Buderim - South

Population growth drivers in Buderim - South are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Buderim - South's population is around 18,728 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,227 people (7.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,501 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,313 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 313 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 621 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Buderim - South's 7.0% growth since the census positions it within 0.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 85.3% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 2,255 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 9.8% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Buderim - South when compared nationally

Buderim - South has seen around 84 new homes approved annually, totalling 421 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.7 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $368,000. There have also been $9.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Buderim - South has similar development levels (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New development consists of 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 71.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 668 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Buderim - South is expected to grow by 1,840 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Buderim - South has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 42 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Unitywater Infrastructure Program 2023-2027, Power Road Buderim Residential Development, UniSC Sunshine Coast Campus Master Plan Development, and Goshawk Boulevard Extension, 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Buderim - South significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Buderim - South has a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. As of December 2025, 9,863 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.1% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.8% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 3.3% while employment declined by 3.1%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Buderim - South. 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 Buderim - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Buderim - South SA2's income level is well above the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Buderim - South SA2's median income among taxpayers is $54,931 and the average income stands at $74,690, compared to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,375 (median) and $82,092 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Buderim - South cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.1% of the community (6,198 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 61st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Buderim - South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 71.2% houses and 28.8% 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 Buderim - South was higher than that of Regional Qld, at 35.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (38.7%) or rented (25.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $450, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Buderim - South's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Buderim - South features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 77.5% of all households, comprising 34.3% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.5%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Buderim - South demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Buderim - South significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 30.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 24.9% in the SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (24.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 5.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 38 active transport stops operating within Buderim - South, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 856 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 457 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. Some 19.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 122 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Buderim - South's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Buderim - South, 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 very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~10,506 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.6% and 7.3% of residents, respectively, while 70.5% 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 18.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,470 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Buderim - South records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Buderim - South was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 74.6% of its population born in Australia, 86.6% being citizens, and 93.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Buderim - South is Christianity, which makes up 48.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% 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 Buderim - South are English, comprising 33.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.4% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Buderim - South (vs 0.9% regionally), South Australian at 1.0% (vs 0.5%) and German at 4.7% (vs 4.7%).

Buderim - South's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 41-year median age in Buderim - South matches Regional Qld's average of 41, while being somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld, Buderim - South has a higher concentration of 45 - 54 residents (13.9%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (9.4%). Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.7% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.9% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 9.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.9% to 13.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Buderim - South's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 26% (566 people), reaching 2,761 from 2,194. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.