Home › AUS › Rest of Qld › Robina › Merrimac
Rest of Qld / Robina
$825
Median rent / wk
Period ending Jun 2026
+3.7%
Rent growth / yr
Period ending Jun 2026
7,423
People
17 Jul 2026
+2.9%
Growth since 2021
Census
13
For sale now
indexed listings
Data sourcesABSDFFH Rental ReportACARARefreshed July 2026
ABS QuickStats SAL31813How we calculate this
How figures are calculatedFigures are extracted from the sources listed here at the observation date shown, and displayed unchanged. Rank bars use the profile's score out of 10 where one exists. Missing values are shown as unavailable — never estimated or back-filled.
Suburb (SAL) analysis
This analysis uses Suburb (SAL) boundaries, which can differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when they share the same name. SAL 31813.
7,423
People
est. as @ 17 Jul 2026
2021 Census | 7,212 people
9.66 km²
Land area
768.4 /km²
Density
2.6%
Unemployment
7 /yr
Resi approvals
Located 73 kilometers south-southeast from the Brisbane CBD, the suburb of Merrimac features a population estimated at approximately 7,423 residents as of May 2026. This figure, derived from annual SA2-level Estimated Resident Population counts and quarterly national address data, indicates minimal population growth since the 2021 Census, which recorded 7,212 people. The local demographic exhibits a standard age distribution alongside a well-educated community. Residents benefit from outstanding service amenities, while the local workforce is supported by a notable arts and recreation employment base and a below-average unemployment rate. The housing market in the suburb of Merrimac is characterized by a strong presence of semi-detached dwellings and a severely limited supply of new housing. Development activity remains quiet, though the suburb ranks among the nation's most active areas for planned major infrastructure projects, which are expected to drive future housing demand. In terms of population growth, the area shows moderate expansion patterns.
Estimated residents are up from 7,212 at the 2021 Census — a change of 211 people, or 2.9%.
Districts View
Data to 17 Jul 2026Forecast demand
Official forecasts point to an additional 1,264 residents by 2041 — growth of 17.0% on the current estimated population.
Infrastructure pipeline
8 major projects are tracked in and around Merrimac, and infrastructure activity ranks in the 96th percentile nationally.
Constrained supply
Development activity ranks in only the 20th percentile nationally while population growth ranks in the 53rd — demand is growing faster than new supply is being approved.
Employment outlook
Industry-weighted employment growth of 6.7% is forecast over the next five years based on the local industry mix.
Limited public transport access
Merrimac ranks in the 25th percentile nationally for transport & access (score 2.5/10).
Car-dependent locations can appeal to a narrower tenant pool and are more exposed to fuel and commuting costs.
Weak housing market ranking
Merrimac ranks in the 8th percentile nationally for housing (score 0.8/10).
A low composite housing ranking suggests the local market has lagged comparable areas on the measures Districts tracks.
Districts' reading of national rankings, Census change and the tracked project pipeline for Merrimac. Each line cites its evidence; this is interpretation, not advice. The Investment Report PDF is the long form of this thesis.
Sales activity
Data to 17 Jul 2026No market glance has been ingested for this suburb yet. Recorded sales below come from Districts property records where indexed.
Residential supply
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Districts assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Merrimac, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally
Detail
According to Districts evaluations of ABS building approval statistics mapped from local areas, the suburb of Merrimac has averaged roughly 7 residential property approvals per year, summing to an estimated 35 dwellings authorized over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 4 during the current FY-26 period. Over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), there has been an average of 2.7 new occupants per year for each approved dwelling, pointing to solid demand that is likely to bolster real estate values, with new construction showing an average expected cost of $442,000. Furthermore, commercial development approvals worth $1.6 million have been registered so far this financial year, illustrating the suburb's predominantly residential character.
Recent residential construction records reveal that 22.0% are detached houses while 78.0% comprise townhouses or apartments. This concentration of high-density housing provides affordable entry options and appeals to downsizers, property investors, and first-time buyers. This trend contrasts sharply with the existing residential mix (which currently stands at 48.0% houses), reflecting a shortage of vacant residential land and adapting to changing buyer preferences and budget constraints. The ratio of 4938 people in the area per dwelling approval underscores a tranquil, low-scale development landscape.
Future forecasts indicate that the suburb of Merrimac will gain 1,264 residents by 2041 (relative to the latest quarterly estimates from Districts). Should local construction velocities persist at their present rate, housing supply may fall short of demographic growth, which could intensify buyer competition and underpin accelerated price appreciation.
