Booral - River Heads

Booral - River Heads lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Booral - River Heads's population is around 8,460 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,685 people (46.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,775 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,478 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 762 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 53 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Booral - River Heads's 46.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 92.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australia's regional areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 2,852 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 22.1% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Booral - River Heads was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Booral - River Heads has recorded around 217 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling 1,085 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26198 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.1 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $317,000 — below the regional average — suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $6.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Booral - River Heads records 176.0% more building activity (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice. This level is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 28 people per dwelling approval, Booral - River Heads shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Booral - River Heads will gain 1,870 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Booral - River Heads has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct Basketball Stadium, Astro Aero Aircraft Manufacturing Centre, Wondunna Mixed-Use Development (MCU22/0103), and Pinnacle Hervey Bay Estate, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The labour market in Booral - River Heads shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Booral - River Heads has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and 9.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,848 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.0% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (62.1% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 2.0% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 9.2% alongside the labour force increasing by 9.1%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Booral - River Heads. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Booral - River Heads's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Booral - River Heads SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,827 with the average level standing at $61,470. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,765 (median) and $67,562 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 29th percentile ($1,402 weekly), while personal income sits at the 12th percentile. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 32.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,741 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 86.3% of income remains for other expenses.

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

Dwelling structure within Booral - River Heads, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.7% houses and 1.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Booral - River Heads was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 45.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (42.4%) or rented (12.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,560, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Booral - River Heads's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Booral - River Heads features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 81.6% of all households, comprising 28.6% couples with children, 42.1% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.4%, with lone person households at 16.0% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Booral - River Heads faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 45.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (35.8%).

A substantial 23.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.8% in secondary education, 8.5% in primary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 5 active transport stops operating within Booral - River Heads, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 73 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 7403 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 11.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 10 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Booral - River Heads, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~4,213 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.3% and 10.8% of residents, respectively, while 58.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,026 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Booral - River Heads is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Booral - River Heads was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.1% of its population born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Booral - River Heads is Christianity, which makes up 51.1% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Booral - River Heads are English, comprising 34.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.2% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.3% of Booral - River Heads (vs 4.7% regionally), Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.1%) and New Zealand at 0.8% (vs 0.9%).

Booral - River Heads hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

With a median age of 48, Booral - River Heads is materially older than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 16.3% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 9.6%. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.2% to 10.3% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.6% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 9.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.2% to 12.2%. By 2041, Booral - River Heads is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 26% (355 people), reaching 1,733 from 1,377. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 32 people.