Bulimba

Bulimba lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bulimba's population is around 8,098 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 691 people (9.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,407 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,890 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,931 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Bulimba's 9.3% growth since the census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 84.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, an above-median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,347 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 14.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bulimba recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Bulimba has experienced around 26 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 131 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition, leading to pricing pressures, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $677,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $9.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Bulimba has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 42nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing dwellings. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 393 people per dwelling approval, Bulimba shows a developed market.

Looking ahead, Bulimba is expected to grow by 1,139 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bulimba has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 35 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Oxford & Princess - Bulimba Mixed-Use Development, QParks Group - 5 Riding Road Mixed-Use Development, Bulimba State School Infrastructure Upgrade, and Bulimba Memorial Park and Community Centre Upgrade, 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 labour market strength in Bulimba positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Bulimba features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 0.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,990 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (76.7% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 34.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.1% versus the regional average of 16.1%. 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, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9% and the labour force increased by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Bulimba. 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 Bulimba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% 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 exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Bulimba SA2's income level is exceptionally high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Bulimba SA2's median income among taxpayers is $79,235 and the average income stands at $126,376, which compares to figures for Greater Brisbane's of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $87,087 (median) and $138,900 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Bulimba, between the 95th and 96th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, 36.2% of the population (2,931 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, differing from patterns across regional levels where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 33.3%. The substantial proportion of high earners (48.5% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Bulimba. Housing accounts for 14.3% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 95th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Bulimba, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 46.2% houses and 53.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Bulimba was higher than that of Brisbane metro, at 28.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.1%) or rented (36.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Brisbane metro average at $2,800, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $500, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Bulimba's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Bulimba has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 71.4% of all households, comprising 31.7% couples with children, 30.2% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 25.4% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Bulimba significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 50.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 33.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.6%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational pathways account for 23.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (13.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 37 active transport stops operating within Bulimba, comprising a mix of ferry and buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 2,700 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 154 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 69%, with 10% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 34.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 385 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 72 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bulimba'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

Bulimba's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 80% of the total population (6,470 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.6% and 6.6% of residents, respectively, while 74.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 17.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,436 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Bulimba was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bulimba is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 12.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 27.6% born overseas. The main religion in Bulimba is Christianity, which makes up 50.7% of the population, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bulimba are English, comprising 29.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.7% of Bulimba (vs 7.4% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%).

Bulimba's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 41, Bulimba is considerably higher than the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 and similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Brisbane average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (15.3% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (11.7%). In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.0% to 6.2% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 13.1% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 16.1% to 14.0% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 15.9% to 14.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Bulimba's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 371 people (73%) from 506 to 878. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 66% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 and 25 to 34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.