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

Booral-River Heads' population, as of May 2026, is approximately 8,009 people. This figure represents a growth of 2,234 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,775. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 7,887 in June 2025 and an additional 795 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 50 persons per square kilometer. Booral-River Heads' growth rate of 38.7% since the 2021 Census exceeds Queensland's average (9.2%) and the national average, indicating significant population expansion in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 92.0% to this growth during recent periods.

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. These projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. By 2041, the area is projected to gain an additional 2,660 persons, reflecting a total increase of 31.7% over the 16-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 approximately 217 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1085 homes. As of FY26247 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 2.1 people per year moved to the area for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $317,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $6.1 million in commercial development approvals, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Booral - River Heads records 164% more building activity per person, providing ample choice for buyers and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 95% detached houses and 5% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. With around 28 people per dwelling approval, Booral - River Heads exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 2538 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct Basketball Stadium, Astro Aero Aircraft Manufacturing Centre, Pinnacle Hervey Bay Estate, and Wondunna Mixed-Use Development (MCU22/0103). The following list details those most likely to be 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.

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

Booral - River Heads has a diverse workforce with equal representation of white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented here. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 9.2% over the past year.

As of December 2025, there are 3,848 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 59.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 11.3% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Booral - River Heads shows a strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence here at 2.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 9.2% alongside labour force increasing by 9.1%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Booral - River Heads' local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the area's current employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for the financial year ended June 2023 shows Booral - River Heads SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $49,827 and an average income of $61,470. Nationally, these figures are lower, with median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in Regional Qld. Applying the Wage Price Index growth rate of 11.36% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income is approximately $55,487 and average income is $68,453. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 29th percentile ($1,402 weekly), with personal income at the 12th percentile. The largest earnings segment comprises 32.4% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,594 residents). After housing costs, 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

Booral - River Heads dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.7% houses and 1.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Booral - River Heads was 45.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.4% and rented ones at 12.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in the area was $330, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Booral - River Heads' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,560 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $330.

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

Family households account for 81.6% of all households, including 28.6% couples with children, 42.1% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.4%, with lone person households at 16.0% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland 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's university qualification rate is 14.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 45.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (35.8%).

A total of 23.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 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

Booral - River Heads has five active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. There is one route serving these stops collectively providing 73 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is limited, with residents typically located 7403 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 95%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 2.0, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.3% of residents work from home, a figure that 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 indicates significant health challenges in Booral - River Heads. AreaSearch's assessment shows notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% (~3,988 people) have private health cover, lower than Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.3%) and mental health issues (10.8%), with 58.8% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age residents face significant chronic condition rates. The area has 24.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,973 people), higher than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings.

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, as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016 data, had a cultural diversity index below average with 83.1% of its population born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.1% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (28.2%) and Scottish (7.7%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.3%, compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Dutch ancestry also had a higher representation at 1.7% versus 1.1% regionally, while New Zealand ancestry was slightly lower at 0.8% against the regional average of 0.9%.

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

The median age of Booral - River Heads is 48, which is higher than Regional Qld's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 16.9%, notably higher than Regional Qld's percentage, while the 35-44 cohort stands at 10.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group grew from 8.2% to 10.1%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.6% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.2% to 11.8%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.0% to 9.7%. By 2041, Booral - River Heads' age composition is expected to shift notably. The 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 36%, adding 484 people and reaching 1,841 from the current 1,356. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 4%, adding 38 people.