Bargara (Qld)

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Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the wider region and newly verified locations from Districts post-Census, the suburb of Bargara has an estimated population of 10,302 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 1,419 individuals (16.0%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 8,883 residents. This adjustment is drawn from a residential count of 10,129 calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus an additional 519 validated new addresses established since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 1,099 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical values observed across Districts examined locations. The 16.0% expansion in the suburb of Bargara since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (9.1%) and the Rest of Qld, positioning it as a key regional growth hub. Inward migration from other states drove the bulk of these gains, accounting for approximately 83.0% of the total population increase over recent periods.

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The suburb of Bargara is home to a qualified workforce with a strong presence in essential services, showing an unemployment rate of only 2.3% and an estimated job growth rate of 6.6% over the previous year according to compiled statistical area data. There were 4,639 employed locals in March 2026, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.6% below the 3.9% recorded in Regional Qld, even though local labor force participation is much lower at 53.2% compared to 64.3% regionally. Census records show that a modest 7.7% of residents worked from home, although this may reflect temporary pandemic restrictions.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Bargara has a median taxpayer income of $48,345 and an average of $59,738. These figures sit below national benchmarks, and compare to a median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated values for March 2026 stand at roughly $53,837 for the median and $66,524 for the average. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and personal incomes in the suburb of Bargara between the 17th and 20th percentiles nationwide. The largest earnings segment contains 26.2% of local taxpayers (2,699 people) earning between $800 - 1,499, which contrasts with the wider region where the - range is largest at . Residents retain of their income after housing expenses, placing the area in the th percentile nationally, while the SEIFA index ranks the community in the th decile for income.

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The local housing stock at the time of the latest Census was comprised of 78.4% detached houses and 21.5% alternative dwellings (such as townhouses, units, and other configurations), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings across Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Bargara were noticeably higher than the regional average at 47.8%, with 24.8% of properties mortgaged and 27.4% occupied by renters. Median monthly mortgage costs were $1,517, which is lower than the Regional Qld median of $1,655, while median weekly rent was $340 compared to the regional figure of $345. On a national scale, mortgage payments are considerably below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the countrywide median of $375.

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Families make up 69.8% of all households in the suburb of Bargara, consisting of couples without children at 41.3%, couples with children at 19.3%, and single-parent households at 8.6%. The remaining 30.2% are non-family households, which are dominated by single occupants at 27.7% and group housing at 2.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Rates of educational qualification in the suburb of Bargara are higher than regional comparisons, with 23.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 13.3% in the SA4 region and 14.7% in the SA3 area. This educational profile positions the local workforce well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational skills are also prominent, with 35.8% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (25.2%).

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Analysis of transit options shows 48 active transport stops in the suburb of Bargara, comprising a network of bus stops. These stops are served by 1 unique routes, which provide a total of 93 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is rated highly, with homes situated an average of 219 meters from the closest stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary transport mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per household, which is lower than the regional average. Census data from 2021 shows that a modest 7.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect pandemic-era patterns.

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Health indicators in the suburb of Bargara align closely with national averages, according to assessments of mortality and chronic illness rates across young and old cohorts, while private health insurance coverage is relatively low at approximately 51% of the population, representing about 5,241 individuals.

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The suburb of Bargara has lower cultural diversity metrics compared to average, with 80.0% of residents born in Australia, 89.3% holding citizenship, and 94.2% speaking only English at home. The main religious affiliation is Christianity, chosen by 57.8% of residents, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

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The median age in the suburb of Bargara is 54 years, which is higher than the Regional Qld median of 41 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is particularly large, representing 18.9% of local residents compared to the national average of 9.4%. Since 2021, the cohort aged 75 to 84 has increased from 12.9% to 14.5% of the total population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 10.1% to 7.9%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.7% to 10.3%. Projections for 2041 point to ongoing shifts, with the 85+ group expected to grow the fastest at , adding residents to reach a total of . Seniors aged + will account for of overall population growth, highlighting the aging trend, while the to and to cohorts are projected to contract.

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Bargara currently has an estimated 442 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 266 children aged 0-2 and 178 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 35% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 20% by 2041 (to approximately 532 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 790. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 8.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally.