Buderim - South
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Buderim-South's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stood at 18,515 by August 2025. This figure represents a growth of 1,014 individuals (5.8%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 17,501. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 18,313 in June 2024 and an additional 238 validated new addresses post-census date. This results in a density ratio of 614 persons per square kilometer, offering significant space per person and potential for further development. Buderim-South's growth rate since the census (5.8%) is within 1.6 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate (7.4%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.3% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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 are applied when utilised. Demographic trends project a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally by 2041. Based on the latest numbers, Buderim-South is expected to expand by 2,255 persons over this period, reflecting an overall increase of 11.1%.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Buderim - South among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Buderim - South has seen approximately 84 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 421 homes approved over the past five financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, and none yet in FY-26. On average, 1.7 people have moved to the area per dwelling built annually over these five years. The supply of new properties constructed is valued at an average of $754,000, slightly above the regional average.

This year has seen $9.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Buderim - South maintains similar development levels per person, ensuring market balance consistent with the broader area. New development consists of 43.0% detached dwellings and 57.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards compact living which offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (71.0%). The estimated population density of Buderim - South is 668 people per dwelling approval, indicating its quiet development environment.

By 2041, Buderim - South is projected to grow by 2,053 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Buderim - South has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified a total of 48 projects that are likely to impact the area significantly due to their potential influence on local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Notable amongst these are the UnityWater Infrastructure Program from 2023 to 2027, the University of the Sunshine Coast Stage 2 Expansion, the Power Road Buderim Residential Development, and the Proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme - specifically focusing on the Buderim and Surrounds Local Plan Area. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant:.

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

Employment performance in Buderim - South ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Buderim - South has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% as of June 2025.

At this time, 10,274 residents were employed, with the area's unemployment rate being 2.3% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stood at 64.1%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, health care & social assistance has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.8% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparisons. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Buderim - South's labour force decreased by 2.3%, with employment decreasing by 1.7%, resulting in a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8% and unemployment increased slightly to 4.1%. As of Sep-25, Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections from May 2025 forecast national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Buderim - South's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.1%% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

Buderim - South had a median taxpayer income of $51,906 and an average income of $72,934 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) for Rest of Qld. As of March 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022 suggest median incomes would be approximately $57,984 and average incomes around $81,475. The 2021 Census showed household, family, and personal incomes in Buderim - South were at the 58th percentile nationally. Income distribution data indicated that 33.1% of locals (6,128 people) fell into the $1,500-$2,999 category, similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% were in this bracket. High housing costs consumed 15.3% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 62nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Buderim - South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.2% houses and 28.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 74.1% houses and 25.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Buderim - South was 35.7%, with the rest either mortgaged (38.7%) or rented (25.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure was $450, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $465. Nationally, Buderim - South's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 77.5% of all households, including 34.3% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.5%, with lone person households at 19.0% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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 exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 30.9% hold university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 24.9% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.7% and certificates at 24.2%.

Educational participation is 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. Matthew Flinders Anglican College serves as the anchor institution for Buderim - South, educating 1,416 students. The area demonstrates exceptional educational performance, with an ICSEA score of 1156, placing local schools among the most advantaged nationally. All 1 school offers integrated K-12 education. However, limited local school capacity (7.7 places per 100 residents vs 20.9 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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

Buderim - South has 38 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that collectively facilitate 930 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents on average being located 457 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 132 trips per day, which equates to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Buderim - South's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows Buderim - South residents have a relatively low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 56% (~10,368 people) have private health cover, which is very high compared to other areas. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.6%) and mental health issues (7.3%), while 70.5% of residents report having no medical ailments. This is slightly higher than the 69.0% reported in Rest of Qld. In Buderim - South, 18.5% (~3,427 people) are aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 20.2% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors in the area are above average and generally align with those of 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's population showed cultural diversity similar to the wider area, with 74.6% born in Australia, 86.6% being citizens, and 93.1% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity at 48.2%. Judaism stood out at 0.1%, higher than Rest of Qld's 0.2%.

Top three ancestry groups were English (33.0%), Australian (24.4%), and Scottish (9.0%). Notable differences included New Zealanders at 1.2% (vs regional 1.1%), South Africans at 1.0% (vs 0.9%), and Germans at 4.7% (vs 4.6%).

Buderim - South hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Buderim - South is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 and well above Australia's median of 38. The 45-54 age group is notably over-represented locally at 14.2%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 9.6%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 10.1% to 11.3% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 10.8% to 9.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Buderim - South. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to expand by 670 people (32%), from 2,090 to 2,761. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age cohort is projected to decline by 193 people.