attached dwellings represent 71.0% of recent residential development approvals, compared to 29.0% for detached houses. This emphasis on higher-density planning accommodates downsizers, first-home purchasers, and investors looking for attainable price points. It also marks a transition from Merrimac's established urban fabric, where standalone houses account for 48.0% of properties, highlighting constrained land supply and an evolving preference for compact housing. A ratio of 2469 residents per residential approval underscores a subdued local construction environment. Long-term urban growth forecasts indicate Merrimac will welcome 1,249 additional residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly AreaSearch calculations. If current construction volumes persist, residential supply may struggle to keep pace with demand, which could intensify buyer competition and place upward pressure on values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Merrimac
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Merrimac, worth an estimated $145 million. A further 88 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $31.1 billion. 22 are already under construction and 28 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure works and major civic undertakings play a central role in shaping local growth. AreaSearch has tracked 23 key projects with potential influence across the surrounding district. Notable developments include Carrara Stadium - 2032 Olympics Venue, Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, 44 Gilston Road Nerang Mixed-Use Development Site, and Sage Apartments, with significant items detailed below.
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
Merrimac Railway Station
Construction of the new Merrimac railway station on the Gold Coast Line between Nerang and Robina stations, delivered as part of the Cross River Rail project. Scope includes dual side platforms, an accessible pedestrian overpass with lifts, park 'n' ride facilities with approximately 300 car parks, and dedicated active transport connections. Major civil and structural construction is being delivered by Fulton Hogan on behalf of the Queensland Government.
Cumulus Grand Villas
Cumulus Grand Villas is a private gated community comprising 59 luxury three- and four-bedroom townhomes set on an elevated ridgeline overlooking 250 hectares of natural savanna. The development features an infinity pool terrace, a 2-acre private nature reserve, and environmental walking trails.
Robina Private Hospital Expansion (Stage 2)
A $190 million stage two expansion of Robina Private Hospital on the Gold Coast, designed by HSPC Health Architects for owner Australian Unity and operator Aurora Healthcare Australia. Gold Coast City Council granted full development approval in early 2025 for a nine-storey building delivering 185 mental health, medical rehabilitation and acute surgical beds, seven surgical theatres, mental health group therapy rooms, additional rehabilitation gyms, a ground floor cafe, retail pharmacy, 700 square metres of medical imaging, over 30 doctors consulting suites, and three levels of basement parking.The building targets a 5 star Green Star rating and will occupy a 6,701 square metre site on the corner of Robina Parkway and Bayberry Lane, adjoining the existing 90 bed Robina Private Hospital. Construction was slated to commence in early 2026 and is expected to generate more than 200 building and construction jobs.
Carrara Stadium (People First Stadium) - Brisbane 2032 Games Venue
Carrara Stadium, known commercially as People First Stadium, is a 27,500-seat Stadiums Queensland venue within the Gold Coast Sports Precinct and the home ground of the Gold Coast SUNS AFL and AFLW teams. The Queensland Government 2032 Delivery Plan, released 25 March 2025, lists Carrara Stadium among the existing venues assessed as able to host Olympic and Paralympic events without major capital works, and the stadium accordingly receives no allocation under the 7.1 billion dollar Games venue capital works program.Earlier proposals for a funded upgrade to suit cricket, judo, wrestling and boccia have not carried through to the current plan, and final sport allocations remain subject to IOC and IPC sports programme decisions expected in late 2026. From 1 March 2026 Stadiums Queensland assumed direct management of the venue under a new ten-year agreement that keeps the Gold Coast SUNS at Carrara until at least 2036, ending the long-standing AFL lease arrangement and consolidating the stadium into the state major event network ahead of Brisbane 2032. Works to date have been limited to asset renewal, including a full replacement of the under-canopy sports lighting with a hybrid LED system in 2026 to maintain AFL and cricket broadcast standards. The adjoining Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre is listed separately as an existing Games venue.
Sage Apartments
Sage Apartments is a unique residential complex in Merrimac, offering modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments surrounded by over 3 hectares of private parkland. The development features resort-style amenities including pools, BBQ areas, and green spaces, providing a sanctuary for residents in the heart of the Gold Coast.
Teak Mudgeeraba Mixed-Use Precinct
TEAK Mudgeeraba is a heritage-inspired mixed-use commercial precinct delivering 14 purpose-built tenancies across retail, medical, office, and hospitality uses at 64-66 Railway Street. The development anchors the Mudgeeraba village green and features the Australian German Club as its anchor tenant, relocating from Merrimac to occupy a new 200-seat beer hall with a 30-metre bar. Tenancy sizes range from approximately 47 square metres to 490 square metres, with street frontage and rear configurations. Construction is underway with opening expected in early 2027.
Greenheart Master Plan
Covering 257 hectares across Merrimac and Robina, Greenheart will be the largest parkland on the Gold Coast. The masterplan includes 11 sports fields, playgrounds, event lawns, wetlands renewal, and a 27-kilometre network of paths, to be delivered in phases over 10 to 15 years.
Village Yard Christian School
A low-fee, independent Christian school for Prep to Year 8 (eventually Year 12), expanding on the existing Village Yard Christian Early Learning centre at Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast. The $50 million campus, designed by Burling Brown Architects, will pioneer Australia's first 'dual-shift' model, running two learning sessions each day from the same facilities to keep fees low while lifting teacher pay. The school has recently received official accreditation from the Queensland Non-State Schools Accreditation Board and is on track to open in 2027, subject to further approvals.Nearly 1,000 families representing 1,500 students have registered interest. The AI-influenced, technology-led curriculum blends experiential, farm-to-table and outdoor environmental learning underpinned by a biblical worldview, as an outreach of Hillcrest Christian College and Queensland Baptists.
