Merrimac

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Merrimac is around 7,423, reflecting an increase of 211 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,212. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of additional 28 new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 768 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using a base year of 2022 for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb of Merrimac is expected to experience an above median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area is projected to expand by 1,264 persons, reflecting an increase of 17.0% in total over the 16 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Merrimac has experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years up to FY25. This totals an estimated 35 homes. So far in FY26, 3 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.3 new residents per year are associated with each dwelling approved between FY21 and FY25, indicating healthy demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $442,000. In FY26, $1.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Regarding new building activity, 22.0% are detached houses and 78.0% are medium and high-density housing. This shift from the area's existing housing composition of 48.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

The estimated population density per dwelling approval is 4904 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Merrimac is expected to grow by 1264 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Twenty-three infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Carrara Stadium, planned as a venue for the 2032 Olympics; Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit; 44 Gilston Road Nerang Mixed-Use Development Site; and Sage Apartments. The following list details 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.

Employment conditions in Merrimac demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Merrimac's workforce is skilled with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8%. As of December 2025, 4,259 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.4% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Merrimac was 71.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 12.0% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade showed strong specialization with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.2%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. In the 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 2.8% and labour force by 2.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasted with Regional Qld where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merrimac's employment mix suggested local employment growth of 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations not accounting for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Merrimac had a lower than average national income level according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Merrimac was $50,975 and the average income stood at $64,718. These figures compared to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Merrimac would be approximately $56,766 (median) and $72,070 (average) as of March 2026. From the Census conducted on August 9-10, 2021, household incomes in Merrimac ranked at the 47th percentile, family incomes at the 46th percentile, and personal incomes also at the 46th percentile. Distribution data showed that 40.6% of Merrimac's population (3,013 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which was similar to the regional figure of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Merrimac, with only 79.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the fifth 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 48.2% houses and 51.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merrimac was at 20.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (44.5%) or rented (35.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Merrimac was $1,733, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent median was recorded at $463, compared to Regional Qld's $345. 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 higher-than-average median household size

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, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

In Merrimac Trail, 23.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 41.1% of residents holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas account for 14.4%, while certificates make up 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 offer 188 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Merrimac is rated as good, with residents typically living 218 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 93%, with an average of 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 12% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 26 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The level of common health conditions is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover rate is approximately 53% of the total population (~3,923 people), slightly leading the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.5 and 6.9% of residents respectively. 71.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Merrimac has 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,157 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally 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, found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, had 17.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Merrimac, comprising 47.3%. Judaism showed an overrepresentation with 0.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.2%), Australian (22.0%), and Other (10.1%). Notably, New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.4% (vs regional 0.9%), Maori at 1.7% (vs 0.8%), and French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%).

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

The median age in Merrimac is 38 years, which is slightly below Regional Queensland's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 35-44 age group comprises 16.0% of Merrimac's population, higher than Regional Queensland's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 8.3%, which is lower compared to Regional Queensland. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.7% to 16.0% of Merrimac's population. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 13.3% to 11.8%, and the 85+ cohort has dropped from 3.4% to 2.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Merrimac. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 1,366 people from 1,031, while the 15-24 cohort is expected to decrease by 26 people.