Scarness
A median age of 51, sitting 11 years above the national figure, is the defining fact about Scarness. This compact 1.84 km2 beachside suburb in Hervey Bay holds 3,646 people at a density of 1,981 per km2, yet household income falls in only the 9.7th percentile nationally, making it simultaneously a coastal address and a deeply affordable one. Outright ownership at 35.4% is high for a low-income area, pointing to long-term residents who bought early and paid down debt. With a gentrification score of 29 and early signs of change, internal migration of 233 net arrivals per year is beginning to test whether that affordability will persist.
Population
3,646
Median Age
51.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$933/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
5
Median House
$365K
Estimated from rent (2025)
The estimated median house price of $365,000 places Scarness well below most Queensland coastal markets, reflecting both the low household income base and the 42.8% renter share. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,244, but mortgage-to-income at 30.8% still crosses the stress threshold, because incomes sit in the 9.7th percentile nationally. Separate houses make up 66.1% of the stock, above the national mix, while semi-detached dwellings are 26.7%, higher than average. Three-bedroom homes dominate at 52.0% and four-plus at 16.9%, so the typical stock suits families and downsizers rather than investors chasing apartments. Buyers should note that rent-to-income at 32.2% signals stress among the renting cohort, which can cap achievable rents relative to purchase price.
For Buyers
The estimated median house price of $365,000 places Scarness well below most Queensland coastal markets, reflecting both the low household income base and the 42.8% renter share. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,244, but mortgage-to-income at 30.8% still crosses the stress threshold, because incomes sit in the 9.7th percentile nationally. Separate houses make up 66.1% of the stock, above the national mix, while semi-detached dwellings are 26.7%, higher than average. Three-bedroom homes dominate at 52.0% and four-plus at 16.9%, so the typical stock suits families and downsizers rather than investors chasing apartments. Buyers should note that rent-to-income at 32.2% signals stress among the renting cohort, which can cap achievable rents relative to purchase price.
For Investors
A 42.8% renter share is one of the higher rental populations you will find in coastal Queensland, giving landlords a large tenant pool. Weekly rent averages $300, which against the $365,000 median implies a gross yield around 4.3%, reasonable compared to major-city coastal suburbs. The 13.4% vacancy rate is elevated, however, and signals oversupply in certain segments, most likely short-stay or semi-detached stock. Net internal migration of 233 per year and population growth of 0.87% annually support steady demand. Only 3 development applications lodged in 12 months confirms minimal new supply, so the vacancy rate reflects existing stock cycling rather than a building boom. The gentrification score of 29 with early signals suggests upside potential, but income constraints at the 9.7th percentile nationally will continue to limit rental growth short term.
Development Activity
Total DAs
17
Last 12 Months
5
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
0.0%
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Demographics
The median age of 51 is 11 years above the national average, the most significant demographic signal. Over the decade, the senior share rose 8.8 points while the working-age share fell 3.4 points, so the aging trend is accelerating. University qualifications reach 20.2%, which is 9.9 points below the national figure, consistent with the employment mix leaning toward healthcare, community services and hospitality rather than knowledge-sector roles. Overseas-born residents are 19.5%, slightly below national. Ancestry is predominantly Anglo-Celtic: English (1,589 residents) leads, followed by Irish (416) and Scottish (396). Average household size of 2.0 is 0.5 below national, driven by the large couples-without-children cohort at 39.9% of families, which reflects the older age profile.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
66.1%
Houses
26.7%
Townhouse
4.1%
Apartment
Tenure
Tenure splits to 35.4% owned outright, 21.8% mortgage holders and 42.8% renters. Outright owners outnumbering mortgage holders in a low-income suburb indicates a population that has largely transitioned through the repayment phase. Separate houses cover 66.1% of the stock, semi-detached 26.7% and apartments only 4.1%, so the suburb is predominantly low-rise residential. Three-bedroom dwellings account for 52.0% and four-plus for 16.9%, while two-bedroom homes are 21.8%. The estimated median price of $365,000 compares favourably to the Queensland state median, though it is derived from rent data rather than recorded sales. Rent-to-income at 32.2% and mortgage-to-income at 30.8% both sit above the 30% housing stress threshold, pointing to affordability pressure despite the low nominal price point.
Mortgage / mo
$1,244
Rent / wk
$300
HH Size
2.0
Personal Income / wk
$546
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
13.4%
Unoccupied
254
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
32.2% stressed
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
30.8% stressed
Community Profile
Languages Spoken at Home
Ancestry
Household Composition
39.9%
Couples, no children
2,430
Total families
Economy & Employment
Healthcare dominates the local economy at 31.4% of employed residents (254 workers), an unusually high concentration compared to the national average, likely driven by proximity to Hervey Bay Hospital and aged-care facilities servicing the older population. Education employs 10.8% and Hospitality 9.8%, with Retail at 7.7% and Construction at 7.5%. The unemployment rate of 10.6% is elevated compared to state and national benchmarks, and the labour force participation rate of only 39.2% reflects the large retired or near-retired cohort: 1,583 residents are not in the labour force. Full-time employment among those working is 58.6%. All four SEIFA deciles sit at 1 or 2, meaning Scarness ranks in the bottom fifth nationally on disadvantage, education, economic resources and opportunity combined. Volunteering at 14.0% is moderate given the older demographic.
