Nerang

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Nerang's population is estimated at around 18,075 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,027 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,048 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,001, estimated by AreaSearch 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. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 510 persons per square kilometer. Nerang's growth exceeded the SA3 area (5.7%) since the 2021 census, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Moving forward, an above median population growth of national regional areas is projected. The Nerang statistical area (Lv2) is expected to increase by 3,833 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 20.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Nerang has seen approximately 57 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 288 homes. As of FY-26, 26 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $472,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

This financial year has seen $7.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Nerang's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Nerang has had 27.0% more development per person over the past five years, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, this activity is below average nationally, potentially due to planning constraints. New building activity consists of 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing diverse housing options.

The area has approximately 212 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Nerang's population is forecasted to grow by 3,673 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 36 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include New Street Social Housing Development, Hinkler Drive Retail Showroom Complex, Mooyumbin Creek Riparian Restoration, and Nerang Precinct Redevelopment. The following list details those projects 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Nerang recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Nerang has a skilled labor force with the construction sector being notably prominent. The unemployment rate was 6.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4%.

As of September 2025, 9,213 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has a significant presence with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited representation at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, and labor force grew by 2.3%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. As of 25-Nov-25, state-level data shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Nerang's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Nerang's income level is lower than average nationally according to AreaSearch aggregated ATO data for financial year 2023. Nerang's median taxpayer income was $47,728 and the average was $58,039, compared to Rest of Qld's $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $52,458 and average income $63,791, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. In Nerang, household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly between the 29th and 30th percentiles according to 2021 Census figures. The predominant income cohort spanned 33.7% of locals (6,091 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to surrounding regions at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, 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

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 rest either mortgaged (41.0%) or rented (33.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Nerang was $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, 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

The area has university qualification rates of 17.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (31.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Nerang has 56 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 32 unique routes, collectively facilitating 2900 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 345 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 414 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 51 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 rates for common health conditions.

Approximately 50% (~9,073 people) of Nerang's total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.8 and 9.3% of residents respectively. However, 64.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across the 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 Qld's 16.7%. The health outcomes among seniors in Nerang are broadly aligned with those of the general population.

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

Nerang's population showed higher than average cultural diversity, with 10.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.9% born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion in Nerang, accounting for 46.7%. Notably, Judaism had an equal representation of 0.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 0.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (30.4%), Australian (25.7%), and Scottish (7.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.7% in Nerang (vs regional 1.8%), Maori at 2.1% (vs 1.9%), and Hungarian at 0.3% (vs 0.3%).

Nerang's population is slightly older than 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 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 14.2%, while those aged 55-64 are relatively smaller at 11.0% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.5% to 12.6% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Nerang's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 1,083 people (42%) from 2,566 to 3,650. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 1% (24 people).