Boonah

Population growth drivers in Boonah are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Boonah's population is around 13,559 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 942 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,617 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,450 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 507 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6.5 persons per square kilometer. Boonah's growth rate of 7.5% since the census positions it within 1.8 percentage points of the national average (9.3%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 71.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected, with the area expected to increase by 2,132 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.9% over the 16 years.

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

Boonah has recorded approximately 90 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 453 homes were approved, with an additional 135 approved so far in FY26. The average number of new residents arriving per new home over these years is 1.4 per year, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings during this period was $370,000. In terms of commercial investment activity, Boonah has registered $12.8 million in approvals so far this financial year. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Boonah has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, Boonah ranks among the 84th percentile of areas assessed for construction activity, with recent construction comprising 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% townhouses or apartments. This maintains the area's traditional low density character, focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. The location has approximately 118 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Boonah is forecasted to gain 2,023 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 60 such projects that are anticipated to impact the area. Notable projects include Wyaralong Water Treatment Plant, Bromelton State Development Area, Bromelton Water Supply Infrastructure, and Ferndale Estate Ripley. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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.

Boonah ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Boonah's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of December 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 7.8% over the past year.

As of December 2025, there were 7,017 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Boonah was 62.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 17.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.

Boonah has a particularly high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 16.8 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 4.6% of Boonah's workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 7.8%, while labour force grew by 7.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.2% and labour force expand by 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Boonah's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The Boonah SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $48,251 and an average of $57,400 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average, with Greater Brisbane's median income being $58,236 and average income $72,799. By March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% suggest a median income of approximately $53,732 and an average of $63,921 in Boonah. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Boonah fall between the 20th and 26th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.2% of residents (4,094 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, reflecting regional patterns where 33.3% occupy this range. Housing costs are modest, with 87.2% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 30th percentile nationally.

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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Boonah stood at 47.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.1% and rented ones at 16.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Boonah was $295, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Boonah's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 23.8%, with lone person households at 21.7% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is 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, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (29.8%). Educational participation is high at 26.2%, comprising primary education (10.3%), secondary education (9.6%), and tertiary education (2.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Boonah's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Boonah residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, but higher among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is very low, at approximately 48% of the total population (6,454 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and asthma (8.9%), with 63.7% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Boonah has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over (27.7%, or 3,759 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.1%, but ranks lower nationally than the broader population.

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, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity: 90.3% were citizens, 89.9% born in Australia, and 97.1% spoke English only at home. Christianity dominated Boonah's religion (62.1%), compared to Greater Brisbane's 47.8%. Top ancestral groups in Boonah were English (32.3%, regional average: 26.8%), Australian (29.3%, regional average: 23.2%), and German (11.6%, regional average: 4.2%).

Notable ethnic group divergences included Korean (Boonah: 0.5%, region: 0.5%), Scottish (Boonah: 7.7%, region: 7.4%), and Irish (Boonah: 8.1%, region: 8.2%).

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 14.8% 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%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group grew from 7.5% to 9.7%, and the 65-74 cohort increased from 13.7% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 12.1% to 10.4%, and the 25-34 group decreased from 9.5% to 8.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Boonah's age profile will significantly change. The 65-74 cohort is projected to grow by 33%, adding 656 residents to reach 2,663. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 76% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups.