Merrimac

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

As of November 2025, Merrimac's population is estimated at around 7,398, reflecting an increase of 186 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Merrimac by AreaSearch in June 2024 was 7,391. This increase is attributed to overseas migration and 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 765 persons per square kilometer. Population growth projections indicate an above median increase for national non-metropolitan areas, with Merrimac expected to expand by 1,418 persons to 2041, reflecting a 19.1% total increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,418 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 19.1% in total 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, indicates Merrimac has experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 35 homes. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of approximately 2.2 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting healthy demand which supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $442,000, under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers.

Additionally, $70,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. New building activity shows 22.0% detached houses and 78.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 48.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 4903 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Merrimac adding 1,410 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.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include Carrara Stadium, slated as a venue for the 2032 Olympics; Cypress Central; Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit; and the mixed-use development site at 44 Gilston Road Nerang. 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Merrimac significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Merrimac has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 2.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%. This is below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, but above its participation rate of 59.1%. Merrimac's participation rate was 65.1% in June 2025. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.2%, compared to 4.5% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.2% while labour force grew by 2.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.8% and a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Merrimac's median income among taxpayers was $50,975 and average income was $64,718 in financial year 2022. These figures are comparable to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $58,106 and the average will be around $73,772, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Merrimac rank modestly, between the 46th and 47th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows that 40.6% of Merrimac's population (3,003 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which aligns with the regional average of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Merrimac, with only 79.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Merrimac, as per the latest Census evaluation, 48.2% of dwellings were houses while 51.8% comprised other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had no recorded houses or other dwellings. Home ownership in Merrimac stood at 20%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.5% and rented ones at 35.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent was $463 in Merrimac, while Non-Metro Qld had no recorded rents. Nationally, Merrimac's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and its rents were substantially higher at $463 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 73.8% of all households, including 31.8% that are couples with children, 24.9% that are couples without children, and 16.6% that are single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 4.6% of the total. 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%. The gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 14.4% and certificates for 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. Merrimac's 4 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 3,461 students as of the latest data point. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1063. The educational mix includes 2 primary schools, 1 secondary school, and 1 K-12 school. With 46.8 school places per 100 residents, the area shows strong educational infrastructure serving both local and surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis indicates 21 active stops operating within Merrimac, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes, offering a total of 188 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents located an average of 218 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual 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 a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, although higher than the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 53% (3,909 people) have private health cover, slightly above the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 8.5% of residents and arthritis impacting 6.9%. A total of 71.6% report being free from 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.

Merrimac 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

Merrimac's population was found to be more culturally diverse than 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, making up 47.3% of its population. However, Judaism showed significant overrepresentation, comprising 0.3% compared to None% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English at 29.2%, Australian at 22.0%, and Other at 10.1%. Notably, New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.4%, Maori at 1.7%, and French at 0.8%, compared to None% regionally for each group.

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. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Merrimac has a notably over-represented cohort of 35-44 year-olds at 15.8% locally, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 7.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the population of 25 to 34-year-olds 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 declined from 13.3% to 12.1%, and the 85+ age 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 431 residents to reach 1,549. Meanwhile, both the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.