Districts' assessment of the Gold Coast LGA register has identified 2 substantial development applications lodged in Merrimac over the past 5 years (1 in the last 12 months). Minor and ancillary works — single dwellings, outbuildings, signage and smaller residential developments — are excluded. Of the two, one is under assessment and one was withdrawn.
2 applications in the profile extract.
Recent Development Approvals by Type
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Merrimac | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest FY Approvals | 2 | 185,138 | 4,146 |
| Current FY-to-Date Approvals | 4 | 184,871 | 6,523 |
| –Detached House Approvals | 2/20.6% | 89,436/61.9% | 1,038/25.2% |
| –Attached/Other Approvals | 7/79.4% | 55,043/38.1% | 3,082/74.8% |
| Average Annual Approvals | 7 | 188,882 | 5,183 |
| Total 5-Year Approvals | 35 | 944,410 | 25,915 |
| Approvals per 1,000 People (2yr) | 0.2 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Approvals per 1,000 People (5yr) | 1 | 7.2 | 7.8 |
| Pop Growth per Approval (2yr) | 34 | 2.8 | 2.9 |
| Pop Growth per Approval (5yr) | 2.7 | 2.1 | 2.5 |
| Persons per Approval | 4,938 | 158 | 158 |
| Residential Value per Unit | 442 | 342 | 529 |
| Commercial Development Value | 1,650 | 105,080,908 | 1,192,396 |
| Development Drivers Ranking | 20 | 100 | 94 |
Project pipeline
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Merrimac has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and major works have a significant effect on regional performance. Districts has identified 23 developments in progress or proposed that are expected to influence the local area. Principal developments include the Carrara Stadium - 2032 Olympics Venue, the Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, the 44 Gilston Road Nerang Mixed-Use Development Site, and the Sage Apartments, with details of the most significant works listed below.
Residential Development
ConstructionCumulus Grand Villas is a private gated community comprising 59 luxury three- and four-bedroom townhomes set on an elevated ridgeline overlooking 250 hectares of natural savanna. The development features an infinity pool terrace, a 2-acre private nature reserve, and environmental walking trails.
Source 1 for Cumulus Grand Villas (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Cumulus Grand Villas (opens in new tab)
Health
ConstructionA $190 million stage two expansion of Robina Private Hospital on the Gold Coast, designed by HSPC Health Architects for owner Australian Unity and operator Aurora Healthcare Australia. Gold Coast City Council granted full development approval in early 2025 for a nine-storey building delivering 185 mental health, medical rehabilitation and acute surgical beds, seven surgical theatres, mental health group therapy rooms, additional rehabilitation gyms, a ground floor cafe, retail pharmacy, 700 square metres of medical imaging, over 30 doctors consulting suites, and three levels of basement parking.
Source 1 for Robina Private Hospital Expansion (Stage 2) (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Robina Private Hospital Expansion (Stage 2) (opens in new tab)
Sports & Recreation
PlanningCarrara Stadium, known commercially as People First Stadium, is a 27,500-seat Stadiums Queensland venue within the Gold Coast Sports Precinct and the home ground of the Gold Coast SUNS AFL and AFLW teams. The Queensland Government 2032 Delivery Plan, released 25 March 2025, lists Carrara Stadium among the existing venues assessed as able to host Olympic and Paralympic events without major capital works, and the stadium accordingly receives no allocation under the 7.1 billion dollar Games venue capital works program.
Source 1 for Carrara Stadium (People First Stadium) - Brisbane 2032 Games Venue (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Carrara Stadium (People First Stadium) - Brisbane 2032 Games Venue (opens in new tab)
Residential Development
CompletedSage Apartments is a unique residential complex in Merrimac, offering modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments surrounded by over 3 hectares of private parkland. The development features resort-style amenities including pools, BBQ areas, and green spaces, providing a sanctuary for residents in the heart of the Gold Coast.
Precincts & Urban Renewal
ConstructionTEAK Mudgeeraba is a heritage-inspired mixed-use commercial precinct delivering 14 purpose-built tenancies across retail, medical, office, and hospitality uses at 64-66 Railway Street. The development anchors the Mudgeeraba village green and features the Australian German Club as its anchor tenant, relocating from Merrimac to occupy a new 200-seat beer hall with a 30-metre bar. Tenancy sizes range from approximately 47 square metres to 490 square metres, with street frontage and rear configurations. Construction is underway with opening expected in early 2027.
Source for Teak Mudgeeraba Mixed-Use Precinct (opens in new tab)
8 projects tracked around Merrimac (QLD), in the source's significance order. Stages and reference links are as published by the source.
