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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Sarina's estimated population is around 5,870. This reflects an increase of 251 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,619. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 5,853 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 23 persons per square kilometer. Sarina's 4.5% growth since census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 54.0% 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected for Sarina (SA2), with an expected growth of 782 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.2% in total 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Sarina has had around 14 dwelling approvals per year. From FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 73 homes were approved, with an additional 5 in FY-26. Each home built over these years attracted about 5.2 new residents on average.

This suggests supply is lagging demand, leading to potential buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $475,000, slightly above the regional average. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $23.6 million, indicating moderate commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of Qld, Sarina has about 69% of construction activity per person and ranks in the 40th percentile nationally, offering limited buyer choices.

This suggests potential planning limitations in the area. All new construction consists of standalone homes, preserving low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 420 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Sarina will gain 833 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 to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Ozcare Sarina Aged Care Expansion, Pacific Parks Estate, Central Village Sarina, and Anzac Street Sarina Railway Crossing. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Sarina has a balanced workforce with strong representation from manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.2%.

As of September 2025, 2,872 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, 0.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 56.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include mining, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. Mining shows strong specialisation with an employment share 3.7 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance is under-represented at 9.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 16.1%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.2%, labour force by 4.4%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between sectors. 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.

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 financial year 2023, Sarina had a median income among taxpayers of $53,921 and an average income of $67,673. Nationally, these figures are approximately average, compared to $53,146 and $66,593 respectively across Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Sarina would be approximately $59,265 (median) and $74,379 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data 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 (1,825 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to 2,999, aligning with regional levels where this cohort 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

The dwelling structure in Sarina, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.7% houses and 8.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's figures which were 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sarina was at 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented dwellings at 27.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure for Sarina was recorded as $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of $1,733 and $340 respectively. Nationally, Sarina's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Sarina has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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, aligning with the average for the Rest of Qld.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (6.8%) and certificates (37.4%). Educational participation is high, with 30.6% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.4% in primary, 10.6% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 in operation, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route collectively providing fifty weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 504 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages seven trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Sarina has a notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 54% (~3,170 people) of Sarina's total population have private health cover, compared to 58.1% across the rest of Queensland.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.0 and 8.5% of residents respectively. 66.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.7% across the rest of Queensland. As of 2016, 19.4% (1,138 people) of Sarina's residents are aged 65 and over, which is higher than the 16.2% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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, 92.6% born in Australia, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sarina, comprising 56.5% of the population, compared to 56.8% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups in Sarina are Australian (33.2%), English (29.5%), and Scottish (7.3%).

Notably, Maltese are overrepresented at 1.4%, Australian Aboriginal at 5.8%, and German at 4.6% compared to regional figures of 2.4%, 3.6%, and 4.7% respectively.

Sarina's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Sarina's median age is 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group makes up 13.3%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 11.4%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 5.1% to 6.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.0% to 12.5%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 13.4% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Sarina's age profile will significantly evolve. Leading this shift, the 25-34 group is projected to grow by 34% (227 people), reaching 897 from 669. Population declines are forecast for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.