Booral - River Heads
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is approximately 8,232 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 2,457 people, an increase of 42.5% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 5,775. This change can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,478 in June 2024 and an additional 679 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 52 persons per square kilometer. Booral - River Heads' growth rate surpassed both the non-metro area's 8.8% increase and the national average, making it a leading region for population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 92.4% of overall population gains 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 state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of Australia's regional areas by 2041. Based on the latest population numbers, Booral - River Heads is expected to expand by 2,852 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 25.5% over the 17-year period.

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 approved around 217 residential properties annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,085 homes. As of FY-26146 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.1 people move to the area per new home constructed over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are built at an average cost of $317,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $6.1 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Booral - River Heads records 176.0% more building activity per person, offering ample choice for buyers. This level is above average nationally, indicating strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% medium to 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 growth area characteristics.

Population forecasts predict an increase of 2,098 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Booral - River Heads has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects potentially influencing the region. Notable initiatives 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 relevant.

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 demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Booral - River Heads has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.8% as of June 2025. This rate is 0.1% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

The area had an estimated employment growth of 6.4% in the past year. There are currently 3,538 residents employed, with workforce participation at 53.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence at 2.0% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 6.4%, while labour force grew by 7.5%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. This compares to Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.8%, labour force expanded by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Booral - River Heads' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregated postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Booral - River Heads had a median taxpayer income of $47,379 and an average income of $59,568. Nationally, the median was $50,780 and the average was $64,844. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $54,007 (median) and $67,902 (average), based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census ranks household income at the 29th percentile ($1,402 weekly) and personal income at the 13th percentile. The earnings profile indicates that 32.4% of residents earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,667 residents), similar to surrounding regions where 31.7% fall within this range. After housing expenses, 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. Compared to Non-Metro Qld's 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings, Booral - River Heads had a higher proportion of houses. Home ownership in Booral - River Heads was 45.6%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure. Mortgaged dwellings were 42.4% and rented dwellings were 12.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430 but lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $330, comparable to Non-Metro Qld's $335 and 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 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 Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 35.8%.

A total of 23.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.8% in secondary, 8.5% in primary, and 2.2% in tertiary education. Educational facilities include Bayside Christian College Hervey Bay - Nikenbah Campus and Carinity Education - Glendyne, serving a combined total of 132 students. The area's educational provision varies across Booral - River Heads, with a mix of one secondary school and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 1.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.0, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows six active stops operating in Booral - River Heads, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route collectively offering 73 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited with residents typically located 7403 meters from the nearest stop.

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

Health performance in Booral - River Heads is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Booral-River Heads faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately half (50%) of its total population (~4,074 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.3% of residents) and mental health issues (10.8%). A majority (58.8%) report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 56.7%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (23.3%, or 1,919 people) compared to the rest of Queensland (31.0%). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Booral-River Heads are better than those of 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 showed cultural diversity below average, with 83.1% born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 51.1%, compared to 52.7% regionally. Top three ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (28.2%), and Scottish (7.7%).

Notable differences included German (Booral-River Heads: 5.3%, regional: 5.3%), Dutch (Booral-River Heads: 1.7%, regional: 1.3%), and New Zealand (Booral-River Heads: 0.8%, regional: 0.7%).

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

Booral - River Heads has a median age of 48, which is higher than Queensland's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 16.1% of its population, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort constitutes 9.8%. This concentration in the 65-74 bracket is well above the national figure of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.6% to 11.4%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 8.2% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 9.8%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 19.1% to 17.5%. By 2041, Booral - River Heads is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 31%, reaching 1,733 people from the current 1,322. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is forecasted to decline by 8 people.