Parrearra

Population growth drivers in Parrearra are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Parrearra is around 4,628, a decrease of 33 people from the 2021 Census figure of 4,661. This decline was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,324 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and validation of 25 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1,912 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Parrearra has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outperforming the Rest of Qld. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.0% 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, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032, based on 2021 data.

For areas not covered by these projections, proportional growth weightings are applied based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 1,406 persons, reflecting a total increase of 38.7% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Parrearra according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Parrearra averaged approximately 27 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 138 homes. As of FY-26 so far, one approval has been recorded. Historically, between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 3.3 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed.

This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers are focusing on the premium market, with new homes being built at an average expected construction cost value of $896,000. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Parrearra has markedly lower building activity, approximately 60.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent development in Parrearra has been entirely comprised of attached dwellings, indicating a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently 55.0% houses.

With around 1660 people per dwelling approval, Parrearra reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Parrearra is forecasted to gain 1789 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Oceanside Birtinya, Kawana Health Precinct Expansion, BHC Affordable Housing Birtinya, and The Point Buddina. Below is a list detailing 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 Parrearra shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Parrearra has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.4% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in September 2025. There are 2,407 residents employed, with the unemployment rate being 1.7% lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld at 65.7%.

According to Census responses, 19.7% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with notable concentration in the former at 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.6%, compared to the regional 4.5%. The predominantly residential area may have limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.5% and employment declined by 2.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points, contrasting with Rest of Qld's employment rise of 1.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand in Parrearra. Applying these projections to Parrearra's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Parrearra had a median income among taxpayers of $49,584 and an average income of $71,323 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national figures for Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimates based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median income will be approximately $54,498 and the average income will be around $78,391. Census 2021 data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Parrearra rank modestly, between the 33rd and 43rd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 26.9% of locals (1,244 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 31st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

In Parrearra, as per the latest Census evaluation, 55.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 44.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's dwelling structure, which is 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parrearra stood at 45.7%, with mortgaged properties at 27.6% and rented ones at 26.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in Parrearra was recorded at $490, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Parrearra's median monthly mortgage repayment is higher at $2,000 than the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents are substantially higher at $490 compared to the national figure of $375.

Parrearra has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.2% of all households, including 22.6% couples with children, 36.9% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Parrearra shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational qualifications in Parrearra trail Australian benchmarks, with 25.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (24.1%). A substantial 22.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.5% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

A substantial 22.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.5% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 13 active transport stops in Parrearra, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 7 distinct routes, facilitating a total of 1,124 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as good, with residents on average situated 292 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, outward commuting dominates, with car remaining the prevalent mode at 94%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.2, below the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 19.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 160 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 86 weekly trips per individual stop.

Parrearra's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Parrearra. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~2,566 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis (10.9%) and asthma (7.4%). 64.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 30.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,397 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Parrearra records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Parrearra's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 75.0% born in Australia, 87.6% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 54.7%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestral groups are English (35.7%), Australian (22.7%), and Irish (9.6%). Notable divergences include Scottish (9.6%), New Zealand (1.2%), and French (0.8%) being overrepresented compared to regional averages of 7.8%, 0.9%, and 0.5% respectively.

Parrearra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Parrearra has a median age of 52, which exceeds the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and is well above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 15.6% of Parrearra's population, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 7.3%. This 65-74 concentration is notably higher than the national figure of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.2% to 12.0%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 9.8% to 8.2%. The 45-54 age group has also decreased, from 13.1% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Parrearra's age profile, with the 65-74 cohort expected to grow by 309 people (43%), reaching a total of 1,031 from its current figure of 721.