On the market now
Data to 17 Jul 2026Price not recorded
Townhouse · 3 bed · 168m² land
Listed 14 Nov 2025
$999,000
Townhouse · 4 bed
Listed 5 Aug 2026
$950,000
Townhouse · 3 bed
Listed 23 Apr 2026
$939,000
Semi-Detached · 3 bed
Listed 25 Aug 2026
$1,499,000
Apartment · 3 bed
Listed 5 June 2026
Price not recorded
Villa · 2 bed · 100m² land
Listed 5 Aug 2026
$949,000
Townhouse · 3 bed
Listed 19 Aug 2026
$1,320,000
Type, beds and land are not in the listing record yet — identify the asset before pricing it.
$2,460,000
House For Sale · 5 bed · 728m² land
Listed 19 Mar 2026
Price not recorded
House For Sale · 6 bed · 1,373m² land
Listed 5 May 2026
$1,075,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 463m² land
Listed 2 July 2026
$1,075,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 331m² land
Listed 29 July 2026
Price not recorded
House For Sale · 5 bed · 413m² land
Listed 30 July 2026
From indexed listing events. Districts records what the listing publishes — asks and attributes are the agent's, not a valuation.
Properties
Data to 17 Jul 2026| Address | Price | Sold | Type | Beds | Baths | Cars | Land | $/m² land |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 sunnybrae cl, merrimac, QLD, 4226 | — | 20 Aug 2026 | House | 4 | 2 | 4 | 551m² | — |
| 41 kingarry circuit, merrimac, QLD, 4226 | — | 23 July 2026 | House | 3 | 2 | 2 | — | — |
| 63 nicklaus ct, merrimac, QLD, 4226 | $1.68M | 17 July 2026 | Semi-Detached | 4 | 2 | 2 | 519m² | $3,227 |
| 18 merrilaine cres, merrimac, QLD, 4226 | $1.56M | 5 June 2026 | House | 4 | 2 | 3 | 600m² | $2,600 |
| 19 terrace ct, merrimac, QLD, 4226 | $1.19M | 3 June 2026 | House | 3 | 1 | 1 | 661m² | $1,793 |
| 6 alter ct, merrimac, QLD, 4226 | $1.38M | 19 May 2026 | House | 6 | 3 | 1 | 734m² | $1,875 |
| 106 merridown dr, merrimac, QLD, 4226 | $1.11M | 14 May 2026 | House | 3 | 2 | 2 | 600m² | $1,850 |
| 12 macallan st, merrimac, QLD, 4226 | $1.44M | 23 Mar 2026 | House | 4 | 2 | 5 | 735m² | $1,959 |
| 6 scotia pl, merrimac, QLD, 4226 | — | 7 Mar 2026 | House | 4 | 2 | 0 | 418m² | — |
| 48 lakelands dr, merrimac, QLD, 4226 | $2.3M | 6 Mar 2026 | House | 5 | 3 | 5 | 505m² | $4,554 |
| 4 cabot ct, merrimac, QLD, 4226 | $1.21M | 11 Feb 2026 | House | 4 | 3 | 3 | 463m² | $2,604 |
| 2 mull ct, merrimac, QLD, 4226 | — | 25 Jan 2026 | House | 4 | 2 | 2 | 763m² | — |
Source: Districts property records · 12 in 2026 · 71 recorded sales in total
Other indexed properties in Merrimac with no sale record in Districts yet.
Nearby
Data to 17 Jul 2026| Suburb | Distance | People | Median | Growth | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrimac | — | 7,423 | — | — | — |
| Worongary | 2.6 km | 6,464 | — | — | — |
| Clear Island Waters | 3.4 km | 4,528 | — | — | — |
| Carrara | 3.5 km | 14,137 | — | — | — |
| Tallai | 3.6 km | 4,705 | — | — | — |
| Robina | 3.8 km | 27,717 | — | — | — |
| Mudgeeraba | 4.3 km | 15,362 | — | — | — |
| Highland Park | 4.9 km | 6,855 | — | — | — |
| Benowa | 5.2 km | 10,681 | — | — | — |
| Broadbeach Waters | 5.5 km | 8,923 | — | — | — |
| Bundall | 5.6 km | 5,087 | — | — | — |
| Mermaid Waters | 5.7 km | 14,169 | — | — | — |
| Gilston | 6.2 km | 2,964 | — | — | — |
| Varsity Lakes | 6.2 km | 17,957 | — | — | — |
| Ashmore | 6.9 km | 12,878 | — | — | — |
| Broadbeach | 7.0 km | 8,713 | — | — | — |
| Nerang | 7.0 km | 18,075 | — | — | — |
| Mermaid Beach | 7.0 km | 7,646 | — | — | — |
Market columns show — where a nearby suburb has not been ingested yet.
