Banana
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Banana's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 8,959 people. This figure represents an increase of 142 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,817 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,206 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Banana has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.5%, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth primarily drove recent population gains, contributing approximately 51.0%.

However, all factors including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive contributors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. Population projections indicate a decline of 464 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 group are expected to grow by 205 people during this period.

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 approximately 13 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 67 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved in FY-26. On average, around 8.6 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

This significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new dwellings was $309,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, $9.1 million in commercial development approvals were recorded, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Banana shows moderately higher development activity, with a 41.0% increase per person over the five-year period.

This level is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity consists of 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count per dwelling approval in Banana is 606 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Banana has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 37 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable initiatives include the Theodore Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Banana Range Wind Farm, Theodore Wind Farm, and Multiple Dwelling Development. The following details projects likely most relevant.

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 has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0%.

As of June 2025, 5,560 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% lower than Rest of Qld's 3.9%, and workforce participation at 63.8%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 7.0 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance employs 7.2% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 16.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-average employment opportunities.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, labour force by 4.9%, and unemployment rose by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8%, labour force grow by 2.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Banana's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.4% over five years and 10.5% over ten years.

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 financial year 2022 shows that income in Banana is above the national average. The median assessed income is $53,594 and the average income stands at $67,320. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures where the median income is $50,780 and the average income is $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $61,092 (median) and $76,738 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Banana cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.5% of residents (3,001 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

Banana's latest Census data shows 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings compared to Non-Metro Qld's 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Banana was 44.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.9% and rented at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, matching Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $200 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $240. Nationally, Banana's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 71.7% of all households, including 31.3% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 7.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households making up 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (31.9%). Educational participation is high at 31.1%, comprising primary education (15.3%), secondary education (9.4%), and tertiary education (1.8%).

There are 12 schools serving 1,180 students in the area, with varied educational conditions across Banana. The schools include 8 primary, 1 secondary, and 3 K-12 institutions. School places per 100 residents stand at 13.2, below the regional average of 16.7, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Banana's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows relatively positive outcomes for Banana residents regarding common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 53% (~4,784 people) have private health cover, a rate found to be fairly high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.4 and 8.1% of residents respectively. About 70.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.9% across Rest of Qld. In Banana, 18.3% (1,643 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than the 16.5% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 86.4% of its residents being citizens, 94.8% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Banana, accounting for 66.6% of the population, compared to 64.5% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (37.0%), English (30.3%), and Scottish (7.8%).

Notably, German ancestry was slightly higher at 6.7%, compared to 6.5% regionally, and Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also marginally higher at 3.7%.

Banana's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Banana's median age is 40, closely matching Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 13.7% of Banana's population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 6.0%. Post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group increased from 10.2% to 11.3%, and the 55 to 64 cohort decreased from 14.0% to 12.9%. By 2041, Banana's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 20%, reaching 1,341 people from 1,114. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 age groups.