Bundaberg

Bundaberg is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Bundaberg's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 6,577. This figure represents an increase of 330 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,247. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,554 in June 2024 and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,074 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 86.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, Bundaberg is expected to have a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas by 2041. The latest annual ERP population numbers project an expansion of 472 persons by then, reflecting a total increase of 6.8% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Bundaberg according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Bundaberg has received approximately 14 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 74 homes. In FY26 so far, 16 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 2.9 new residents per dwelling has been observed between FY21 and FY25, indicating strong demand which supports property values. The average construction cost for new homes is $342,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year, Bundaberg has seen $22.7 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting moderate commercial growth. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg has significantly less development activity, 64.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, Bundaberg's development levels are also below average, suggesting maturity in the area and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 31.0% detached dwellings and 69.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 53.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The area has approximately 477 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its established status.

By 2041, Bundaberg is projected to gain 449 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction pace is keeping up with population growth projections, but increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include Oasis Estate - Burnett Heads, Bundaberg Civic and Cultural Precinct, New Bundaberg Hospital, and South Beach Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Bundaberg has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Bundaberg has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 9.7%.

As of September 2025, 3,215 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 5.1%, which is higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 51.5%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.1% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.7 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 9.7%, labour force grew by 10.2%, resulting in a rise of unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. This compares to Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that 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 projections to Bundaberg's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Bundaberg SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $44,728 and an average income of $55,270. These figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld had incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated current median and average incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $50,985 and $63,002 respectively. The 2021 Census shows Bundaberg's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 2nd and 12th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.9% of residents (1,966 people) earn within the $400 - $799 bracket, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 31.7%. Lower income households are prevalent, with 41.9% earning below $800 weekly, suggesting affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Bundaberg displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Bundaberg, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, comprised 53.0% houses and 46.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Queensland had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg was at 21.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (16.5%) or rented (62.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bundaberg was $1,118, compared to Non-Metro Queensland's $1,300. The median weekly rent figure for Bundaberg was recorded at $250, while Non-Metro Queensland's was $285. Nationally, Bundaberg's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bundaberg features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 51.2% of all households, including 14.1% that are couples with children, 19.9% that are couples without children, and 15.2% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 48.8%, with lone person households at 42.9% and group households comprising 5.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Bundaberg faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 36.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 7.8% and certificates for 28.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Bundaberg shows that there are 39 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services. They are served by 12 individual routes combined, which provide a total of 493 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 233 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to about 70 trips per day, resulting in roughly 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bundaberg is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Bundaberg faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% (around 3,130 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 11.6% and 10.4% of residents respectively. Around 60.7% of residents reported having no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Bundaberg has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 17.2% (around 1,130 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 26.3%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's health profile.

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

Bundaberg's cultural diversity was above average, with 22.0% of its population born overseas and 14.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bundaberg, accounting for 45.7% of people. Notably, Buddhism had a higher representation in Bundaberg at 2.5%, compared to 1.1% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.6%), Australian (26.6%), and Other (8.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: German was overrepresented at 5.2% in Bundaberg compared to 6.4% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 5.0% versus 3.4%, and Korean at 0.6% compared to 0.2%.

Bundaberg's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Bundaberg's median age is 37 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort in Bundaberg is notably higher at 19.0% compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.6%. Post the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group increased from 16.2% to 19.0%, the 65-74 cohort decreased from 10.4% to 9.1%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 10.7% to 9.6%. By 2041, Bundaberg's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 24%, adding 300 residents to reach 1,551. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.