4,285 residents of Merrimac are employed, from a labour force of 4,398. Unemployment sits at 2.6%, with participation at 72.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 6,273, about 85% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Merrimac features an active and qualified local labour market characterized by strong representation across essential services, a jobless rate of 2.6%, and 3.3% annual jobs growth per AreaSearch aggregations. As of March 2026, 4,285 residents are employed. Merrimac's unemployment rate sits 1.3% below the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, while its labour force participation rate reaches 72.0%, comfortably exceeding the 64.2% recorded for Regional Qld. Census records show 12.0% of local workers operated from home, a figure influenced by Covid-19 restrictions. The primary employment fields for the local workforce are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.
Retail trade demonstrates notable local strength, employing staff at 1.2 times the broader regional rate. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.2% of local workers, compared with 4.5% across Regional Qld. Census comparisons between resident workers and local operational roles indicate that on-site commercial opportunities within the area are relatively contained. Over the past 12 months, both total employment and the labour pool grew by 3.3% across Merrimac, keeping the local unemployment rate steady. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1%, the workforce expand by 0.3%, and unemployment climb by 0.1 percentage points. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia national industry projections from Mar-26 suggest employment will expand 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. When aligned with Merrimac's specific industry profile, local employment is projected to grow by 6.7% across five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on simple weighted modeling.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Merrimac is $1,688 a week (about $88,000 a year), with median personal income at $788 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $50,975 a year against an average of $64,718. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to postcode-level ATO records for financial year 2023, individual earnings in the suburb of Merrimac sit below national benchmarks, reporting a median of $50,975 and an average of $64,718, compared to Regional Qld benchmarks of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 reach approximately $56,766 for median earnings and $72,070 for average earnings. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and personal incomes between the 46th and 47th percentiles, with 40.6% of residents (3,013 people) earning within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, compared to 31.7% regionally.
Discretionary margins show pressure with 79.7% of income remaining after housing costs (42nd percentile), and the SEIFA income score falls in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Merrimac had 2,592 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 48% detached houses and 10% apartments. 45% are owned with a mortgage, 36% rented and 20% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $463 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,733 a month, a total housing cost higher than 79% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 27.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to Census findings, Merrimac's residential stock comprises 48.2% standalone houses and 51.8% attached or medium-density dwellings, contrasting with Regional Qld where houses make up 76.4% and other formats 23.6%. Outright home ownership is lower locally at 20.0%, with 44.5% of homes carrying a mortgage and 35.5% occupied by tenants. Median monthly mortgage costs stand at $1,733, exceeding the Regional Qld average of $1,655 but sitting below the national median of $1,863. Median weekly rents sit at $463, notably higher than both the Regional Qld benchmark of $345 and the national level of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Merrimac counted 2,592 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 32% are couples with children, against 25% couples without children. 21% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 73.8% of all households, consisting of couples with children (31.8%), couples without children (24.9%), and single parent arrangements (16.6%). The remaining 26.2% consists of non-family living arrangements, primarily lone-person dwellings (21.4%) alongside group households (4.6%). Merrimac's median household size is 2.6 people, slightly higher than the Regional Qld figure of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
23.2% of adults in Merrimac hold a university qualification, including 16.9% with a bachelor degree and 4.2% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 26.7% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 3,461 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,063 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary attainment in Merrimac sits below national averages, with 23.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a higher education degree compared to 30.4% across Australia. Within this group, bachelor degrees account for 16.9%, postgraduate awards 4.2%, and graduate diplomas 2.1%. Technical and practical qualifications are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including 26.7% with certificates and 14.4% holding advanced diplomas. Formal study engagement is strong in the community, with 31.9% of the population enrolled in education. This proportion comprises 11.0% attending primary school, 9.2% in secondary school, and 5.3% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Merrimac means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.6% of residents in Merrimac report no long-term health condition. 6.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality patterns and chronic illness prevalence point to below-average overall health metrics in Merrimac. While common health conditions among the broader community track near standard levels, they are elevated among older residents. Private health insurance coverage marginally exceeds typical SA2 averages, taken up by approximately 53% of residents (~3,923 people). Mental health conditions (8.5%) and arthritis (6.9%) represent the most prevalent diagnosed conditions locally, while 71.6% of residents reported having no long-term medical ailments, outperforming the Regional Qld figure of 67.6%. Health outcomes are stronger among residents under 65.
The community includes 1,202 residents aged 65 and over (16.2% of the population), compared to 20.3% regionally, with older age groups experiencing comparatively lower health rankings nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
32.0% of Merrimac residents were born overseas and 17.4% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (29.2%) and Australian (22.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Merrimac exhibits elevated cultural diversity relative to surrounding areas, with 32.0% of residents born abroad and 17.4% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, representing 47.3% of the community. Judaism shows the clearest relative overrepresentation, accounting for 0.3% of the local population versus 0.1% across Regional Qld. Ancestry records show English (29.2%), Australian (22.0%), and Other (10.1%) as the primary nominated backgrounds in Merrimac. Several specific cultural heritages register higher shares than regional averages, including Maori at 1.7% (against 0.8% regionally), New Zealand at 1.4% (against 0.9%), and French at 0.8% (against 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Merrimac is 38. 25.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Merrimac maintains a younger population profile than Regional Qld. August 2026 estimates indicate that 29.2% of locals fall into the 25 - 44 age cohort, compared to 25.5% regionally, while seniors aged 65+ make up 16.2%, below the 20.4% regional proportion. The median age is estimated at 38, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 3 years younger than the regional median of 41. Senior cohorts contracted from 17.2% at the Census to an estimated 16.2%. By 2041, the 25 - 44 cohort is projected to expand by 556 residents (26%), reaching 2,724.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Merrimac
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 3 months ago all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 28 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (7,212 at the 2021 Census → 7,423 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31813). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.