Merrimac

Merrimac has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Merrimac is around 7,395. This figure reflects an increase of 183 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,212. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 7,390 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 765 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver of population growth was overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb of Merrimac is projected to increase by 1,418 persons, reflecting a gain of 19.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Merrimac, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Merrimac shows around 7 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 35 homes were approved, with another 5 approved so far in FY-26. This suggests solid demand supporting property values, with an average of 2.2 people moving to the area per new home constructed over these years.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $442,000. In FY-26, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting Merrimac's residential nature. New developments consist of 22.0% detached dwellings and 78.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 48.0% houses. This trend may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

The area's quiet development environment is reflected in its estimated population count of 4903 people per dwelling approval. AreaSearch forecasts Merrimac will gain 1,413 residents by 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Carrara Stadium - 2032 Olympics Venue, Cypress Central, Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, and 44 Gilston Road Nerang Mixed-Use Development Site. The following list details those 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.

The labour market in Merrimac shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Merrimac has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 4,213 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Merrimac stands at 71.4%, surpassing Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses indicate that 12.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Merrimac has a particular specialization in retail trade, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.2% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, while labour force increased by 2.3%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Merrimac. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local employment growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Merrimac's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Merrimac's median income is $50,975 and average income is $64,718. This is lower than Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, Merrimac's estimated median income would be approximately $56,027 and average income $71,132. Census data indicates that incomes in Merrimac rank modestly, between the 46th and 47th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort spans 40.6% of locals (3,002 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the metropolitan region's 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile. Merrimac's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Merrimac displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Merrimac's dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 48.2% houses and 51.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merrimac was at 20.0%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (44.5%) or rented (35.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Merrimac was $1,733, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Merrimac was $463, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Merrimac's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $463 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 73.8% of all households, including 31.8% couples with children, 24.9% couples without children, and 16.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

Merrimac Trail residents aged 15 and above have educational qualifications that trail Australian benchmarks. Specifically, 23.2% of Merrimac Trail residents hold university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. This disparity suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 16.9% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.2%, and graduate diplomas at 2.1%.

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.1% of residents holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas account for 14.4% and certificates for 26.7% of residents aged 15 and above. Educational participation is high in Merrimac Trail, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 21 active transport stops operating within Merrimac. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 188 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 218 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, 12.0% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Merrimac are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Merrimac's health indicators show below-average results based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is at approximately 53% of the total population (~3,908 people), slightly above the average SA2 area rate. Mental health issues affect 8.5% of residents, while arthritis impacts 6.9%. About 71.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. Merrimac has 15.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,124 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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

Merrimac's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 17.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Merrimac, accounting for 47.3% of its population. Judaism was overrepresented in Merrimac, comprising 0.3% compared to 0.1% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestral groups were English (29.2%), Australian (22.0%), and Other (10.1%). Notably, New Zealand (1.4%) and Maori (1.7%) groups were overrepresented in Merrimac compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 0.8%, respectively. French ancestry was also notably present at 0.8%.

Merrimac's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Merrimac's median age is 37 years, which is significantly below the Rest of Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Merrimac has a notably over-represented 25-34 cohort (15.7%) and an under-represented 65-74 year-old group (7.8%). Post the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 13.6% to 15.7%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 13.3% to 11.7% and the 85+ group dropped from 3.4% to 2.2%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Merrimac's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 33%, adding 387 residents to reach 1,549. Meanwhile, the 15-24 group is projected to contract by 17 residents.