Carrara (Qld)

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Based on a review of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region alongside newly validated addresses recorded by Districts since the Census, the population of Carrara is estimated to be approximately 14,314 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 1,176 residents (9.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 13,138 individuals. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 14,314, calculated by Districts following analysis of the most recent ABS ERP figures (June 2025) and a further 36 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population translates to a density of 1,081 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with the typical averages observed across areas studied by Districts. The 9.0% rate of growth in the suburb of Carrara since the 2021 census was higher than the broader SA3 region (6.6%), positioning it as a leading growth area in the vicinity. Gains were mostly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 56% of the total population increase during recent times, though all components including natural increase and interstate migration also registered gains.

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The suburb of Carrara features a highly skilled labor force employed across multiple industries, showing an unemployment rate of only 3.0% and an estimated annual job growth rate of 3.5%, according to statistical area data compiled by Districts. In March 2026, there were 7,911 working residents, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.9% lower than the Regional Qld rate of 3.9%, and participation in the labor force is typical at 67.0% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data indicates a moderate 15.0% of the workforce worked from home, though this may reflect the influence of pandemic lockdowns.

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Taxpayer income levels in the suburb of Carrara are below the national average according to ATO data compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year. The median income for taxpayers is $50,303 and the average income is $61,171, compared to $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $56,017 for median income and $68,120 for average income as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all rank moderately, placing in the 39th to 43rd percentiles. The data shows that 32.5% of residents (4,652 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring the regional trend where 31.7% of the population falls into this bracket. Household budgets face significant pressure, with only of income remaining after housing costs, ranking in the th percentile, and the SEIFA income index places the area in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Carrara consisted of 52.1% separate houses and 47.9% other dwelling types (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative housing), compared to Regional Qld's mix of 76.4% separate houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The rate of outright home ownership was 32.3%, matching the regional benchmark, with the remaining residences occupied by households with a mortgage (39.6%) or renting (28.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,900 was significantly higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent was $450 compared to Regional Qld's average of $345. On a national level, mortgage repayments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially higher than the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 71.0%, consisting of 28.0% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 12.5% single-parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.0%, with single-person households at 24.7% and group housing making up 4.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 residents is slightly smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment in the suburb of Carrara is lower than regional averages, with 23.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% nationwide. This indicates opportunities for further educational and skills development. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (26.6%).

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Public transport analysis shows 29 active transit stops operating within the suburb of Carrara, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 7 distinct routes, which support 1,033 passenger trips per week. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 359 meters from their nearest transit stop. Being a largely residential suburb, the majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles being the primary mode of transport for 94% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 cars per household. A total of 15.0% of residents work from home (based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions).

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The suburb of Carrara displays favorable health outcomes according to Districts evaluations of mortality and chronic disease rates, with both younger and older cohorts showing low rates of common health conditions, while private health insurance coverage is relatively low at roughly 51% of the population (~7,363 people).

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Cultural diversity in the suburb of Carrara is higher than in most local markets, with 13.1% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and 29.5% born overseas. Christianity is the major religion, adhered to by 51.7% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of residents compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

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The median age of 42 in the suburb of Carrara is close to the Regional Qld average of 41 and well above the national median of 38. Compared to the region, there is an overrepresentation of residents aged 25 - 34 (13.8% locally), while children aged 5 - 14 are underrepresented (9.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 10.3% to 12.7% of the population, and the 25 to 34 age bracket rose from 12.6% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 12.9% to 11.2%, and the 5 to group fell from to . Projections for suggest major demographic changes, with the to age group expected to increase by people () from to while the to and to cohorts are projected to contract.

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Carrara currently has an estimated 758 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 452 children aged 0-2 and 302 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 16% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 903 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,129. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.