Buddina - Minyama
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Buddina-Minyama's population was around 7,654 as of Aug 2025. This reflected a growth of 698 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,956. The change was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 7,201 in June 2024 and an additional 376 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,866 persons per square kilometer, higher than national averages assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 10.0% growth exceeded non-metro areas (8.6%) and national averages, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data were adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 based on 2022 data) for each age cohort were applied where utilised. Population projections indicated an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with Buddina-Minyama expected to increase by 1,359 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 11.8% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Buddina - Minyama when compared nationally

Buddina-Minyama has received approximately 62 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports a total of 314 approvals over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional five recorded in FY-26. On average, 1.1 people have moved into the area per year for each dwelling built during this period. This balance between supply and demand supports stable market conditions.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $1,097,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $4.0 million. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Buddina-Minyama has approximately 59% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 64th percentile nationally among assessed areas. New developments consist of 24.0% standalone homes and 76.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 69.0% houses. The area has approximately 276 people per dwelling approval, suggesting potential for growth.

By 2041, Buddina-Minyama is projected to grow by 904 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Buddina - Minyama has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones are Lowanna Beach Resort, The Beachfront Buddina, Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project - Stage 2, and The Point Buddina. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

Employment conditions in Buddina - Minyama demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Buddina-Minyama has an educated workforce with a prominent construction sector and a low unemployment rate of 2.1% as of June 2025. The area's unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, with similar workforce participation at 59.1%.

Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.9% compared to region's 4.5%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, alongside a 1.7% employment decline, reducing unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8% and unemployment increased by 0.2 percentage points.

State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5% with employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but localised projections suggest Buddina-Minyama's employment may grow by approximately 6.9%% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 on Buddina - Minyama. The median income among taxpayers was $53,434 with an average of $76,860. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to the Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. As of March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,691 (median) and $85,860 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Buddina - Minyama cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. The largest segment comprises 29.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,219 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Buddina - Minyama displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Buddina - Minyama, as per the latest Census, consists of 69.2% houses and 30.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Buddina - Minyama stands at 43.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented ones at 27.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Buddina - Minyama is $450, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, mortgage repayments are significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Buddina - Minyama features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.8% of all households, including 26.8% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.2%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Buddina - Minyama exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate exceeds that of the Rest of Qld average at 27.6% (residents aged 15+) compared to 20.6%. It also surpasses the SA3 area's rate of 23.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%).

Vocational credentials are held by 37.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 25.6%. Educational participation is high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: primary (9.5%), secondary (7.9%), and tertiary (4.7%). Buddina State School serves Buddina - Minyama, with an enrollment of 737 students as of a recent date. The area's socio-educational conditions are above average (ICSEA: 1053). There is one school focusing on primary education; secondary options are available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.6, lower than the regional average of 13.3, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Buddina-Minyama has six operational public transport stops, serving a variety of bus routes totaling 1,534 weekly passenger trips. These stops are spread out, with residents typically residing 619 meters from the nearest one. The service frequency is 219 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 255 weekly trips per stop on average.

Service frequency averages 219 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 255 weekly trips per individual stop.

Buddina - Minyama's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Buddina-Minyama's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. Both young and old age cohorts exhibit standard levels of common health conditions.

Private health cover is exceptionally high here, at approximately 58% (4,424 people), compared to 52.7% across the rest of Queensland. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.8% and 7.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 69.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 24.6% (1,883 people), than the state average of 22.3%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming those of the general population in various metrics.

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

Buddina-Minyama had a cultural diversity level below average, with 86.9% of its population being citizens and 79.1% born in Australia. English was the language spoken exclusively at home by 94.3% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 49.3%.

Judaism was overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, comprising 0.2% versus 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.3%), Australian (25.4%), and Scottish (9.6%). Notable differences existed in South African representation at 0.7%, New Zealand at 0.9%, and German at 4.4%.

Buddina - Minyama hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Buddina-Minyama's median age of 47 years is notably higher than Rest of Qld's 41, which is also older than the national norm of 38. The 65-74 cohort is over-represented in Buddina-Minyama at 13.0%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 9.3%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 14.9% to 13.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Buddina-Minyama's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to expand by 327 people (37%) from 885 to 1,212. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.