QLD 4551 Census 2021 + Live DA Data

Aroona

An established suburb with 3,466 residents on 1.89 square kilometres, Aroona is defined by 96.2% separate houses and a 52.5% share of four-bedroom-plus homes. Its median age of 43 is 3.0 years above the national comparison, while household income sits at the 67.1st percentile. Compared with nearby Currimundi and Caloundra, Aroona presents a more firmly detached, family-oriented housing profile, supported by 2.7 people per household. The population is ageing because the senior share has risen 8.5 percentage points and the young share has fallen 3.9 points. Car use is high at 76.6%, reinforcing a residential setting where space and private transport matter more than apartment living or frequent public transit.

Aroona urban fabric map

Population

3,466

Median Age

43.0

Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)

$1,857/wk

DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year

12

1.89 km²· 1,832.3 people/km²· Family income $2,046/wk

Homebuyers are choosing overwhelmingly detached stock: separate houses account for 96.2%, while apartments are 0.6% and semi-detached homes 3.3%. Larger floorplans dominate, with 52.5% of dwellings offering four or more bedrooms and 43.8% offering three. A monthly mortgage commitment of $1,950 represents 24.3% of household income, only slightly higher than the 24.2% rent share. That supports a mortgage-belt profile because households with a mortgage account for 47.7%, compared with 14.4% renting. Buyers should obtain recent comparable sales, then test insurance, maintenance and borrowing costs before bidding.

For Buyers

Homebuyers are choosing overwhelmingly detached stock: separate houses account for 96.2%, while apartments are 0.6% and semi-detached homes 3.3%. Larger floorplans dominate, with 52.5% of dwellings offering four or more bedrooms and 43.8% offering three. A monthly mortgage commitment of $1,950 represents 24.3% of household income, only slightly higher than the 24.2% rent share. That supports a mortgage-belt profile because households with a mortgage account for 47.7%, compared with 14.4% renting. Buyers should obtain recent comparable sales, then test insurance, maintenance and borrowing costs before bidding.

For Investors

Aroona's rental case is shaped by modest renter concentration and a 4.6% vacancy rate. Only 14.4% of households rent, below the 47.7% share paying a mortgage and the 37.3% owning outright, so demand may rely more on established households and local employment than on a deep renter pool. Weekly rent is $450, while rent takes 24.2% of household income, close to the 24.3% mortgage share. Eight development applications in 12 months point to ongoing property activity, but not a large pipeline. Rent growth is 30.0% and migration is labelled Balanced, so investors should stress-test yield without assuming rapid population-led demand.

Development Activity

Total DAs

19

Last 12 Months

12

YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements

+300.0%

Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year

N/A

Monthly DA Lodgements

DA Categories

Other
4
Swimming Pool / Spa
4
Renovation / Extension
3
Landscaping / Retaining Wall
1
New Dwelling
1
Garage / Carport / Shed
1
Deck / Pergola / Patio
1

Demographics

Aroona has an older age profile than the national comparison: median age is 43, or 3.0 years higher, while university attainment at 26.8% is 3.3 percentage points below the national figure. Overseas-born residents account for 17.9%, 3.7 points below national, and household size is 2.7 people, 0.2 above the national comparison. English ancestry leads at 1,669 people, followed by Irish at 487 and Scottish at 451; Christianity counts 1,689 and no religion 1,584. The population is relatively settled because 82.1% stayed at the same address, while turnover was 17.9%. Ageing is likely to shape services as the senior share rises 8.5 points and the young share falls 3.9.

Age Distribution

0-14
18.4%
15-24
10.8%
25-44
22.9%
45-64
28.0%
65+
20.1%

Bedrooms

Studio/1br
0.2%
2 bed
3.4%
3 bed
43.8%
4+ bed
52.5%

Dwelling Structure

96.2%

Houses

3.3%

Townhouse

0.6%

Apartment

Tenure

Own 37.3% Mortgage 47.7% Rent 14.4% Other 0.6%

Housing in Aroona is overwhelmingly detached and geared to larger households. Separate houses make up 96.2%, compared with 0.6% apartments and 3.3% semi-detached dwellings. Four-plus-bedroom homes account for 52.5%, above the 43.8% share of three-bedroom homes, while two-bedroom stock is only 3.4%. This mix reflects a market oriented to families and established owners because mortgaged households account for 47.7%, ahead of outright ownership at 37.3% and renting at 14.4%. The monthly mortgage figure is $1,950, with costs at 24.3% of household income versus 24.2% for rent. Compare recent sales in Aroona with nearby Currimundi or Caloundra before judging value.

Mortgage / mo

$1,950

Rent / wkiMedian weekly rent for new bonds (Jun 2026 quarter), QLD RTA bond data. Census 2021 median: $450.

