Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 27° / 12°
- Rainfall
- 171 mm · ~21 rainy days
NSW · Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
Karabar, 2620
Population
8,517
Median age
38
Median income
$1,989/wk
Employed
62.5%
Languages at home
15.4%non-English
Top: Macedonian, Punjabi, Italian
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Green suburb
- Excellent transport
- High desirability
- Education hub
Suburb profile
In Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional, Karabar is a settled established suburb with a familiar suburban feel and good links to the wider city. Connections to the wider metro area are straightforward, with neighbouring communities close at hand. Leafy streets and shaded corners make the suburb feel greener and more established than many nearby.
Families and commuters make up much of the community, with plenty of young families in the mix. Local shops and services cover the basics well, with more choice a short trip into neighbouring suburbs. Parks, reserves and open space make it genuinely outdoor-friendly for walks, sport and weekend downtime.
Getting around the metro area is straightforward, with transport tying neighbouring communities together. Housing carries a premium, but residents tend to feel the lifestyle justifies the commitment.
On the desirability index, the suburb sits around average overall, mainly because local dining and lifestyle amenities and schools and education lag similar metro suburbs, despite relative strength in parks and green space and growth momentum. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
Living here
Desirability
- Desirability score
- 48.4/100 — Average
- State standing
- Top 33% of New South Wales' suburbs
- National rank
- 2262nd in Australia
- State rank
- 703rd in NSW
- Peer rank
- #241 among Metro Sydney · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #475 among Metro Sydney suburbs
- Data confidence
- 78%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $440
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $690
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $580
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 423
Median weekly rent from NSW DCJ rent tables. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- DCJ rent tables — NSW Department of Communities and Justice · Period: January to March 2026 · Updated on site · Quarterly releases
Population
- Population
- 8,517
- Median age
- 38
- Median household income / week
- $1,989
- Dwelling vacancy
- 5.4%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 176 of 3,255
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,950
- Employment rate
- 62.5%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 237 / 518 / 85
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Community & culture
15.4% speak a language other than English at home; 18.5% born overseas
- Language at home
- 6,750 English only · 1,228 other
- Non-English at home
- 15.4%
- Born overseas
- 1,477 (18.5%)
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- 617 (7.2%)
- Australian citizens
- 7,584
- Languages spoken at home (other than English)
- 27
Top languages other than English
Share of residents who speak a language other than English at home (2021 Census).
- Macedonian132 · 26.2%
- Punjabi49 · 9.7%
- Italian48 · 9.5%
- Serbian34 · 6.7%
- Nepali31 · 6.2%
- Croatian21 · 4.2%
- Mandarin21 · 4.2%
- Hindi17 · 3.4%
2021 Census — languages spoken at home, birthplace, and Indigenous status (usual residence).
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 604
- Against the person
- 145
- Against property
- 233
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 70.9
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 59 residents
- State safety percentile
- 49.3th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +8%
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Reported offences by period
Most common offence types
- Breach Bail Conditions340
- Domestic Violence Related Assault191
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment272
- Malicious Damage To Property340
- Steal From Retail Store195
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- BOCSAR postcode crime statistics — NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Period: Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated on site · Rolling 12-month windows
Family & Lifestyle
Schools & preschools
- Schools & preschools
- 1
- Median school ICSEA
- 944
- Tirriwirri SchoolSpecial
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- ACARA school locations — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
Public transport
82 public transport stops in this suburb
- Cooma St After Southbar Rd
- Cooma St Opp Southbar Rd
- Donald Rd At Anne St
- Karabar High School, Alanbar St
- Queanbeyan South Public School, School Grounds
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Timetables Complete GTFS stops (© Transport for NSW, CC BY 4.0) — Transport for NSW — Open Data Hub · Period: current · Updated on site · GTFS static feed (updated nightly)
Amenities
98 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
15 playgrounds · 1 petrol stations · 1 post offices
Local character
- A car helps for daily errands
- Great for outdoor family life — 30 parks mapped in suburb, 15 playgrounds nearby
- Well connected by public transport — 82 public transport stops
- Strong local sport and recreation — 16 sport and outdoor facilities nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 30/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 3.52
Community(3)
- Karabar High SchoolSchool
84 Donald Road
- Queanbeyan South Primary SchoolSchool
- Tirriwirri SchoolSchool
Alanbar Street
Sport & outdoors(43)
- Ash ParkletPark
- Banksia ParkletPark
- Barracks Flat Neighbourhood ParkPark
- Boronia ParkletPark
- Coolabah ParkletPark
- Dane Street ParkPark
- East Hayley ParkletPark
- East Murray ParkletPark
- Harper ParkletPark
- Jane Hodgson Neighbourhood ParkPark
- Lambert ParkPark
- Laura ParkletPark
- Lower Pindari ParkletPark
- Margaret Donoghoe SportsgroundPark
- Meehan ParkletPark
- Park (9)
- Steve Maugher SportsgroundPark
- West Hayley ParkletPark
- West Murray ParkletPark
- Playground (15)
- Sports field
Transport(28)
28 bus stops
Other(9)
- Fitness Station
- Information
- Parking (12)
- Parking Space
- 7-ElevenPetrol station
- Picnic Table (2)
- Karabar Post OfficePost office
- Public toilets
- Shelter (4)
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived from OpenStreetMap & Census) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Parks & reserves
20 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Ash ParkletPark
- Banksia ParkletPark
- Barracks Flat Neighbourhood ParkPark
- Boronia ParkletPark
- Coolabah ParkletPark
- Dane Street ParkPark
- East Hayley ParkletPark
- East Murray ParkletPark
- Harper ParkletPark
- Ingleside ParkPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · Period: current · Updated on site
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 33
- Parks (OSM)
- 30
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 21° / 7°
- Rainfall
- 169 mm · ~21 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 12° / 1°
- Rainfall
- 183 mm · ~23 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 19° / 6°
- Rainfall
- 212 mm · ~26 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Period: seasonal · Updated on site · Static grid from WorldClim monthly averages
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal (lodged 2020–2026).
