Bowen
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Bowen's population is 11,137 as of August 2025. This shows an increase of 1,263 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,874. The change is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 11,054 in June 2024 and additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 211 persons per square kilometer. Bowen's growth rate of 12.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (7.4%) and SA3 area, indicating strong population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 51.1% 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 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, proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied. Projected demographic shifts indicate significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally by 2041. Bowen is expected to grow by 2,895 persons to 2041, with an overall increase of 25.2% over these 17 years.

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

Bowen has recorded approximately 31 residential properties granted approval each year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25159 dwellings have been approved, with an additional six approved so far in FY26. On average, 8.9 new residents per year have been associated with every home built over these five years, indicating a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $993,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $2.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Bowen records 72.0% more development activity per person when measured against the rest of Queensland, offering buyers greater choice but still falling below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New developments consist of 66.0% detached houses and 34.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 82.0% houses. This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs, with around 232 people per dwelling approval indicating a developing market. Looking ahead, Bowen is projected to grow by 2,812 residents through to 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Bowen has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine such projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include the Bowen Pipeline Project, Bowen Orbital Spaceport, Bowen Courthouse Restoration, and Bowen Industrial Estate Development. The following list details those most relevant:.

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

AreaSearch analysis indicates Bowen maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Bowen's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with varied sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% in the past year, showing a 2.2% employment growth.

As of June 2025, 5,256 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and transport, postal & warehousing. Bowen has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.6 times the regional level), but health care & social assistance employs fewer locals (11.4%) than Rest of Qld (16.1%).

In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 2.2%, while labour force decreased by 0.3%, leading to a unemployment rate drop of 2.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Bowen's employment could grow by approximately 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Bowen's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $47,916. The average income stood at $63,361 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. As of March 2025, current estimates suggest Bowen's median income would be approximately $53,527 and average income around $70,781, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. Census data from 2021 shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Bowen rank modestly, between the 22nd and 30th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Bowen indicates that the largest segment comprises 28.2% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region, where 31.7% fall into the same income category. After accounting for housing costs, 84.9% of income remains in Bowen, ranking at the 23rd percentile nationally.

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

In Bowen, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's breakdown of 86.1% houses and 13.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bowen stood at 33.5%, with mortgaged properties at 25.2% and rented dwellings at 41.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Bowen was recorded as $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $200. Nationally, Bowen's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bowen features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 65.3% of all households, including 23.6% couples with children, 30.4% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.7%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Bowen faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has lower university qualification rates at 12.8% compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.2% and certificates at 32.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education. Bowen's 5 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,671 students. Education provision is balanced with 3 primary and 2 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 81 active transport stops operating within Bowen. These stops offer a mix of bus services. They are served by 4 individual routes which collectively provide 136 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 579 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 19 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Bowen is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bowen faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 51%, slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area's 60.4%.

This covers about 5,702 people compared to Queensland's rest which stands at 60.4%. The most common conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.6% and 8.0% of residents respectively. 66.4% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, lower than the Rest of Qld's 72.7%. Bowen has 19.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,198 people), higher than Queensland's rest at 12.6%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Bowen ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bowen's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 81.8% of its population being citizens, 82.9% born in Australia, and 90.4% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Bowen is Christianity, comprising 54.9% of the population, compared to 53.6% across the rest of Queensland. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (28.7%), English (27.1%), and Other (8.2%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 7.2%, compared to 5.1% regionally; Samoan is at 0.3%, versus 0.2%; Korean is at 0.4%, compared to 0.1%.

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

The median age in Bowen is 41 years, which matches Rest of Queensland's average and is slightly higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Queensland, Bowen has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (11.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 25-34 grew from 13.2% to 15.0%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.0% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 13.2% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Bowen's age structure. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 33%, adding 552 people and reaching a total of 2,219 from the current 1,666. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort is projected to decline by 3 people.