Boonah
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Boonah are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Boonah's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 13,698. This figure represents an increase of 1,081 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,617. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,306 in June 2024 and an additional 489 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.5 persons per square kilometer. Boonah's growth rate of 8.6% since the census is close to the national average of 8.9%, indicating strong fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 65.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 with a base year of 2021. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort when utilised. Based on projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected, with the area projected to increase by 2,377 persons to 2041, recording a total gain of 14.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Boonah among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Boonah granted approval for approximately 90 residential properties annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25453 homes were approved, with a further 75 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 1.4 new residents arrived per year for each new home over these five years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average value of new dwellings developed was $370,000. In the current financial year, commercial approvals totalled $12.8 million, reflecting steady investment activity.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Boonah has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks in the 85th percentile among assessed areas for new dwellings approved. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. As of now, Boonah has approximately 118 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Boonah will gain 1,973 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Boonah has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 67 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Wyaralong Water Treatment Plant, Bromelton State Development Area, Ferndale Estate Ripley, and Bromelton Water Supply Infrastructure. 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 performance in Boonah exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Boonah has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 2.5%.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent. As of June 2025, 6750 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Boonah lags behind Greater Brisbane at 56.6% compared to 64.5%. Leading industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly prominent with employment levels at 16.8 times the regional average. However, professional & technical jobs are under-represented, making up only 4.6% of Boonah's workforce compared to 8.9% in Greater Brisbane. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force grew by 0.2%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.5%. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4%, labour force expand by 4.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that over five years, employment could increase by approximately 5.6% and over ten years by around 12.2%. However, these projections are simple extrapolations based on industry-specific growth rates and do not account for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Boonah's median taxpayer income was $46,008 and average income was $55,116 in financial year 2022 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average of $63,957 for median income and $84,686 for average income. In Greater Brisbane, median income was $55,645 and average income was $70,520 in 2022. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income would be approximately $52,445 and average income would be around $62,827 by September 2025. Census data indicates that Boonah's household incomes fall between the 21st and 26th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.2% of residents (4,136 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, reflecting a pattern seen at regional levels where 33.3% occupy this income bracket. Housing costs consume 12.8% of income on average in Boonah, with 87.2% retained as disposable income, which sits below the national average at the 31st percentile.

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

Boonah's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.2% houses and 3.8% other dwellings. Compared to Brisbane metro's 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings, Boonah had a slightly higher proportion of houses. Home ownership in Boonah stood at 47.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (36.1%) or rented (16.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Brisbane metro's average. The median weekly rent was $295, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Boonah's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $295 against the national figure of $375.

Boonah has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 76.2% of all households, including 28.8% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for 23.8%, with lone person households at 21.7% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Boonah fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 15.4%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 29.8%. Educational participation is high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.3% in primary, 9.6% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

Twelve schools serve 1,496 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 983) and balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 11 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Boonah is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges for Boonah, with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 48%, covering around 6,520 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and asthma (8.9%). About 63.7% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 60.9%. Boonah has a larger proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.9%, with around 3,683 people, compared to Greater Brisbane's 21.8%.

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

Boonah's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.3% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (89.9%), and speaking English only at home (97.1%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Boonah, comprising 62.1%, compared to 54.9% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (29.3%), and German (11.6%).

Notably, Korean ethnicity was overrepresented at 0.5% in Boonah versus the regional average of 0.1%, while Scottish and Irish ethnicities showed minor divergences with percentages of 7.7% and 8.1% respectively compared to the regional averages of 7.9% and 7.8%.

Boonah hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Boonah's median age is 48 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 14.5% of Boonah's population, compared to Greater Brisbane's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 8.2%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75-84 age group grew from 7.5% to 9.2%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 12.1% to 10.7% and the 25-34 group dropped from 9.5% to 8.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Boonah's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the 65-74 cohort projected to grow by 36%, adding 718 residents to reach a total of 2,699. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 78% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 5-14 age cohorts.