Parrearra

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Parrearra's population is estimated at around 4,356 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 305 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,661 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,246 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2025) and validation of 24 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,800 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing 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. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas. The suburb is expected to increase by 1,122 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 23.2% over the 16 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

The level of residential development activity in Parrearra is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Parrearra has had around 27 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 138 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded so far. The area's population has declined, but housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $896,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Parrearra shows reduced construction activity, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Recent building activity consists entirely of attached dwellings, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift represents a decrease in developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for diverse housing options. Parrearra has around 1466 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Parrearra is expected to grow by 1,012 residents through to 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth.

However, buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 9 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Oceanside Birtinya, Kawana Health Precinct Expansion, BHC Affordable Housing Birtinya, and The Point Buddina.

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 employment landscape in Parrearra presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 2.9%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Parrearra has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,840 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Parrearra lags significantly at 50.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Based on Census responses, 19.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.6%. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 9.0% and employment declined by 9.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Parrearra's employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Parrearra had a median taxpayer income of $49,584 and an average income of $71,323 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was above the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,217 (median) and $79,425 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Parrearra, between the 33rd and 43rd percentiles. The data reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 26.9% of the community (1,171 individuals), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile and 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, 55.4% of dwellings were houses while 44.7% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures of 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, above Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Parrearra was $490, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. 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 comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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, with 25.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 17.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 13.4% and certificates for 24.1%. A significant portion of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 22.3% engaged in various levels of schooling.

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

Parrearra has 13 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 7 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 1,124 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically located 292 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound, with cars being the primary mode at 94%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 19.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 160 trips daily, translating to roughly 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 shows Parrearra's health metrics performing strongly. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was high at approximately 55% of the total population (around 2,415 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5%. The most common conditions were arthritis (10.9%) and asthma (7.4%). Around 64.8% reported no medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Health outcomes for working-age residents are typical. Parrearra has 33.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,446 people), higher than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes rank broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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 (54.7%), but Judaism is overrepresented (0.2%, compared to regional 0.1%). The top three ancestry groups are English (35.7%, vs regional 29.6%), Australian (22.7%), and Irish (9.6%).

Notably, Scottish (9.6% vs 7.8%), New Zealand (1.2% vs 0.9%), and French (0.8% vs 0.5%) are overrepresented.

Parrearra ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Parrearra has a median age of 52, which is higher than Regional Qld's figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 13.1%, significantly more than Regional Qld's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 6.8%. This concentration in the 75-84 bracket is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.2% to 11.8%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 11.7% to 13.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 9.8% to 7.8%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.1% to 11.8%. By 2041, Parrearra's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 65 to 74 age cohort is expected to grow by 202 people (28%), from 731 to 934. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are predicted to account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 4%, adding 17 people.