Nerang

An assessment of population growth drivers in Nerang reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, Nerang's population is estimated at around 18,073 people. This figure reflects a growth of 1,025 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,048. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 17,961 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 146 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density ratio stands at 510 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Nerang has exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outperforming its SA3 area. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 60% of overall population gains 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Demographic trends project an above median population growth for the suburb of Nerang until 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to increase by 3,836 persons over this period, reflecting a total increase of 20.4%.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Nerang when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Nerang has seen around 56 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 282 homes. So far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. With an average of two people moving to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $473,000, in line with regional trends.

In this financial year, $29.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Nerang has slightly more development, 24.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 63.0% detached dwellings and 37.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points.

The location has approximately 203 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts indicate Nerang will gain 3,678 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Nerang has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 36 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include New Street Social Housing Development, Mooyumbin Creek Riparian Restoration (commencing Q2 2021), Nerang Precinct Redevelopment (scheduled for completion in late 2022), and Hinkler Drive Retail Showroom Complex (expected to open by early 2023). The following list details projects most likely 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 Nerang recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Nerang has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 5.9% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.0%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 9,176 residents were in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% above Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Nerang has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with 0.6% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for the wider area during the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0% and labour force increased by 2.0%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. This compares to Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.8%, labour force expanded by 2.0%, and unemployment rose 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Nerang. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Nerang's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Nerang's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $47,727, lower than the national average. The average income in Nerang that year was $58,038, compared to $50,780 and $64,844 for Rest of Qld respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $54,404 and average income $66,158 in Nerang. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Nerang rank between the 29th and 30th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 33.7% of locals (6,090 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the surrounding region's 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Nerang, with only 79.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Nerang, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.4% houses and 38.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 71.9% houses and 28.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nerang was at 26.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (41.0%) or rented (33.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Nerang was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Nerang was recorded at $390, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $435 and the national figure of $375.

Nerang features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.3% of all households, including 26.5% couples with children, 24.5% couples without children, and 14.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.7%, with lone person households at 28.2% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.8.

Nerang shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Nerang faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 17.0%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.2% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 31.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.5% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education. Nerang's 4 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,566 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 993) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School places per 100 residents stand at 8.7, falling below the regional average of 14.0, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

Transport analysis indicates 60 operational stops in Nerang, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 30 distinct routes, facilitating 2,904 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents situated on average 324 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 414 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 48 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Nerang is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Nerang faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 50% (~9,072 people) of Nerang's total population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 9.8% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.3%. Conversely, 64.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in Rest of Qld. Nerang has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.4% (3,506 people), compared to the Rest of Queensland's 16.7%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

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

Nerang's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 10.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.9% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Nerang, accounting for 46.7%. Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages, comprising 0.2% of Nerang's population.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.4%), Australian (25.7%), and Scottish (7.7%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.7%, Maori at 2.1%, and Hungarians at 0.3%.

Nerang's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Nerang is 39 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 14.2%, while those aged 55-64 are smaller at 11.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group grew from 11.5% to 12.6%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.1% to 11.8%. By 2041, projections indicate that the 25-34 age cohort will increase significantly by 42% (1,083 people), reaching 3,650. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is projected to grow modestly by 1% (24 people).