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 was approximately 6,247 people as of May 2021. By May 2026, it had increased to around 6,650, reflecting a growth of 403 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census. This increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,611 in June 2025 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Bundaberg was approximately 1,086 persons per square kilometer as of May 2026, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bundaberg's growth rate of 6.5% since the census positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.9% of overall population gains during recent periods in Bundaberg.

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 adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so 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 increase by just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas, expanding by 432 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 5.9% over the 16 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, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling accommodates about 2.9 residents per year, indicating demand that supports property values. The average construction cost of new homes is around $342,000, aligning with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $22.7 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting moderate commercial activity levels. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg has significantly less development activity, 64.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction comprises 31.0% detached dwellings and 69.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the current pattern of 53.0% houses. The area has approximately 477 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its established nature. Population forecasts suggest Bundaberg will gain around 393 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Population forecasts indicate Bundaberg will gain 393 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Bundaberg has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Oasis Estate - Burnett Heads, Bundaberg Civic and Cultural Arts Precinct, New Bundaberg Hospital, South Beach Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

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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 essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 8.6% as of December 2015. Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 9.3%.

As of December 2025, 3,239 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 4.6%, above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 4.0% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows notable concentration with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.1% versus the regional average of 10.1%. As at the Census, there are 1.7 workers for every resident, indicating Bundaberg functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending December 2015, employment increased by 9.3% while labour force grew by 8.9%, leading to a fall in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Bundaberg SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,094 and an average level of $57,756. These figures are below the national average and compare to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,330 (median) and $64,317 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Bundaberg fall between the 2nd and 12th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 29.9% of residents (1,988 people), differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. Lower income households are notably 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, ranking at the 3rd percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Bundaberg, as per the latest Census, comprised 53.0% houses and 46.9% other dwellings. In Regional Qld, it was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg was 21.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 16.5% and rented at 62.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bundaberg was $1,118, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655. The median weekly rent in Bundaberg was $250, while in Regional Qld it was $345. Nationally, Bundaberg's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,118 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $250 compared to 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 48.8%, with lone person households at 42.9% and group households making up 5.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the 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+ holding them - 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

Public transport analysis shows 39 active stops operating within Bundaberg, consisting of buses. These stops are served by 12 routes, offering a total of 493 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 233 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode at 88%, while 7% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 70 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 3,205 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.6% and 10.4% of residents respectively. However, 60.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Bundaberg has 17.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,159 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. While seniors' health outcomes present some challenges, they generally align with national rankings.

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 main religion in Bundaberg, comprising 45.7% of people. However, Buddhism was overrepresented at 2.5%, compared to 1.1% across Regional Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.6%), Australian (26.6%), and Other (8.1%). Notably, German (5.2%) and Australian Aboriginal (5.0%) were overrepresented, while Korean was also notable at 0.6%.

Bundaberg's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Bundaberg's median age is 37 years, which is significantly below the Regional Qld average of 41 years and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Qld average, Bundaberg has a notably over-represented cohort of 25-34 year-olds at 20.0%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.8%. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.6%. Post the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 16.2% to 20.0% of Bundaberg's population. Conversely, the 65-74 year-old cohort has declined from 10.4% to 9.3%, and the 55-64 year-old group has dropped from 12.2% to 11.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Bundaberg's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 year-old cohort is projected to grow strongly at 19%, adding 254 residents to reach a total of 1,584. Meanwhile, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.