Warana

Population growth drivers in Warana are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Warana's population is estimated at around 4,070, reflecting an increase of 239 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Warana by AreaSearch was 3,896 in June 2024, with an additional 65 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,389 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Warana's growth rate of 6.2% since the Census positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the non-metro area (8.8%). Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas covered by this data, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for years post-2032.

Future population dynamics anticipate significant growth in the top quartile of regional areas across the nation, with Warana expected to expand by 1,217 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 30.2% 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 averaged approximately 40 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 204 homes. As of FY-26, there has been 1 approval recorded. The average arrival rate of new residents per new home in Warana was 1.6 between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New properties were constructed at an average value of $896,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment.

In FY-26, $12.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of Qld, Warana has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 62nd percentile nationally. New development consists of 18.0% detached houses and 82.0% attached dwellings, shifting from the area's existing housing composition of 71.0% houses. This change indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects evolving lifestyles requiring diverse, affordable housing options. Warana has a developing market with around 239 people per dwelling approval.

Population forecasts estimate Warana will gain 1,230 residents by 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include Oceanside Birtinya, Kawana Health Precinct Expansion, BHC Affordable Housing Birtinya, and Warana Coastal Pathway (Stage 4). The following list details those 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.

Warana ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Warana has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.0% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 2,074 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is at 56.9%, slightly below the regional average of 59.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.3% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates ample local employment opportunities.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Warana's labour force decreased by 2.3%, with employment declining by 1.9%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with an increase in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Warana. Over five years, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Warana's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Warana had a median income among taxpayers of $46,441. The average income stood at $66,802. This is above the national average and compares to levels of $50,780 in Rest of Qld for median income and $64,844 for average income. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $52,938 (median) and $76,148 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Warana, between the 33rd and 36th percentiles. Distribution data shows 28.8% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which mirrors regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Warana, with only 81.1% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Warana, as per the latest Census evaluation, 70.6% of dwellings were houses while 29.4% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Non-Metro Qld's breakdown of 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Warana stood at 35.2%, with mortgaged properties at 31.5% and rented ones at 33.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Warana was $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of $450. Nationally, Warana's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 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 constitute the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 4.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with 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 educational qualifications trail Australian averages; 24.8% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.9% of residents holding them; advanced diplomas account for 9.9% and certificates for 29.0%. Educational participation is high at 28.5%, including 10.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

Schools may be located outside Warana's immediate boundaries, requiring residents to access them in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows eight active public transport stops in Warana, operated by a mix of buses. These stops are served by five distinct routes, together offering 1072 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 226 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 153 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 134 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Warana is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Warana faces significant health challenges with a higher prevalence of common conditions compared to average.

This is particularly true for older age groups. Approximately 54% (~2,184 people) of Warana's total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.1% and 8.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.2% across the rest of Queensland. Warana has 22.7% (923 people) of its population aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for 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 exhibited low cultural diversity, with 88.0% citizens, 82.4% born in Australia, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.9%. Judaism's representation was notably lower than the regional average of 0.1%, standing at 0.0%.

The top three parental ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (10.4%). Scottish ancestry was overrepresented in Warana at 9.4% compared to the regional figure of 8.8%. Dutch ancestry also showed higher representation at 1.8%, compared to the regional average of 1.3%. New Zealand ancestry exhibited a slight divergence with 1.0% against a regional average of 1.1%.

Warana hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Warana is 42 years, close to the Rest of Qld's average of 41 and well above Australia's median of 38. The 85+ cohort comprises 5.8% of Warana's population, which is notably higher than the Rest of Qld average. Conversely, those aged 25-34 make up only 10.4% of Warana's population, indicating an under-representation compared to the Rest of Qld average. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.6% to 12.1%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 13.1% to 11.9%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant growth in Warana's 85+ age cohort, with an increase of 230 people (98%) from 236 to 467.