Parrearra

Population growth drivers in Parrearra are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Parrearra is around 4,925, reflecting a 5.7% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,661 people. This growth can be inferred from AreaSearch's validation of resident population data based on ABS ERP estimates (June 2024) and additional new addresses since the Census date. Parrearra's population density stands at 2,035 persons per square kilometer, exceeding national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Parrearra has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outperforming non-metro areas. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.0% to recent population gains in the suburb. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Age category splits for these state projections are applied proportionally in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in Parrearra, with an expected growth of 1,415 persons to reach 6,340 by 2041. This reflects a total increase of 30.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Parrearra recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Parrearra had around 29 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 145 homes. As of FY-26, there has been 1 approval recorded so far. This results in approximately 3.1 new residents per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand exceeds supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new homes is $896,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $13.4 million, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of Qld, Parrearra has significantly less development activity, 58.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties can strengthen demand and prices for existing ones. All recent development in Parrearra has been attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's current housing composition (55.0% houses) reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. Parrearra indicates a mature market with around 474 people per approval.

By 2041, it is expected to grow by 1,503 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Parrearra 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 has identified nine projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Oceanside Birtinya, Kawana Health Precinct Expansion, BHC Affordable Housing Birtinya, and The Point Buddina. The following details those expected 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 Parrearra demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Parrearra has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data in June 2025.

At this time, 2,442 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Parrearra lags at 53.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in 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% employment versus 4.5% regionally.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 2.2%, employment declined by 1.7%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Parrearra. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, with local projections suggesting a similar pattern based on industry-specific growth rates applied to Parrearra's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Parrearra's median income among taxpayers was $49,584 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $71,323 during the same period. For comparison, Rest of Qld had median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income in Parrearra would be approximately $56,521 by September 2025, with average income projected at around $81,301. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Parrearra are modest, ranking between the 33rd and 43rd percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 26.9% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,324 residents). This is consistent with broader trends across the broader area, where 31.7% fall into the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Parrearra, 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 is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld's housing structure, which was 70.4% houses and 29.6% 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 in the area was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Parrearra was $490, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of $450. Nationally, Parrearra's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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

Parrearra's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 25.4% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. University degrees lead locally 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 actively pursues formal education, including 7.5% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational facilities appear to be located outside Parrearra's immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 13 active transport stops operating in Parrearra, served by a mix of buses. These stops are covered by 7 individual routes, collectively offering 1245 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 292 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 177 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 95 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Parrearra is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Parrearra faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~2731 people), compared to 52.7% across the rest of Queensland.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis, impacting 10.9% of residents, and asthma, impacting 7.4%. A total of 64.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.2% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 30.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1477 people), which is higher than the 22.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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% of residents born in Australia, 87.6% being citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 54.7% of Parrearra's population. However, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups are English (35.7%), Australian (22.7%), and Irish (9.6%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 9.6% in Parrearra versus 8.8% regionally, while New Zealand and French ancestries also show slight divergences with 1.2% and 0.8%, 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 comprises 15.7% of Parrearra's population, compared to Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.0%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.2% to 11.8%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 9.8% to 8.6%. Demographic modeling indicates that Parrearra's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, expanding by 258 people (33%) from 773 to 1,032.