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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bundaberg's population is around 6,596 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 349 people (5.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,247 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,554 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,077 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 86.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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's 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 472 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 6.5% in total 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 experienced around 14 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 74 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 16 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.9 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $342,000, consistent with regional patterns. Additionally, $22.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to the rest of Qld, Bundaberg records markedly lower building activity (64.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This level is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 31.0% standalone homes and 69.0% medium and high-density housing. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 53.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 477 people per approval, Bundaberg indicates a mature market.

Population forecasts indicate Bundaberg will gain 430 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Oasis Estate - Burnett Heads, Bundaberg Civic and Cultural Precinct, New Bundaberg Hospital, and South Beach Precinct, 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Bundaberg recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Bundaberg features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 8.6%, and 9.3% estimated employment growth over the past year. 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%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 4.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average. In contrast, construction employs just 6.1% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 10.1%. With 1.7 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increase by 9.3% alongside a labour force increase of 8.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Bundaberg. 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 Bundaberg's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Bundaberg SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,094 with the average level standing at $57,756. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,662 (median) and $63,480 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Bundaberg all fall between the 2nd and 12th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows 29.9% of the population (1,972 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads 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 within Bundaberg, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 53.0% houses and 46.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Bundaberg lagged that of Regional Qld, at 21.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (16.5%) or rented (62.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,118, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Bundaberg's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 51.2% of all households, comprising 14.1% couples with children, 19.9% couples without children, and 15.2% 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 of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.5%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (28.3%).

Educational participation is notably 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 reveals 39 active transport stops operating within Bundaberg, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 12 individual routes, collectively providing 493 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 233 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 4.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Bundaberg, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,179 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 11.6 and 10.4% of residents, respectively, while 60.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 17.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,118 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 22.0% of its population born overseas and 14.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Bundaberg is Christianity, which makes up 45.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 2.5% of the population, compared to 1.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bundaberg are English, comprising 28.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 8.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.2% of Bundaberg (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 5.0% (vs 3.9%) and Korean at 0.6% (vs 0.2%).

Bundaberg's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 37 years, Bundaberg's median age is significantly below the Regional Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (19.6% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (9.2%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Following the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.0 years to 37. In particular, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 16.2% to 19.6% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 5.0% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.7% to 9.2% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 10.4% to 9.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Bundaberg's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 20%, adding 257 residents to reach 1,551. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.