Merrimac

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

Merrimac's population is estimated at 7,395 as of Nov 2025, reflecting an increase of 183 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 2.5% rise from the previous population count of 7,212. AreaSearch validated this estimate using ERP data released by ABS in Jun 2024 and additional new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 765 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove this growth.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia figures for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. Post-2032 and for areas not covered, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Projected demographic shifts indicate an above median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the Merrimac statistical area (Lv2) is projected to expand by 1,418 persons, reflecting a total increase 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 allocated from statistical area data shows Merrimac experienced around 7 dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 35 homes. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 2.2 new residents per year was associated with each dwelling, indicating healthy demand for housing. New homes were built at an average expected construction cost value of $442,000.

In the current financial year, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. New building activity comprised 22.0% detached houses and 78.0% medium to high-density housing, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 48.0% houses). This change indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects evolving lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated population density per dwelling approval was 4903 people in Merrimac.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,413 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting 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 to affect the region. Notable projects include Carrara Stadium, slated as a venue for the 2032 Olympics; Cypress Central; Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit; and 44 Gilston Road Nerang Mixed-Use Development Site. The following list outlines 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 key sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%.

As of September 2025, 4,213 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation at 65.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with retail trade having a particularly strong presence at 1.2 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited employment at 0.2%, compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison.

In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 2.3% alongside labour force growth of 2.3%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. This contrasted with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov showed Queensland's employment contracted slightly by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merrimac's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Merrimac has a lower income level than the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. In Merrimac, the median income among taxpayers is $50,975 and the average income stands at $64,718. These figures compare to those of Rest of Qld, which are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Merrimac's median income would be approximately $56,027 and the average income would be around $71,132 as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Merrimac rank modestly, between the 46th and 47th percentiles. Income distribution data indicates that 40.6% of the population (3,002 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which aligns with the regional average of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures in Merrimac are severe, with only 79.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The suburb's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Merrimac displays a diverse mix of dwelling types

Merrimac's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 48.2% houses and 51.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Merrimac stood at 20.0%, with 44.5% of dwellings mortgaged and 35.5% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $463. Nationally, Merrimac's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Merrimac features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.6 people

Family households constitute 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 account for 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.

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

Educational qualifications in Merrimac trail regional benchmarks, with 23.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.4%) and certificates (26.7%). Educational participation is high, 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

Merrimac has 21 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together facilitate 188 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest stop is 218 meters, indicating good transport accessibility.

On average, there are 26 trips per day across both routes, equating to around eight weekly trips per stop.

Merrimac's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Merrimac's health data shows relatively positive results with low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, although this is higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 53% (~3,908 people) have private health cover, slightly above the average SA2 area rate. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (affecting 8.5% of residents) and arthritis (6.9%), while 71.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Rest of Qld. Merrimac has 15.3% (1,131 people) aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than 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, as per the 2016 Census, comprised 17.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion with 47.3%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to none in the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.2%), Australian (22.0%), and Other (10.1%). Notable divergences included New Zealanders at 1.4% (none regionally), Maori at 1.7% (none regionally), and French at 0.8% (none regionally).

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 the Australian median of 38. The 35-44 cohort is notably over-represented in Merrimac at 15.8%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 7.7%. Following the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 13.6% to 15.1%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 13.3% to 12.1%, and the 85+ group dropped from 3.4% to 2.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Merrimac's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 39%, adding 432 residents to reach a total of 1,549. However, both the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.