Sarina

Sarina is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Sarina is estimated at around 5,883 people. This reflects an increase of 264 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,619 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,854 in Jun 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 23 persons per square kilometer. Sarina's growth rate of 4.7% since census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of its SA3 area (7.1%). 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to grow by 779 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 13.8% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Sarina has received approximately 14 dwelling approvals per year. Between Financial Year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-25, around 73 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of about 5.2 new residents per home built over these years.

The supply of dwellings is lagging behind demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $475,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, there have been commercial approvals totaling $23.6 million, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development activity. Comparatively, Sarina shows approximately 69% of construction activity per person relative to the Rest of Qld.

Nationally, it places among the 40th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This activity is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new constructions in Sarina have been standalone homes, preserving its low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 420 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 815 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Ozcare Sarina Aged Care Expansion, Pacific Parks Estate, Central Village Sarina, and Anzac Street Sarina Railway Crossing. The following list details those 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.

Sarina has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Sarina's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented. The unemployment rate was 4.3% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 3.9%. As of September 2025, 2,862 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, 0.2% above Rest of Qld's rate. Workforce participation was 63.0%, below Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Only 5.8% worked from home, considering Covid-19 impacts.

Dominant sectors include mining, transport, and health care & social assistance. Mining is particularly strong, with an employment share 3.7 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance is under-represented at 9.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.9% while labour force rose by 4.2%, leading to a 0.3 percentage point unemployment rise. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sarina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for the financial year ended June 2023, Sarina had a median income among taxpayers of $53,921 and an average income level of $67,673. These figures are approximately national averages, with Rest of Qld having median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $59,265 (median) and $74,379 (average). Census data from 2021 shows household, family, and personal incomes in Sarina rank modestly, between the 30th and 41st percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 31.1% of locals (1,829 people) with incomes between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels where this cohort also represents 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.6% of income remains for other expenses.

Sarina is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Sarina's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 91.7% houses and 8.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sarina stood at 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 27.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Sarina was $300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $345. Nationally, Sarina's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $375.

Sarina has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.2% of all households, including 30.5% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Sarina faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 8.2%, 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 prevalent at 6.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 6.8% and certificates at 37.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Sarina has ten active public transport stops, all bus services. There's one route operating, offering a total of fifty weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents located an average of 504 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars are the dominant mode at 92%, while 5% walk. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.7, higher than the regional average.

Only 5.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages seven trips per day across all routes, resulting in about five weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Sarina faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 54% (~3,177 people) of Sarina's total population has private health cover. The most common conditions are arthritis (9.0%) and mental health issues (8.5%). Notably, 66.4% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments compared to the Rest of Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 19.8% (1,164 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Sarina placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Sarina's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.7% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Sarina as of 2016, making up 56.5% of people, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.2%. In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 33.2%, English 29.5%, and Scottish 7.3% of Sarina's population as of the 2011 Census.

Notably, Maltese, Australian Aboriginal, and German ethnic groups were overrepresented in Sarina compared to the regional averages: Maltese at 1.4% (vs 0.4%), Australian Aboriginal at 5.8% (vs 3.9%), and German at 4.6% (vs 4.7%).

Sarina's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Sarina's median age is 40, closely matching Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 13.3%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 11.6%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.1% to 6.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 group has decreased from 14.0% to 12.2%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 13.4% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Sarina's age profile. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 31%, reaching 897 from 682. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age range is projected to decrease by 50%.