Severely limited dwelling supply
Strong semi-detached presence
Well-educated local population
Below-average unemployment rate
Outstanding service amenity
Notable arts and recreation employment base
Development approval activity in recent years well below historic averages
Population Growth
5.3
Density
4.7
Development Activity
2.0
Employment Drivers
8.3
Infrastructure Drivers
9.6
Education
7.4
Amenities
9.2
Transport & Access
Demographics
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Merrimac has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends
Detail
According to investigations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, alongside recent address validation conducted by Districts after the Census, the suburb of Merrimac has an estimated residency of approximately 7,423 individuals as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 211 residents (2.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 7,212 people. This shift is calculated from the estimated resident population of 7,423, determined by Districts through analysing the ABS June 2025 ERP release and incorporating 28 validated new addresses detected since the Census date. Such a population count corresponds to a density of 768 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages recorded in Districts assessments. Overseas migration served as the primary contributor to demographic expansion, representing virtually the sole driver of population gains throughout recent timeframes.
Employment
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Districts analysis reveals Merrimac significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide
Detail
Merrimac possesses a well-trained labor pool, with solid representation in crucial service sectors, an unemployment rate of only 2.6%, and an estimated annual job growth of 3.3% calculated from Districts local statistical summaries. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 4,285, while local unemployment sat 1.3% below the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, and labor participation reached a high level of 72.1% compared to Regional Qld's 64.3%. Census data indicates that a low 12.0% of the workforce worked from home, although this should be interpreted alongside pandemic restrictions.
The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade exhibits a notable concentration, with a workforce share times that of the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is minimally represented, employing of the workforce compared to across the region. Local job opportunities appear restricted, as shown by comparing the count of Census working population against resident population.
Income
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Income levels sit below national averages according to Districts assessment
Detail
Tax data from the ATO compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 shows that Merrimac has income levels below the national average. Local taxpayers recorded a median income of $50,975 and an average income of $64,718, contrasted with Regional Qld figures of $53,146 and $66,593. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would stand at approximately $56,766 for the median and $72,070 for the average. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual earnings in Merrimac at modest levels, sitting between the 46th and 47th percentiles. Earnings distribution shows that 40.6% of residents (representing 3,013 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which is comparable to the wider region where this segment accounts for . Household budgets are tight, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the nd percentile and the th decile for SEIFA income status.
Housing stock
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Merrimac displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing distribution in the area consisted of 48.2% houses and 51.8% alternative properties (such as townhouses, units, and other housing structures), compared to Regional Qld where houses make up 76.4% and other options comprise 23.6%. Home ownership rates in the area lagged the regional benchmark, sitting at 20.0%, with the remaining properties occupied under mortgages (44.5%) or tenancy agreements (35.5%). The median mortgage payment in the area was higher than the regional average at $1,733 per month, and weekly rent stood at $463, compared to Regional Qld figures of $1,655 and $345. Locally, mortgage costs are below the national benchmark of $1,863, whereas rental costs are considerably higher than the Australian median of $375.
Households
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Merrimac features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Detail
Families make up 73.8% of all local households, consisting of couples with children at 31.8%, couples without children at 24.9%, and single parents at 16.6%. The remaining 26.2% are non-family households, which include single person households at 21.4% and group homes at 4.6%. The median occupancy stands at 2.6 people per home, which is slightly higher than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Household Types (Census)
ABS / Districts
Education
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
The educational profile of Merrimac exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
Detail
Academic credentials in Merrimac sit below regional averages, with 23.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% nationwide. This highlights opportunities for local educational progress and skill development. Bachelor degrees represent the most common tertiary qualification at 16.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Practical and vocational qualifications are common, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, split between advanced diplomas (14.4%) and certificates (26.7%).
Student numbers are high in the area, with of the population enrolled in an educational institution. This includes in primary school, attending high school, and enrolled in tertiary courses.
Amenities
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by Districts, based on counts and proximity analysis
Supermarket
2.1km · score 64
Child Care
697m · score 85
GP
1.7km · score 68
Government Services
6.9km · score 95
Post Office
0km · score 0
Getting around
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Detail
Public transit records show 21 transport stops operating within the suburb of Merrimac, consisting of bus services. These points of access are connected to 2 distinct routes, which combine to offer 188 weekly services. Accessibility is classified as good, with residents living an average of 218 meters from their nearest boarding point. As the locality is mostly residential, a large share of workers commute to external areas, leaving private cars as the primary mode of travel at 93%. Households average 1.5 motor vehicles. A minor 12.0% of the working population perform their jobs from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic measures.
Transit services average 26 daily runs across the local network, representing roughly weekly services for each individual stop.
