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

Analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics population updates and AreaSearch validated new addresses indicates that, as of May 2026, the estimated population of Sarina is around 5,897. This figure represents an increase of 278 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,619 in the suburb. The current resident population estimate of 5,871 by AreaSearch is inferred from examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 23 persons per square kilometer. Sarina's growth rate of 4.9% since the census is within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.8%, indicating competitive fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Sarina expected to gain 715 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 11.7% over the 16-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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 had approximately 13 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 66 homes were approved, with 7 more in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of 4.8 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

Demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $475,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In FY-26, there have been $23.6 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Sarina shows approximately 63% of the construction activity per person.

Nationally, it places among the 33rd percentile of areas assessed, suggesting limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is lower than national averages, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining Sarina's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 507 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Sarina is expected to grow by 689 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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 identified nine projects likely influencing this region. Notable ones are Ozcare Sarina Aged Care Expansion, Pacific Parks Estate, Central Village Sarina, and Anzac Street Sarina Railway Crossing. The following details projects expected to have the most relevance.

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's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in the past year, showing an employment growth of 3.9%. As of December 2025, 2,842 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate aligned to Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation was lower at 62.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Home-based work was low at 5.8% based on Census responses, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading industries were mining, transport, postal & warehousing, and health care & social assistance. Mining had a high employment share of 3.7 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance was under-represented at 9.5%.

Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9% and labour force by 4.8%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld had employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Sarina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 10.7% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Sarina suburb is $53,921 and average income is $67,673. This compares to Regional Queensland's figures of median $53,146 and average $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median income as of March 2026 is approximately $60,046 and average is $75,361. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data from the 2021 Census, incomes in Sarina rank modestly, between 30th and 41st percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution shows that 31.1% (1,833 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to surrounding regions at 31.7%. After housing costs, 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.7% houses and 8.3% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This compares to Regional Queensland's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sarina stood at 35.4%, with mortgaged properties at 37.3% and rented ones at 27.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Sarina was $300, lower than Regional Queensland's $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 comprise the remaining 25.8%, with lone person households at 23.3% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional 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 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route collectively offering fifty weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 504 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%, while 5% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages seven trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Health data indicates significant issues in Sarina, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 54% (~3,185 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.0%) and mental health issues (8.5%). Conversely, 66.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 20.1% (1,185 people) of residents aged 65 and over. While seniors' health outcomes present some challenges, they align with national rankings overall.

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. The majority religion in Sarina is Christianity, practiced by 56.5% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland. In terms of ancestry, Australian is the most represented group in Sarina at 33.2%, higher than the regional average of 26.5%.

English follows with 29.5%, and Scottish with 7.3%. Notably, Maltese, Australian Aboriginal, and German groups have different representations compared to Regional Queensland: Maltese is 1.4% in Sarina (vs 0.4%), Australian Aboriginal is 5.8% (vs 3.9%), and German is 4.6% (vs 4.7%).

Sarina's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Sarina's median age is 40, closely matching Regional Queensland's figure of 41 but slightly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 13.6%, higher than Regional Qld, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 11.5%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group rose from 5.1% to 6.6%, and the 15-24 group increased from 12.3% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.0% to 12.2%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.3% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant shifts in Sarina's age profile. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 29%, adding 199 people and reaching 878 from 678. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.