Unemployment
6.1%
Labour Force
7,296
Unemployed
442
Quarterly Trend
Source: SALM Dec-25
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
58.6%
Part-time
30.8%
Participation
39.2%
Employed
1,102
Occupations
Top Industries
University
20.2%
Postgraduate
3.7%
Born Overseas
19.5%
Dwellings
1,621
Transport to Work
Car dependence is high at 85.7% of commuters, above national average, which is expected for a regional coastal suburb where public transport is minimal at 0.6%. Walking and cycling account for a respectable 6.8%, consistent with the beachside setting. No schools are recorded inside the Scarness boundary, so families rely on schools in neighbouring Pialba and other Hervey Bay suburbs. Crime data is not available for this suburb in the dataset. The IRSAD decile of 1 and IRSD decile of 2 place Scarness in the bottom tier nationally for relative advantage and disadvantage, meaning residents face more socioeconomic constraints than most suburbs. Need-for-assistance affects 11.5% of residents (389 people), above the national rate, consistent with the older age profile and healthcare-sector employment concentration.
Drive
85.7%
Public Transport
0.6%
Walk / Cycle
6.8%
Work from Home
N/A
Population Forecast
+0.87%/yr
(+146 people/yr)
EstablishedPopulation grew 8.8% over 10 years and the current trend runs at 0.87% annually, adding roughly 146 people per year. Internal migration is the primary driver at 233 net arrivals per year, with overseas migration adding 101. Medium forecasts for the broader SA2 project the area reaching around 17,485 by 2031, up from 16,715 in 2025. The gentrification score of 29 with early signals is supported by two factors: population up 12% since 2011 and sustained net internal migration. Real income growth over the decade was 10.5%, and affordability slightly improved from 59.5% in 2011 to 56.8% in 2021, meaning housing costs consume a smaller share of income than a decade ago. Affordability trend is classified as improving, which may attract buyers priced out of higher-cost coastal markets to the north.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Internal Migration
Net Overseas / yr
+101
Net Internal / yr
+233
Gentrification Signal
Early signs
Population +12% since 2011, Net internal migration +233/yr
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Scarness compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scarness a good suburb to live in?
Scarness suits retirees and those seeking affordable beachside living. At a median age of 51, it is 11 years above the national figure. Household income sits in the 9.7th percentile nationally, so services and amenity are basic. The IRSAD decile of 1 places it in the lowest advantage tier nationally, but 35.4% own their homes outright and the median house price of $365,000 is well below most QLD coastal markets.
What is the median house price in Scarness?
The estimated median house price is $365,000, derived from 2025 rent data. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,244, with a mortgage-to-income ratio of 30.8%, above the 30% stress threshold. Weekly rent averages $300. These figures make Scarness one of the more affordable coastal options in Queensland.
What schools are in Scarness?
No schools are recorded within the Scarness boundary in this dataset. Families rely on schools in neighbouring Hervey Bay suburbs such as Pialba. University qualifications among residents reach 20.2%, which is 9.9 points below the national figure, reflecting the retired and service-sector workforce profile.
Is Scarness safe?
Detailed crime statistics are not available for Scarness in this dataset. As a proxy, the IRSD decile of 2 places the suburb in the second-lowest tier nationally for relative disadvantage, and the unemployment rate of 10.6% is elevated compared to state averages. The volunteering rate of 14.0% and a predominantly owner-occupier base suggest a stable community, but caution is appropriate given the income constraints.
Is Scarness good for property investment?
The 42.8% renter share and $300 weekly rent against a $365,000 median imply a gross yield around 4.3%, above major-city coastal benchmarks. However, the 13.4% vacancy rate is elevated, signalling some oversupply. Net internal migration of 233 per year and annual population growth of 0.87% support demand. The gentrification score of 29 with early signals points to possible upside, but income constraints at the 9.7th percentile nationally will limit rental growth.
How is Scarness's population changing?
Population grew 8.8% over 10 years and is currently rising at 0.87% annually, adding around 146 people per year. The primary driver is internal migration at 233 net arrivals per year. The trajectory is aging: the senior share rose 8.8 points over the decade while the working-age share fell 3.4 points. Medium forecasts project the broader area reaching around 17,485 by 2031.
What are the main industries in Scarness?
Healthcare employs 31.4% of working residents (254 workers), the largest sector and well above the national average, driven by aged-care and hospital services. Education accounts for 10.8%, Hospitality 9.8%, Retail 7.7% and Construction 7.5%. The 10.6% unemployment rate and 39.2% participation rate reflect a large retired population rather than structural unemployment.
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 Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), 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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