Healthcare
Data to 17 Jul 2026Data to 2024Districts view
Health outcomes in Merrimac are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts
Detail
Local health profiles indicate below-average wellness outcomes in Merrimac based on Districts assessments of mortality patterns and chronic illnesses. While overall disease occurrence in the general population is typical, it exceeds national averages among older cohorts, and private medical insurance coverage is slightly ahead of the typical SA2 average at approximately 53% of the population (~3,923 people).
Mental health conditions and arthritis represent the most common diagnoses locally, affecting 8.5% and 6.9% of the population respectively, though 71.6% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Residents aged under exhibit better health profiles than average. The area has of residents aged and over ( people), which is lower than the in Regional Qld. Seniors face certain medical difficulties, though their health statistics rank lower nationally than the rest of the local population.
Ancestry & language
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Merrimac was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Detail
Cultural diversity in Merrimac exceeds the vast majority of comparative property markets, with 17.4% of households using a language other than English at home and 32.0% of the population born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 47.3% of local residents. The most distinct relative concentration is seen in Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of the community compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.
Regarding ancestral backgrounds based on parental place of birth, the three largest cohorts in Merrimac are English at 29.2%, Australian at 22.0%, and Other at 10.1%. Several ethnic groups show clear deviations from regional averages, with New Zealanders making up of Merrimac (compared to regionally), Maori representing (compared to ), and French descendants at (compared to ).
Age structure
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Merrimac's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
Detail
The median age of 38 years in Merrimac is slightly younger than the Regional Qld average of 41 while matching the Australian average of 38 years. The 35 - 44 demographic is strongly represented at 16.0% compared to Regional Qld, while the 65 - 74 bracket is less common at 8.3%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 14.7% to 16.0% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.3% to 11.8% and the 85+ bracket decreased from 3.4% to 2.0%. Long-range demographic projections for 2041 point to significant changes in Merrimac. The to group is expected to drive this shift, growing by ( people) to reach from . On the other hand, the to cohort is forecast to shrink by people.
Child care
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Merrimac was found to possess higher than average child care supply broadly for children under 5, with strong provision across all service types.
Detail
Merrimac currently has an estimated 452 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 268 children aged 0-2 and 178 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 14% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 26% by 2041 (to approximately 571 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 700. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.
2.5
Income
3.3
Age
4.3
Household Composition
6.3
Housing
0.8
Cultural Diversity
6.5
Health
4.1
Housing Cost
4.6
Rate Sensitivity
0.0
Projections established by the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 sectors, published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline, are utilized by Districts. For SA2 territories excluded from this dataset, as well as for all years following 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 and grounded in 2021 data are substituted. Since these state-level figures omit age-specific details, Districts allocates cohort growth weights derived from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 baseline statistics). Taking these shifting demographics into account, the suburb of Merrimac is anticipated to experience growth exceeding the median of national non-metropolitan zones, expanding by 1,264 persons by 2041 based on compiled SA2 projections, representing a total rise of 17.0% over the 16 years.
Annual Population Growth Rates (CAGR) by Period
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Merrimac | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest Population Est. | 7,423 | 2,855,561 | 27,798,796 |
| Growth Since Census | 2.9% | 9.2% | 9.3% |
| Population 2021 Census | 7,212 | 2,615,036 | 25,422,788 |
