Carina Heights (Qld)

Detail

Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by Districts since the Census estimates the population of the suburb of Carina Heights to be approximately 7,832 in May 2026. This represents an expansion of 729 residents (10.3%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 7,103 people. The estimation is based on a resident population of 7,803, calculated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 95 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This population level results in a density of 2,276 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical ratio found across locations assessed nationally by Districts. The 10.3% population growth since the 2021 census in the suburb of Carina Heights outpaced the SA3 area (8.1%) as well as the national average, making it a regional growth leader. This expansion was majorly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 62.0% of the total population gains in recent times.

Detail

Data compiled by Districts for the statistical area shows that Carina Heights has a highly educated workforce with a strong concentration of professionals, an unemployment rate of 4.7%, and an estimated job growth rate of 5.4% over the past year. In March 2026, there were 4,730 employed residents. The local unemployment rate sits 0.4% higher than the Greater Brisbane rate of 4.3%, while workforce participation is significantly elevated at 75.6% compared to the regional benchmark of 70.4%. Census records show that a moderate 24.0% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic lockdowns.

Detail

Taxpayer data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 shows that the suburb of Carina Heights has an exceptionally high income level compared to the national average. The median income for taxpayers in the suburb of Carina Heights is $62,097, with the average income reaching $83,061. These figures compare to $58,236 (median) and $72,799 (average) across Greater Brisbane. Adjusted for the Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be roughly $69,151 for the median and $92,497 for the average. Census records indicate that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Carina Heights rank around the 71st percentile nationally. The most common weekly income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, containing 35.3% of taxpayers (2,764 residents), which is consistent with the recorded in this bracket across the wider region. Although high housing costs account for of income, strong local earnings keep disposable income at the th percentile, and the area sits in the th decile for the SEIFA income index.

Detail

At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Carina Heights consisted of 51.1% separate houses and 48.9% alternative housing types, such as apartments, semi-detached properties, and other dwellings. In contrast, the Greater Brisbane average was 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Carina Heights stood at 23.1%, trailing the metropolitan average, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgagors (34.9%) or tenants (42.0%). The median mortgage payment of $1,950 per month was higher than the Brisbane metro median of $1,863, and the median weekly rent of $403 was also higher than the metro average of $380. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Carina Heights are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Detail

Families make up 67.3% of all households, consisting of 24.6% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 14.1% single-parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.7%, which includes lone-person households at 26.5% and group households at 6.2%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Detail

Carina Heights demonstrates high levels of education, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to QLD averages of 25.7% and national averages of 30.4%. This educational profile positions the community well for professional and knowledge-based careers. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 26.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 8.4% and graduate diplomas at 4.0%. Vocational training is also well represented, with 30.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade qualifications, comprising 11.7% with advanced diplomas and 19.0% with certificates.

Detail

Transport analysis shows 48 public transport stops within Carina Heights, consisting of bus services. These stops support 13 distinct routes, generating 2,671 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is highly rated, with residents living an average of 146 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential nature, most workers commute out of the suburb. Private cars are the primary mode of travel at 82%, while buses account for 12%. Household car ownership averages 1.2 vehicles, which is lower than the metropolitan average. A notable 24.0% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

Detail

Health outcomes in Carina Heights point to below-average trends based on Districts analysis of mortality rates and chronic illnesses, with common conditions observed across both younger and older demographics. However, private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, with approximately 60% of the population (4,707 people) having private cover, compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

Detail

Cultural diversity in Carina Heights is higher than in most local markets, with 27.5% of the population born outside of Australia and 19.3% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the main religion, followed by 49.8% of residents. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, matching the 0.1% average for Greater Brisbane.

Detail

The median age in Carina Heights is 36 years, matching Greater Brisbane but younger than the national average of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket represents 18.0% of the population, which is a high concentration compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 5 - 14 demographic is less common at 10.1%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age bracket expanded from 3.6% to 4.8%, and the 45 to 54 cohort grew from 12.1% to 13.2%. Over the same period, the 25 to 34 group fell from 19.0% to 18.0%. Demographic forecasts for 2041 project notable shifts, with the to cohort expected to grow by people (), rising from to . In contrast, population declines are anticipated for the to and to age cohorts.

Detail

Carina Heights currently has an estimated 462 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 278 children aged 0-2 and 184 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 10% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 430 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 650. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.