Bundaberg
Statistical Area - sa2

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

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Bundaberg's population is approximately 6,577 as of November 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 330 people, representing a 5.3% increase 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, aligning with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove Bundaberg's population growth, 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, Bundaberg is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area's population is projected to expand by 472 persons, representing an overall increase of 6.8% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

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

Bundaberg has experienced approximately 14 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 74 homes. In FY26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling has accommodated around 2.9 residents per year between FY21 and FY25, indicating steady demand that supports property values. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $342,000, aligning with regional patterns.

This financial year, Bundaberg has seen $22.7 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bundaberg has significantly less development activity, 64.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also below national averages, suggesting planning constraints in the area. 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, reflecting diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Bundaberg has approximately 477 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area with a projected population growth of 449 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, but increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population grows.

Population forecasts indicate Bundaberg will gain 449 residents through to 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Bundaberg has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include Oasis Estate - Burnett Heads, Bundaberg Civic and Cultural Precinct, New Bundaberg Hospital, and Bundaberg Aquatic Centre. 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 drivers in Bundaberg are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Bundaberg's workforce is skilled with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 10.5% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0% over the past year.

By June 2025, 3,089 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 6.6%, above Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 51.5%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents included health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food. Agriculture, forestry & fishing showed notable concentration with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction had lower representation at 6.1% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. As of the Census, there were 1.7 workers for every resident, indicating Bundaberg functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 5.0% alongside labour force increasing by 7.5%, resulting in unemployment rising by 2.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force expand by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bundaberg's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Bundaberg had median income among taxpayers of $44,728 and average level at $55,270. These figures are below national averages, which stood at $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $50,985 (median) and $63,002 (average). From the 2021 Census, Bundaberg household incomes fall between 3rd and 13th 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 predominates at 31.7%. Lower income households are prevalent, with 41.9% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

In Bundaberg, as per the latest Census, 53.0% of dwellings were houses while 46.9% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg stood at 21.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 16.5% and rented ones at 62.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,118, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Bundaberg was $250 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Bundaberg's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,118 versus 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 compose 51.2% of all households, including 14.1% couples with children, 19.9% couples without children, and 15.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 48.8%, with lone person households at 42.9% and group households comprising 5.6%. 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%, notably lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 7.8% and certificates at 28.3%. Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.2% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

Bundaberg operates a network of seven schools educating approximately 3,047 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 955) and balanced educational opportunities. Six primary and one secondary school serve distinct age groups. The area functions as an education hub, offering 46.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 13.9, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 39 active public transport stops in Bundaberg, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 individual routes, together offering 493 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 233 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per 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 stands at approximately 48%, covering around 3,130 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Bundaberg, impacting 11.6% and 10.4% of residents respectively. However, 60.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 59.1% reported across the rest of Queensland. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.2%, with approximately 1,130 people falling into this age group compared to 26.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader population.

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

Bundaberg's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 22.0% of its population born overseas and 14.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Bundaberg, comprising 45.7% of people. However, Buddhism showed significant overrepresentation at 2.5%, compared to 1.1% across Rest of Qld.

For ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.6%), Australian (26.6%), and Other (8.1%). Notably, German (5.2%) was overrepresented compared to regionally (6.4%), as were Australian Aboriginal (5.0%, vs 3.4%) and Korean (0.6%, vs 0.2%).

Bundaberg's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Bundaberg's median age is 37 years, which is significantly below the Rest of Qld average of 41 years but essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Bundaberg has a notably over-represented cohort of 25-34 year-olds (19.0%) and an under-represented group of 5-14 year-olds (9.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population of 25 to 34 year-olds has grown from 16.2% to 19.0%, while the 65 to 74 year-old cohort has declined from 10.4% to 9.1%. The 5-14 age group has also decreased, from 10.7% to 9.6%. Demographic modeling indicates that Bundaberg's age profile will evolve significantly by the year 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 24%, adding 300 residents to reach a total of 1,551. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.