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

Banana's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 8,959 people. This figure represents an increase of 142 individuals, a 1.6% rise since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 8,817. 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 density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Banana has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.5%, outperforming its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 51.0% to overall population gains recently, though all drivers including interstate and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a decline by 464 persons to 8,495 by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25-34 age group projected to increase by 205 people.

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 7 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, around 8.6 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed annually.

This high demand has led to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $309,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers in Banana. In terms of commercial development, $9.1 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Banana shows moderately higher development activity, with a 41.0% increase per person over the five-year period.

This has preserved reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, development activity is lower than the national average, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. The new building activity in Banana 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 is 606 people, reflecting a quiet, low activity development environment. With population projections showing stability or decline, Banana should see reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Banana has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified a total of 37 projects that are likely to impact this area. Notable among these are the Theodore Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Banana Range Wind Farm, Theodore Wind Farm, and Multiple Dwelling Development. The following list details those projects considered 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 performance in Banana exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Banana has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented in the area.

The unemployment rate is 3.1%. Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year. As of September 2025, there are 5,477 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Banana is at 63.8%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

Resident employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and health care & social assistance sectors. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs a significant portion of the workforce, with an employment share seven times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs only 7.2% of local workers, lower than Rest of Qld's 16.1%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.4%, while the labour force grew by 1.2%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment rose by only 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted slightly, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Job and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts indicate a projected growth in employment by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Banana's current employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.4% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, though these estimates are illustrative and do not account for localized 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 financial year 2022 indicates that median income in Banana SA2 is $53,594, with average income at $67,320. This is higher than Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,092 (median) and $76,738 (average). Census data shows that income in Banana clusters around the national median. The majority of residents, 33.5% or 3,001 people, fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 91.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Banana's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile nationally.

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

As of the latest Census, 96.6% of dwellings in Banana were houses, with the remaining 3.4% consisting of semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Banana stood at 44.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.9% and rented dwellings also at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $200, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $1,300 and $240 respectively. Nationally, Banana's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Rest of Qld average.

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

In the specified area, educational attainment levels are lower than the Australian average. The university qualification rate is 13.6%, compared to the national 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 and above holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (31.9%). Educational participation is high, with 31.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (15.3%), secondary education (9.4%), and tertiary education (1.8%).

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 Banana residents have relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen across both young and old age groups at a fairly standard level.

Approximately 53% (~4,784 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (8.1%). About 70.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.9% in Rest of Qld. The area has 18.3% (1,643 people) of residents aged 65 and over, higher than the 16.5% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.4% of its population being citizens, 94.8% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Banana, comprising 66.6%, compared to 64.5% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (37.0%), English (30.3%), and Scottish (7.8%).

Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented at 6.7% in Banana versus 6.5% regionally, and Australian Aboriginal ethnicity was also slightly higher at 3.7% compared to the regional average of 3.5%.

Banana's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Banana's median age is 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but slightly higher than the national norm of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 13.7%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 75-84 cohort makes up 6.0%. Post-2021 Census, the 15-24 age group grew from 10.2% to 11.3%, but the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.0% to 12.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant shifts in Banana's age profile. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 20% (226 people), reaching 1,341 from 1,114. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 45-54 and 65-74 cohorts.