170 planning-related records
2026· 18 proposals
June 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah19 ALFRED PLACE KARABAR 2620Additional Information Requested
- Dual occupancy; Dwelling house; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Residential Accommodation4 MORGAN PLACE KARABAR 2620Additional Information Requested
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Garage, carport or carparking space52 PINDARI CRESCENT KARABAR 2620Under Assessment
May 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Carport12 MURRAY STREET KARABAR 2620Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure3 PALMER CLOSE KARABAR 2620Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation18 LOCHIEL STREET KARABAR 2620Under Assessment
April 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah9 MONK PLACE KARABAR 2620Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space8 LAURA PLACE KARABAR 2620Determined
March 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Early Education and Care Facility; Centre-based child care20 WILGABAR WAY KARABAR 2620Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah28 DOEBERL PLACE KARABAR 2620Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure45 PINDARI CRESCENT KARABAR 2620Determined
- Shed; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Residential Accommodation1 Eugenia Street Karabar QueanbeyanDetermined
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah28 DOEBERL PLACE KARABAR 2620Rejected
- Erection of a new structure; Carport30 MURRAY STREET KARABAR 2620Determined
February 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space30 ANNE STREET KARABAR 2620Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure62 RUSTEN STREET KARABAR 2620Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia41 ALANBAR STREET KARABAR 2620Determined
January 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Garage, carport or carparking space109 CANDLEBARK ROAD KARABAR 2620Determined
2025· 20 proposals
November 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure52 CHRISTOPHER CRESCENT KARABAR 2620Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support8 TEMORA PLACE KARABAR 2620Determined
September 2025
- Subdivision9 BEARD CLOSE KARABAR 2620Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure19A ALFRED PLACE KARABAR 2620Determined
- Multi-dwelling housing; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Residential Accommodation4 MORGAN PLACE KARABAR 2620Withdrawn
August 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Shop34 QUEENBAR ROAD KARABAR 2620Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Recreation facility (indoor)1 4 SOUTHBAR ROAD KARABAR 2620Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Recreation facility (indoor)1 4 SOUTHBAR ROAD KARABAR 2620Rejected
July 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space9 HAMBLY PLACE KARABAR 2620Determined
- Demolition; Shed; Dwelling house7 INGLESIDE ROAD KARABAR 2620Determined
June 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah3 BADEN PLACE KARABAR 2620Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure19A ALFRED PLACE KARABAR 2620Rejected
May 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Carport5 WEBBER PLACE KARABAR 2620Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure15 BORONIA CRESCENT KARABAR 2620Withdrawn
April 2025
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure4 MORGAN PLACE KARABAR 2620Determined
- Subdivision16 BARRACKS FLAT DRIVE KARABAR 2620Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure19A ALFRED PLACE KARABAR 2620Rejected
March 2025
- Subdivision2 SASSAFRAS CRESCENT KARABAR 2620Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Centre-based child care18 WILGABAR WAY KARABAR 2620Determined
February 2025
- Subdivision2 SASSAFRAS CRESCENT KARABAR 2620Rejected
2024· 2 proposals
December 2024
- Shed; Erection of a new structure7 Alfred Place Karabar 2620Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure71 CAMERON ROAD KARABAR 2620Determined
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- Online DA development application register — NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure · Period: 2020–2026 · Updated on site · Daily open-data feed (applications from Oct 2018)
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via NSW bush fire prone land mapping.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 5/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 4/10
SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 SEIFA release
Recent changes
- 128 Candlebark Rdamenitiesbus_stop
- 7-Elevenamenitiesfuel
- Ash Parkletamenitiespark
- Banksia Parkletamenitiespark
- Barracks Flat Dr at Alfred Plamenitiesbus_stop
- Barracks Flat Dr at Fitzgibbon Plamenitiesbus_stop
- Barracks Flat Dr before River Dramenitiesbus_stop
- Barracks Flat Dr opp Emery Cresamenitiesbus_stop
- Barracks Flat Dr opp River Dramenitiesbus_stop
- Barracks Flat Neighbourhood Parkamenitiespark
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
More in Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.