| Natural Increase | 0.0% | 15.0% | 20.0% |
| Overseas Migration | 100.0% | 56.0% | 80.0% |
| Interstate Migration | 0.0% | 28.0% | 0.0% |
| Population Forecast Growth (2041) | 17.0% | 15.9% | 19.8% |
| Persons per Square Kilometer | 768 | 1 | 3 |
Districts evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from regional sectors indicate that during the 12 months leading to March 2026, total employment grew by 3.3% and the labor force expanded by 3.3%, leaving unemployment virtually unchanged. Conversely, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1% and its workforce grow by 0.3%, with unemployment ticking up by 0.1 percentage points. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia issued in May-25 offer additional perspective on prospective employment trends in the area. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce mix to model future trajectories. While nationwide employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely across sectors. Applying these industry projections to the local employment structure suggests employment for residents should expand by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (this represents a direct weighting extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Employment Change (Persons)
DEWR / ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Merrimac | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Employment | 4,285 | 14,651,372 | 392,077 |
| –Health Care & Social Assistance | 17.0% | 15.2% | 15.7% |
| –Retail Trade | 12.3% | 9.5% | 10.8% |
| –Construction | 10.6% | 9.3% | 12.0% |
| Labour Force | 4,398 | 15,298,546 | 404,758 |
| Participation Rate | 72.1% | 67.2% | 68.2% |
| Working from Home | 12.0% | 23.9% | 15.7% |
| Unemployment | 2.6% | 4.2% | 3.1% |
| 1Yr Emp. Growth | 3.3% | 1.5% | 3.5% |
| 5Yr Emp. Growth Forecast | 6.7% | 6.5% | 6.6% |
| Employment Drivers Ranking | 83 | 100 | 69 |
Latest Annual Income Estimate
ATO / ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Merrimac | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Income Est. | 56,766 | 63,628 | 58,947 |
| Average Annual Income Est. | 72,070 | 81,777 | 77,183 |
| ATO Median Taxable Income | 50,975 | 57,137 | 52,934 |
| ATO Average Taxable Income | 64,718 | 73,435 | 69,309 |
| Median Household Income | 1,688 | 1,746 | 1,692 |
| –$0 to 399 | 131 (4.9%) | 638,312 (6.3%) | 15,397 (5.9%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 435 (16.3%) | 1,671,771 (16.5%) | 42,277 (16.2%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 600 (22.5%) | 2,158,104 (21.3%) | 60,022 (23.0%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 1,083 (40.6%) | 3,201,695 (31.6%) | 87,424 (33.5%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,999 | 272 (10.2%) | 1,114,514 (11.0%) | 27,662 (10.6%) |
| –$4,000+ | 147 (5.5%) | 1,357,681 (13.4%) | 28,184 (10.8%) |
| Median Family Income | 1,891 | 2,120 | 2,009 |
| –$0 to 399 | 53 (2.7%) | 236,192 (3.3%) | 5,771 (3.1%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 213 (10.8%) | 758,676 (10.6%) | 19,731 (10.6%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 449 (22.8%) | 1,474,408 (20.6%) | 41,882 (22.5%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 900 (45.7%) | 2,562,321 (35.8%) | 72,038 (38.7%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,999 | 234 (11.9%) | 973,396 (13.6%) | 23,826 (12.8%) |
| –$4,000+ | 120 (6.1%) | 1,145,171 (16.0%) | 23,082 (12.4%) |
| Median Personal Income | 788 | 805 | 785 |
| –$0 to 399 | 1,824 (24.6%) | 7,303,780 (26.3%) | 180,353 (25.3%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 1,936 (26.1%) | 6,526,191 (23.5%) | 181,779 (25.5%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 2,291 (30.9%) | 7,137,153 (25.7%) | 197,462 (27.7%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 1,224 (16.5%) | 5,359,808 (19.3%) | 124,038 (17.4%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,499 | 59 (0.8%) | 527,649 (1.9%) | 10,693 (1.5%) |
| –$3,500+ | 89 (1.2%) | 944,215 (3.4%) | 19,247 (2.7%) |
| –Low Income (<$800/wk) | 21.2% | 22.8% | 22.1% |
| –High Income (>$3,000/wk) | 15.7% | 24.4% | 21.4% |
| Largest Income Group | $1,500 - 2,999 | $1,500 - 2,999 | $1,500 - 2,999 |
| Household Disposable Income | 5,831 | 6,376 | 5,947 |
| SEIFA Score | 4.9 | 5.6 | 5.6 |
Merrimac at a glance
Source: ABS 2021 Census
Rents today
$825/wk
DFFH median rent
Period ending Jun 2026
+3.7%
DFFH rent movement, 1 yr
Rents are rising
The DFFH median weekly rent rose 3.7% year on year to $825/wk (Period ending Jun 2026).
The 2021 Census recorded a median rent of $463/wk — an older point-in-time figure, kept separate from current medians.
RTBA rental bond lodgements are not in this extract. Rents above are report medians, not bond data.
