Mermaid Beach (Qld)

Detail

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Mermaid Beach's population is estimated at around 7,183 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 146 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,329 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,858, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 475 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,604 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by Districts, making land in the area a highly-sought resource. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

Detail

A highly qualified labor force with representation across diverse industries characterizes Mermaid Beach, which records a low unemployment rate of 1.6% based on aggregated statistical area data. As of March 2026, working residents numbered 4,179. The local jobless rate is 2.3% lower than the 3.9% recorded in Regional Qld, while participation in the workforce reaches 71.1%, significantly higher than the Regional Qld benchmark of 64.3%. Census figures show a moderate 18.9% of the local workforce performed their roles from home, though this data reflects potential pandemic lockdown influences.

Detail

Taxpayer statistics from the ATO for financial year 2023 place local earnings within the top percentage band in the country. The median income for taxpayers is $59,865, while the average stands at $144,410. These figures compare to $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in Regional Qld. Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 11.36% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of approximately $66,666 for the median and $160,815 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census highlights weekly individual earnings at the 80th national percentile, equivalent to $1,021. In terms of brackets, the largest group comprises 34.6% of residents, representing 2,485 people, who earn between $1,500 and similar to the wider region where fall into this range. High housing costs account for of local income, but solid earnings ensure disposable income remains at the th percentile, with the SEIFA income metric placing the area in the th decile.

Detail

The mix of residential properties recorded at the most recent Census consisted of 19.0% detached houses and 81.1% other options like semi-detached units, townhouses, and apartments, contrasting with Regional Qld where houses made up 76.4% and other options accounted for 23.6%. The rate of home ownership was lower than the regional average, standing at 24.7%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (27.5%) or renting (47.8%). Median monthly mortgage costs were higher than the Regional Qld average at $1,820, while the median weekly rent was $460, compared to regional figures of $1,655 and $345 respectively. Nationally, local mortgage payments sit below the Australian median of $1,863, whereas rents are considerably higher than the national median of $375.

Detail

Families make up 57.6% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 16.1%, couples without children at 31.7%, and single parent households at 8.8%. Non-family households account for 42.4% of the total, with single-person households at 31.1% and group households at 11.3%. The median household size of 2.1 people is lower than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Detail

Residents display high levels of academic achievement, with 37.4% of those aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 25.4% across the broader SA4 region. This education profile positions the community well for professional industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 27.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational and technical training is also common, with 33.4% of the population aged 15+ holding qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 20.9%.

Detail

Analysis of local transit options shows 7 bus stops operating in the area. These stops are served by 2 routes, which support 1,340 weekly passenger journeys. Access to transport is high, with residents living an average of 185 meters from their nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and most workers travel outside the suburb, with private vehicles remaining the most common transit mode at 85%, followed by walking at 5% and cycling at 3%. Car ownership averages 1.2 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A share of 18.9% of residents worked from home according to 2021 Census data, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Detail

Districts evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic illnesses show favorable health profiles, with low rates of common medical conditions across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is high, held by approximately 84% of the population, which represents 6,063 people. This contrasts with a coverage rate of 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Cultural diversity is higher than in most comparable markets, with 13.0% of residents using a non-English language at home and 29.1% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 45.4% of the population. The most distinct variance is observed in Judaism, which is practiced by 0.5% of residents, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

Detail

The median age of 34 years is lower than both the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, there is a higher proportion of young adults aged 25 - 34, who make up 25.7% of the population, and a lower share of children aged 5 - 14 at 7.9%. The concentration of 25 - 34 year olds is higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket grew from 13.7% to 14.9%, and the 0 to 4 group rose from 3.7% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from to , and the to bracket declined from to . By demographic shifts are expected, with the to age group projected to grow by , increasing by people from to . The to age group is projected to see lower growth of , adding residents.

Detail

Mermaid Beach currently has an estimated 351 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 152 children aged 0-2 and 101 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 30% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 17% by 2041 (to approximately 410 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 311. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.