Warana

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Warana is around 4390, showing an increase of 559 people since the 2021 Census. This growth reflects a 14.6% rise from the previous figure of 3831 residents. AreaSearch's estimation of 4175 residents, based on their examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of new addresses since the Census date, supports this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 1498 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Warana's growth rate exceeded both the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54% to overall population gains during recent periods.

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, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. By 2041, the suburb of Warana is forecast to grow by 1223 persons, reflecting a total gain of 20.9% over the 17-year period.

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 so far in FY-26. On average, these constructions have accommodated about 1.4 new residents per year over the past five financial years. However, this figure has intensified to 6.2 people per dwelling over the last two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $896,000, indicating a focus on the premium market by developers. This year alone, Warana has recorded $6.0 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting its residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Warana shows 19.0% lower construction activity per person but places among the 43rd percentile nationally when measured against other areas assessed. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing properties. The new building activity in Warana comprises 14.0% detached dwellings and 86.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 71.0% houses. This trend may reflect decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles that require more diverse, affordable housing options.

With approximately 386 people per dwelling approval, Warana has an established population. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain around 919 residents by 2041. Given 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 projects include Oceanside Birtinya, Kawana Health Precinct Expansion, BHC Affordable Housing Birtinya, and Exe & Wye Birtinya. 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.

The labour market in Warana shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Warana has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,047 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Warana is somewhat below standard at 60.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses indicate that a moderate 14.0% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.3% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Warana's labour force decreased by 2.6%, with employment decreasing by 2.4%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Warana's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years based on industry-specific projections applied to Warana's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Warana had a median income among taxpayers of $46,441 and an average income of $66,802 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 for the same period. As of September 2025, estimated incomes based on Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $51,043 (median) and $73,422 (average). In Warana, household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly between the 33rd and 36th percentiles according to Census 2021 data. The earnings profile showed that 28.8% of residents fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which is similar to the regional average of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Warana, with only 81.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 33rd percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 70.6% houses and 29.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Warana's home ownership was at 35.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 33.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Warana was $2,000, compared to Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Warana was $420, while Non-Metro Qld's was $345. Nationally, Warana's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 30.7%, consisting of 26.2% lone person households and 4.7% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Qld.

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

Warana's residents aged 15 and above have a university degree attainment rate of 24.8%, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.9% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 29.0%. Current educational participation is high at 28.5%, including primary education (10.9%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (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. These stops are covered by five different routes, offering 971 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport access is considered good, with residents located an average of 226 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Warana residents commute outward using cars as the dominant mode at 92%, while 3% use bicycles. 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.

The service frequency averages 138 trips per day 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 based on 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 higher than average at approximately 54% of the total population (around 2,356 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.1% and 8.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.8%, with around 1,000 people falling into this category, compared to 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally than 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.0% of its population being citizens, 82.4% born in Australia, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Warana is Christianity, comprising 44.9% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to regional figures, with 0.0% in Warana versus 0.1% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (31.1%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (10.4%). Other ethnic groups with notable representation include Scottish at 9.4%, Dutch at 1.8%, and New Zealand at 1.0%.

Warana's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Warana is 42 years, close to the Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and well above Australia's median of 38 years. Comparing with the Rest of Qld average, the 85+ cohort is notably over-represented at 5.7% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.6%. Since the Census in 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.6% to 12.3%, and the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.1% to 11.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Warana. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow substantially by 215 people (86%), from 250 to 466. Meanwhile, the 15-24 group shows modest growth of 2%, adding only 10 residents.