$745

Bond data Jun 2026 quarter · houses $745 · units $650

HH Size

2.7

Personal Income / wk

$775

Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)

4.6%

Unoccupied

59

Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

24.2%

Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

24.3%

Community Profile

Ancestry

English
1,669
Irish
487
Scottish
451
German
249
Other
214
Ancestry NS
139

Household Composition

44.4%

Couples with children

42.5%

Couples, no children

11.9%

Single parent

1,024

Total families

Economy & Employment

Aroona's employment base is led by healthcare at 22.3% or 267 workers, followed by construction at 15.1% or 181 and education at 14.0% or 167. Professional and technical work contributes 6.6% or 79, while public administration is 6.3% or 76. This mix links household demand to care, building, education and public services, with professionals the largest occupation group at 403 and trades at 301. Participation is 64.2% and unemployment is 4.1%. Household income ranks at the 67.1st percentile, above the midpoint. SEIFA results are uneven: education and occupation is decile 4, economic resources decile 7, disadvantage decile 6 and advantage decile 5, suggesting resource capacity is higher than the education ranking alone.

Unemployment

4.1%

Labour Force

1,819

Unemployed

75

Source: ABS Census 2021

Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)

Overall advantage
5
Disadvantage
6
Economic resources
7
Education & occupation
4

Full-time

52.1%

Part-time

37.2%

Participation

64.2%

Employed

1,744

Full-time and part-time are shares of the employed. Source: ABS Census 2021

Occupations

Professionals 403
Trades 301
Clerical/Admin 228
Community/Personal 219
Labourers 177
Managers 168
Sales 140
Machinery/Drivers 74

Top Industries

Healthcare 22.3%
Construction 15.1%
Education 14.0%
Professional/Tech 6.6%
Public Admin 6.3%

University

26.8%

Postgraduate

4.1%

Born Overseas

17.9%

Dwellings

1,225

Transport to Work

Day-to-day living is most practical for car users: 76.6% travel as a car driver, compared with 1.1% using public transport and 2.4% walking or cycling. A further 14.5% work from home, which suits a 1.89 square kilometre suburb with density of 1,832.3 people per square kilometre. Families should check the exact address for primary and secondary catchments, sector and enrolment rules, particularly when considering nearby Currimundi or Caloundra options. Social participation is supported by a 16.9% volunteering rate, while 5.6% report needing assistance. Aroona's IRSAD decile is 5 and IRSD decile 6, placing advantage near the middle and disadvantage above the midpoint. Street-level safety should be checked through current local sources because no crime rate is available.

Drive

76.6%

Public Transport

1.1%

Walk / Cycle

2.4%

Work from Home

14.5%

Population Forecast

+1.16%/yr

(+54 people/yr)

Established

Aroona's established-suburb growth profile is steady rather than explosive. The annual trend is 1.16%, while the primary migration driver is Balanced, indicating growth from a mix of resident movements rather than one dominant source. Across the wider area, population change runs at 18.1% over 10 years. The shift trajectory is Aging: the senior share has increased 8.5 points, the young share has decreased 3.9 points and rent growth is 30.0%. Compared with a rapid-gentrification story, the gentrification label is Not gentrifying with a score of 15, although the shift indicators record Early signs at 24. That combination supports gradual renewal and adaptation of existing homes rather than a wholesale market reset.

Historical + Forecast

Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025

Age Cohort Forecast

Primary Driver

Balanced

Net Overseas / yr

+12

Net Internal / yr

+56

15

Gentrification Signal

Not gentrifying

Population +25% since 2011, Net internal migration +56/yr

National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs

How Aroona compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs

Population
Top 15%
Household Income
Top 33%
Rent Level
Top 10%
Apartments
Top 23%
Renters
Bottom 48%
Uni Educated
Top 42%
Public Transport
Bottom 22%
Born Overseas
Top 36%
Density
Top 9%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aroona a good suburb to live in?

Aroona can suit households wanting a detached, established setting: 96.2% of dwellings are separate houses, 52.5% have four or more bedrooms and median age is 43. Car dependence is high at 76.6%, higher than public transport use at 1.1%, so lifestyle fit depends on owning a vehicle and checking the exact address.

What is the median house price in Aroona?

A current median house price should be confirmed through recent comparable sales rather than assumed from a headline estimate. Affordability context includes a $1,950 monthly mortgage figure, $450 weekly rent and mortgage costs equal to 24.3% of household income. Compare several recent sales and confirm the latest evidence before making an offer.

What schools are in Aroona?

School access should be checked by exact address because catchments can cross local boundaries. Aroona covers 1.89 square kilometres, but current primary and secondary options, sectors and enrolment rules should be confirmed through Queensland school directories. Compare the precise address with each school's intake area before signing a lease or contract.

Is Aroona safe?

Aroona has 3,466 residents, but a suburb-level crime rate is not available for a confident comparison with other suburbs. Check current Queensland Police and council information for the specific street, and visit at different times. Review lighting, traffic and emergency access rather than relying on population size alone.

Is Aroona good for property investment?

Aroona may suit a long-term investor seeking detached rental stock, but the numbers call for selectivity. Weekly rent is $450, vacancy is 4.6% and only 14.4% of households rent, while 8 development applications in 12 months indicate some activity. Compared with a high-growth market, the gentrification score of 15 and Not gentrifying label argue for careful yield calculations.

How is Aroona's population changing?

Growth is steady and ageing rather than high-turnover: the annual trend is 1.16%, migration is labelled Balanced and population change across the wider area is 18.1% over 10 years. The senior share rose 8.5 points while the young share fell 3.9 points, so compared with a younger growth corridor, demand is likely to favour accessible homes and established services.

How to read these comparisons

Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.

Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.

Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state education open registers (school locations), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.

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