Buddina - Minyama

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Buddina - Minyama's population is around 7,557 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 601 people (8.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,956 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,199 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 375 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,843 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Buddina - Minyama's 8.6% growth since the census positions it within 0.5 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 82.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,359 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 13.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Buddina - Minyama has experienced around 62 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 314 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $653,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $4.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Buddina - Minyama records about 59% of the building activity per person and ranks in the 64th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 24.0% detached houses and 76.0% attached dwellings. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 69.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 276 people per dwelling approval, Buddina - Minyama shows a developing market.

Looking ahead, Buddina - Minyama is expected to grow by 1,001 residents through to 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Buddina - Minyama has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 12 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project - Stage 2, The Point Buddina, Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, and Lowanna Beach Resort, 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.

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 employment environment in Buddina - Minyama shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Buddina - Minyama possesses a well-educated workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. As of December 2025, 3,738 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (61.5% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 4.5%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.2% while employment declined by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew 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 Buddina - Minyama. 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 Buddina - Minyama's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Buddina - Minyama SA2's median income among taxpayers is $55,379, with an average of $81,920. This is among the highest in Australia, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,867 (median) and $90,038 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Buddina - Minyama cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.0% of residents (2,191 people), 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 and 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

Dwelling structure within Buddina - Minyama, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 69.2% houses and 30.8% 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 Buddina - Minyama was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 43.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.1%) or rented (27.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Buddina - Minyama's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than 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 dominate at 69.8% of all households, comprising 26.8% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.2%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 4.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional 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 educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (27.6% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of the SA3 area (23.6%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (25.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 6 active transport stops operating within Buddina - Minyama, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 1,381 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 619 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 17.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 197 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 230 weekly trips per individual stop.

Buddina - Minyama's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Buddina - Minyama, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,526 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.8% and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 69.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 24.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,855 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 79.1% born in Australia, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Buddina - Minyama is Christianity, which makes up 49.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.2% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Buddina - Minyama are English, comprising 33.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.4% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 0.7% of Buddina - Minyama (vs 0.5% regionally), New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.9%) and German at 4.4% (vs 4.7%).

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

Buddina - Minyama's median age of 46 years stands significantly above Regional Qld's 41 as well as well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional Qld, Buddina - Minyama has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (13.1%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (8.7%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.4% to 12.0% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 10.8% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 8.7% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 14.9% to 13.4%. By 2041, Buddina - Minyama is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 33% (303 people), reaching 1,213 from 909. On the other hand, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 81 people.