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 is around 8,931 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 114 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,817 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,206 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Banana has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.5%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, 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.

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. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 67 dwellings approved over the past five financial years between FY21 and FY25, and 4 so far in FY26. On average, 8.6 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed over these five years. This significant demand exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $499,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $9.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Banana shows moderately higher development activity, being 41.0% 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 of 606 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Banana, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 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.

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

Banana features a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented in the area, which has an unemployment rate of 3.1%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 4.0%. As of June 2025, 5,560 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is fairly standard at 63.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and health care & social assistance.

The area shows 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 Rest of Qld's 16.1%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the past 12 months, employment increased by 4.0%, while labour force grew by 4.9%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 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 growth of approximately 4.4%% over five years and 10.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 income in Banana is above the national average. The median income is $53,594 and the average income stands at $67,320. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures: median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Banana would be approximately $59,870 (median) and $75,203 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Banana cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. Income analysis shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.5% of residents (2,991 people), mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 91.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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 assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Banana stood at 44.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (27.9%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while 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 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 Queensland.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.2%) and certificates (31.9%).

Educational participation is high at 31.1%, including primary education (15.3%), secondary education (9.4%), and tertiary education (1.8%). Twelve schools serve 1,180 students in Banana, with varied educational conditions across the area. The educational mix includes eight primary, one secondary, and three K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 13.2, suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent 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 for Banana residents shows positive outcomes with common health conditions being relatively standard across both young and elderly age groups.

Approximately 53% (~4769 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (8.1%). About 70% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.9% in the rest of Queensland. In Banana, 18.3% (~1637 people) of residents are aged 65 or over, higher than the Rest of Qld's 16.5%. Health outcomes among seniors in Banana are above average and align 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, born in Australia (94.8%), and speaking English only at home (98.2%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Banana, accounting for 66.6%, compared to 64.5% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (37.0%), English (30.3%), and Scottish (7.8%).

Notably, German representation is higher than average at 6.7%, while Australian Aboriginal is slightly higher at 3.7%.

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 exceeding 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 the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group grew from 10.2% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.0% to 12.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Banana's age profile will significantly shift. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 21%, reaching 1,341 from 1,111. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 45-54 and 65-74 cohorts.