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 May 2026, is approximately 9,316, reflecting a growth of 499 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 5.7% rise from the previous population count of 8,817. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,297 in June 2025 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Banana's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area, which grew by 4.5%, making it a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 42.1% to overall population gains recently, with all drivers including interstate and overseas migration being 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a decline of 448 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group, projected to increase by 194 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 an additional 10 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, around 8.6 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $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 have been recorded, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Banana shows moderately higher development activity, with 39.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, this level is lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 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 population count per dwelling approval in Banana is 606 people, reflecting 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 36 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Theodore Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, Banana Range Wind Farm, Theodore Wind Farm, and Multiple Dwelling Development. The following list details those 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate stands at 2.5%. As of December 2025, 5,404 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is high at 74.6%, compared to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 23.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and health care & social assistance sectors. Banana shows significant specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (7 times the regional level), but has a lower share in health care & social assistance (7.2%, below Regional Queensland's 16.1%).

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and May 2025, Banana's labour force decreased by 3.3% alongside a 3.1% employment decline, leading to a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. In contrast, Regional Queensland saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Banana's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.4% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 ending June 2023 shows that income in Banana SA2 is approximately average nationally. The median income is $54,806 and the average income stands at $67,857. This contrasts with Regional Qld where the median income is $53,146 and the average income is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Banana SA2 would be approximately $61,032 (median) and $75,566 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that incomes in Banana cluster around the 50th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.5% of residents (3,120 people), similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 91.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power in the area. 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings. Compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings, Banana had a higher proportion of houses. Home ownership in Banana was 44.2%, with the rest either mortgaged (27.9%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $200, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Banana's mortgage repayments were 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 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 account for 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 matches the Regional Queensland average.

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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent among qualifications, with 11.2% of residents holding one. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow at 1.2% each.

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15 and above possessing them. Advanced diplomas account for 7.2%, while certificates make up 31.9%. Educational participation is 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 for Banana residents shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions have low prevalence across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is at approximately 53% of the total population (~4,900 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (8.1%). A majority, 70%, report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. Seniors make up 18.9% of the population (1,758 people), lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average and align with national rankings for 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with its population comprising 86.4% citizens, 94.8% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Banana, making up 66.6%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (37.0%), English (30.3%), and Scottish (7.8%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.7% in Banana versus the regional average of 4.7%, and Australian Aboriginal ancestry was represented at 3.7%.

Banana's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Banana is 40 years, close to Regional Queensland's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 13.9%, higher than Regional Queensland, while the 15-24 cohort is at 11.1%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 10.2% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 14.0% to 12.8%. By 2041, Banana's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 group will grow by 13%, reaching 1,302 from 1,157. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 53% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.