Banana

Banana is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Banana's population is around 9,239 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 422 people (4.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,817 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,206 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Banana's 4.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.0%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 464 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 205 people. See the age section for more details.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Banana recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Banana has recorded around 13 residential properties granted approval annually, with 67 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 8 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 8.6 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $309,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $9.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Banana shows moderately higher development activity (41.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity shows 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 606 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Banana should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Banana has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 37 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Theodore Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Banana Range Wind Farm, Theodore Wind Farm, and Multiple Dwelling Development, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Banana demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Banana features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.5%. As of December 2025, 5,404 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (75.3% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 23.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 7.0 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 7.2% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 16.1%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.3% alongside a 3.1% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Banana. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Banana's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.4% over five years and 10.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Banana SA2 is approximately average nationally, with the median assessed at $54,806 while the average income stands at $67,857. This contrasts to Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,237 (median) and $74,582 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Banana cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.5% of residents (3,095 people), mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 91.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Banana is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Banana, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Banana was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 44.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.9%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Banana's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Banana has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 71.7% of all households, comprising 31.3% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

Banana faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (31.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.3% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Banana's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Banana residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly exceeds the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~4,859 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.4% and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 70.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,721 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Banana placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Banana was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.4% of its population being citizens, 94.8% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Banana is Christianity, which makes up 66.6% of people in Banana, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Banana are Australian, comprising 37.0% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 30.3% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.7% of Banana (vs 4.7% regionally) and Australian Aboriginal at 3.7% (vs 3.9%).

Banana's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, Banana is close to the Regional Qld figure of 41 but modestly exceeds the national norm of 38. The 5 - 14 age group shows strong representation at 13.6% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 75 - 84 cohort is less prevalent at 6.0%. Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.6% to 13.0% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.2% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 12.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Banana's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 12% (143 people), reaching 1,341 from 1,197. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 52% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.