Housing Tenure (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Merrimac | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Dwellings (Census) | 2,592 | 9,275,218 | 234,346 |
| –Owned Outright | 20.0% | 32.1% | 29.0% |
| –Owned with Mortgage | 44.5% | 36.2% | 36.7% |
| –Rented | 35.5% | 31.7% | 34.3% |
| –Detached Houses | 48.2% | 72.5% | 57.8% |
| –Semi-Detached | 41.7% | 12.6% | 20.3% |
| –Apartments | 10.1% | 14.3% | 21.3% |
| –Other Dwellings | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| –Median Monthly Mortgage | 1,733 | 1,863 | 1,950 |
| –Median Weekly Rent | 463 | 375 | 450 |
| –$0-149/wk | 0.5% | 7.3% | 3.3% |
| –$150-349/wk | 4.5% | 33.4% | 15.1% |
| –$350-649/wk | 90.3% | 50.9% | 70.4% |
| –$650-949/wk | 3.6% | 6.6% | 9.3% |
| –>$950/wk | 1.2% | 1.8% | 1.8% |
| –Aggregate Housing Cost | 1,483 | 1,189 | 1,384 |
| –Mortgage / Income | 23.7% | 24.6% | 26.6% |
| –Rent / Income | 27.4% | 21.5% | 26.6% |
| –Persons per Bedroom | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 |
| Metrici | Merrimac | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Household Est. | 2,668 | 10,142,077 | 260,966 |
| Median Household Size | 2.6 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Total Households (Census) | 2,592 | 9,275,217 | 234,344 |
| –Lone Person Households | 21.4% | 25.6% | 23.4% |
| –Group Households | 4.6% | 3.9% | 5.2% |
| –Other Households | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| –Family Households | 73.8% | 70.5% | 71.4% |
| –Couple with Children | 31.8% | 31.4% | 29.9% |
| –Couple No Children | 24.9% | 26.8% | 28.2% |
| –One Parent Family | 16.6% | 11.1% | 12.2% |
| –Avg Children per Family | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| Currently Married | 40.2% | 46.5% | 44.1% |
| Never Married | 37.0% | 36.5% | 36.9% |
Qualification Attainment by Type - Residents Aged 15+ (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Merrimac | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| University Qualifications | 23.2% | 30.4% | 25.4% |
| –Bachelor Degree | 16.9% | 20.0% | 17.7% |
| –Postgraduate Degree | 4.2% | 7.6% | 5.4% |
| –Advanced Diploma | 14.4% | 10.8% | 13.3% |
| –Certificate | 26.7% | 22.0% | 25.9% |
| No Tertiary Qualifications | 35.7% | 36.8% | 35.3% |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 11,054 | 132 |
| Total School Attendance | 3,461 | 4,176,099 | 103,069 |
| ICSEA Score | 1,063 | 1,001 | 1,037 |
| Education Drivers Ranking | 74 | 100 | 68 |
Schools detail
| # | School name | Type | Places | ICSEA | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Star of the Sea School | Primary | 174 | 1052 | 0.28 |
| 2 | St Michael's College | Secondary | 842 | 1049 | 0.54 |
| 3 | All Saints Anglican School | Combined | 1,803 | 1133 | 1.33 |
| 4 | Merrimac State School | Primary | 642 | 1021 | 1.47 |
Showing 1 to 4 of 4 results
Parcel Locker
0km · score 0
Dentist
1.7km · score 76
Hospital
11km · score 89
Shopping Centre
2.4km · score 86
Banks
3.6km · score 58
Pharmacy
1.1km · score 81
Fitness Centre
1.7km · score 88
Schools
927m · score 88
Transport Servicing
GTFS / Districts
| Metrici | Merrimac | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport Stops | 21 | 171,981 | 1,833 |
| Routes | 2 | 12,966 | 101 |
| Weekly Trips | 188 | 1,140,068 | 18,842 |
| Avg Dist. Between Stops (m) | 110 | 235 | 86 |
| Avg Dist. to Local Pop. (m) | 218 | 7,586 | 649 |
| Population per Stop | 352 | 161 | 386 |
| Population per Trip | 39.4 | 24.3 | 37.5 |
| Population per Route | 3,699 | 2,136 | 6,999 |
| Public Transport Access Ranking | 25 | 100 | 34 |
| Vehicles per Dwelling | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.5 |
| Work from Home | 12.0% | 23.9% | 15.7% |
| Single Mode Commute | 86.6% | 73.8% | 82.5% |
| Two Mode | 1.1% | 1.9% | 1.6% |
| Three+ Mode | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.3% |
| –Car | 93.0% | 84.1% | 89.7% |
| –Train | 1.4% | 4.9% | 2.0% |
| –Bus | 1.5% | 3.6% | 1.8% |
| –Walk | 1.4% | 3.7% | 2.7% |
| –Cycle | 0.5% | 1.0% | 0.9% |
| –Ferry | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.0% |
| –Tram/Light Rail | 0.0% | 0.5% | 1.0% |
| –Other | 1.0% | 1.1% | 0.9% |
Private Health Insurance Coverage
ATO / Districts
| Metrici | Merrimac | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Health Cover Rate | 52.9% | 55.7% | 53.7% |
| Need for Assistance | 6.0% | 5.8% | 5.5% |
| Zero L/T Health Conditions | 71.6% | 69.8% | 70.5% |
| One Long Term Condition | 19.1% | 20.5% | 20.4% |
| Two Long Term Conditions | 5.9% | 6.4% | 6.1% |
