Karana Downs (Qld)

Detail

Drawing from ABS population statistics for the surrounding region alongside address records verified by Districts since the Census, the resident population in the suburb of Karana Downs is projected to stand at approximately 3,889 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 89 residents (2.3%) from the 2021 Census count of 3,800 people. This updated figure is derived from a resident headcount of 3,889, estimated by Districts analyzing the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) combined with an additional 2 verified new addresses since the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 518 persons per square kilometer, offering generous local spacing and room for potential future building projects. The main driver of population growth locally was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 61.0% of the overall population increases in recent times.

Detail

Karana Downs has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in essential service sectors, an unemployment rate of only 1.1%, and an estimated job growth rate of 10.0% over the prior year, based on Districts compilations of statistical area data. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,356, while the local unemployment rate sat 3.2% below the Greater Brisbane average of 4.3%, and labor participation was typical at 74.1% compared to 70.4% across Greater Brisbane. Census data indicates a moderate 23.0% of the workforce operated from home, though this was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

Detail

According to postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Karana Downs recorded a median income of $58,637 and an average income of $67,056. These figures align closely with national benchmarks, compared to a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799 in Greater Brisbane. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of approximately $65,298 and an average of $74,674 as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Karana Downs are positioned high, ranking in the 73rd to 81st percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket contains 37.0% of local earners (1,438 people) within the $1,500 - range, mirroring the broader region where fall into this bracket. The area exhibits high affluence with of households earning more than weekly, supporting premium local retail and services. After housing expenses, residents keep of their income, indicating high disposable income, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

Detail

The housing stock in Karana Downs at the time of the last Census consisted of 93.7% standalone houses and 6.2% other housing types, including semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings, compared to 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings in metropolitan Brisbane. Home ownership was significantly higher than the Brisbane metro average at 29.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (58.4%) or tenants (12.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was lower than the Brisbane metro average at $1,800, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $400, compared to metro averages of $1,863 and $380 respectively. Nationally, mortgage costs in Karana Downs are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, whereas rents sit above the national average of $375.

Detail

Families make up the vast majority of local households at 85.3%, consisting of couples with children at 41.0%, couples without children at 32.9%, and single-parent homes at 10.8%. Non-family households account for the remaining 14.7%, with single-person homes making up 13.4% and group households at 1.0%. The median household size of 2.8 people exceeds the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Detail

Academic qualifications in Karana Downs are high compared to regional standards, with 32.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 17.2% in the SA3 and 18.8% in the SA4 region. This education level supports local participation in knowledge-intensive industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 7.4% and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Vocational qualifications are also common, with 37.9% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade certificates, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 25.8%.

Detail

Health indicators show positive trends for residents of Karana Downs, with Districts analysis of mortality and health condition records showing results that track national benchmarks. The occurrence of common medical conditions remains low among younger and older residents, and private health insurance rates are slightly above the SA2 average, covering approximately 54% of the population, which equates to about 2,091 individuals.

Detail

Karana Downs features lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with 77.0% of residents born in Australia, 90.4% holding citizenship, and 94.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 46.5% of the population. The most distinct variation is in Judaism, which is practiced by 0.3% of the community compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

Detail

The median age in Karana Downs is 42 years, which sits well above the Greater Brisbane median of 36 and the national median of 38. The 55 - 64 age bracket is highly represented at 14.4% of the local population compared to regional averages, while the 25 - 34 bracket is low at 9.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.3% to 6.5% of the population. By contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 14.8% to 13.2%, and the 35 to 44 age bracket fell from 14.6% to 13.0%. Demographic projections indicate the local age profile will change by with the and over cohort expected to grow the fastest at , adding residents to reach a total of . This demographic shift is concentrated among older residents, with those aged and over accounting for all projected population growth, while declines are expected in the to and to age brackets.

Detail

Karana Downs currently has an estimated 178 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 103 children aged 0-2 and 68 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 2% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 17% by 2041 (to approximately 148 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 423. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.3 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.