Warana

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

The estimated population of the suburb of Warana was around 4,083 as of May 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses. This figure represents an increase of 252 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,831. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 3,980 in June 2025, along with 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,393 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Warana's growth rate of 6.6% since the census places it within 2.6 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.2%). Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data, for each age cohort. By 2041, the suburb is forecast to experience a significant population increase, gaining 984 persons and recording a total increase of 21.6% over the 16 years.

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

Warana has seen approximately 46 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 234 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved in FY-26 to date. Each dwelling constructed over these years is estimated to have housed about 1.5 new residents on average. However, this figure has increased to 9.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $896,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, $6.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of Qld, Warana has 18.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 43rd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice that supports interest in existing properties. This is indicative of strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity shows a trend towards denser development, with 14.0% detached dwellings and 86.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift from the area's current housing composition (71.0% houses) reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles that require more diverse, affordable housing options.

Warana has approximately 393 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. By 2041, it is forecasted to gain around 881 residents based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Warana 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 seven projects that could affect this region. Notable ones are Oceanside Birtinya, Kawana Health Precinct Expansion, BHC Affordable Housing Birtinya, and Warana Coastal Pathway (Stage 4). The following list details those most likely to be 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.

The employment environment in Warana shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Warana has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, Warana has 1,879 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Warana is at 57.9%, compared to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts are notable. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Warana shows significant concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.3% compared to Regional Queensland's average of 4.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a higher level of local employment opportunities than usual. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Warana's labour force decreased by 4.7%, with employment decreasing by 5.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Queensland recorded employment growth of 0.7% during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Warana's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Warana suburb's income level is slightly below national average based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers is $46,441 and average income stands at $66,802. For Regional Qld, these figures are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. With Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $51,717 (median) and $74,391 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Warana rank modestly between the 33rd and 36th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 28.8% of residents (1,175 people), similar to the region at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 33rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Warana's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.6% houses and 29.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Warana stood at 35.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 33.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Warana was $420, compared to Regional Qld's $375. Nationally, Warana's mortgage repayments were above the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Warana features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 69.3% of all households, including 29.5% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the Regional Queensland average.

Warana shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Warana's residents aged 15+ have lower university degree holders (24.8%) compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (17.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.9% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is high, with 28.5% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.9%), secondary (7.7%), and tertiary (4.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Warana has eight operational public transport stops, serving a mix of bus routes. Five distinct routes operate in total, facilitating 971 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents situated an average of 226 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Warana residents commute outward. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 92% of residents, while cycling accounts for 3%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 138 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 121 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Warana is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Warana faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is somewhat higher than the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~2,191 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.1 and 8.2% of residents respectively. However, 65.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population has better than average health outcomes. Warana has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.7%, with 1,008 people falling into this age group, compared to the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

Warana ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Warana had a cultural diversity index below average, with 88.0% of its population being Australian citizens and 82.4% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 93.5% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.9% of Warana's population.

However, Judaism was not represented among Warana's residents, while it constituted 0.1% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (10.4%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.4%, compared to the regional average of 7.8%. Dutch ancestry also exceeded its regional counterpart at 1.8% versus 1.1%, as did New Zealand ancestry at 1.0% versus 0.9%.

Warana's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Warana is close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years, both figures being well above the Australian median of 38 years. Comparing with Regional Queensland, Warana has a notably higher proportion of people aged 85 and over (5.7% locally), while those aged 25 to 34 are under-represented (9.8%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 9.6% to 12.4%, and the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 7.8% to 8.8%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 has declined from 13.1% to 11.1%, and the 25 to 34 age group has dropped from 11.2% to 9.8%. Population forecasts for Warana indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The number of people aged 85 and over is projected to grow substantially, increasing by 211 individuals (91%) from 232 to 444. The 15 to 24 age group is expected to show more modest growth, adding only 5 residents.