| 3+ Long Term Conditions | 3.4% | 3.3% | 3.1% |
| –Arthritis | 6.9% | 7.7% | 7.8% |
| –Asthma | 6.9% | 7.4% | 7.1% |
| –Cancer | 2.5% | 2.6% | 2.9% |
| –Dementia / Alzheimers | 1.0% | 0.7% | 0.7% |
| –Diabetes | 3.3% | 4.3% | 3.3% |
| –Heart Disease | 3.4% | 3.6% | 3.5% |
| –Kidney Disease | 1.0% | 0.8% | 0.8% |
| –Lung Condition | 1.7% | 1.6% | 1.8% |
| –Mental Health Issue | 8.5% | 8.0% | 7.8% |
| –Stroke | 0.9% | 0.8% | 0.9% |
| –Other Condition | 7.3% | 7.3% | 7.3% |
Place of Birth (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Merrimac | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Born Overseas | 32.0% | 29.3% | 30.7% |
| Born in Australia | 68.0% | 70.7% | 69.3% |
| Australian Citizens | 80.2% | 83.8% | 80.7% |
| Speak English Only | 82.6% | 76.4% | 85.7% |
| Speak Other Language | 17.4% | 23.6% | 14.3% |
| Indigenous Population | 1.3% | 2.2% | 1.5% |
| Largest Ethnic Group | English | English | English |
| Main Religion | Christianity | Christianity | Christianity |
| –Buddhism | 1.8% | 2.6% | 1.6% |
| –Christianity | 47.3% | 47.5% | 47.9% |
| –Hinduism | 1.0% | 2.9% | 1.1% |
| –Islam | 0.9% | 3.5% | 1.0% |
| –Judaism | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.2% |
| –Other | 0.5% | 1.4% | 0.9% |
| –No Religion | 48.3% | 41.6% | 47.2% |
Age Distribution
ABS / Geoscience Australia / State Govts / Districts
| Metrici | Merrimac | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 38 | 38 | 39 |
| Largest Age Group | 35 to 44 | 25 to 34 | 25 to 34 |
| Children (0-14) | 17.9% | 17.5% | 16.2% |
| Working Age (15-64) | 66.4% | 64.7% | 66.2% |
| Seniors (65+) | 15.6% | 17.8% | 17.6% |
| Age Distribution Variance | 19.0% | 16.0% | 18.0% |
| Dependency Ratio | 50.0% | 55.0% | 51.0% |
| Fastest Growing Age Group | 85+ | 85+ | 85+ |
Merrimac contains 2 Long Day Care centres (225 places), 2 preschool/kindergarten facilities (125 places) and 2 OSHC facilities (210 places), with overall provision relative to the local child population appearing favorable compared to national benchmarks, and above the Regional Qld average. Combined service provision across long day care and preschool/kindergarten services, and the approximate 452 children in the cohort, sees a ratio of children per place of 1.3 - placing the area among the top 30% nationally for supply per child. Looking at long day care specifically against the under-5 population, the ratio is 2.0 children per place. Further breakdowns by age, to help in identifying the most in-need services, show moderate LDC provision across the infant and toddler cohort (<3yo) with 225 places across 2 facilities serving 268 children while preschool supply is strong with 2 facilities providing 125 places (1.4 children aged 3-4 per place compared to the Regional Qld average of 8.0). With projected population growth of 17.0% between now and 2041, and 26.3% in the under 5 age group in particular, 96 new places will be needed to maintain today's ratios. As well as this projected growth, other drivers of note in the area are strong employment performance.
In assessing child care markets local school supply is a particularly important factor, given school-run convenience, and enrolment vs child care place analysis can provide useful insight into capacity both for parents seeking child care options and child care operators assessing opportunities in an area. The catchment sees a level of school enrolment relative to population of 46.6 per 100 residents with 3,461 enrolments across primary and secondary institutions. This notably elevated rate of school supply suggests many students travel to the area from beyond the immediate surrounds, typically amplifying local childcare demand given school-run proximity. Additionally, the level of school places per child care place (LDC+PSK) is moderate. Rather unsurprisingly, out of school hours child care - serving school age children - was found to be much more abundant than other service types in the area. Proximity analysis saw distances of local residents to their nearest child care centre being relatively in line with national benchmarks.
7 school catchments intersect Merrimac (note; school catchment data provided for public schools only), in which a combined 8,987 children aged under 5 reside, served by 7,011 LDC and preschool places. The overall demand-to-supply ratio across these catchments is 1.3 children per place, with limited variance in this ratio.
Children per LDC Place by Geographic Level
ACECQA / ABS / GNAF / Geoscience Australia / State Govts / Districts