Bundaberg East - Kalkie

Population growth drivers in Bundaberg East - Kalkie are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Bundaberg East - Kalkie's population is around 6315 as of Feb 2026, reflecting an increase of 511 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5804. This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5995 in June 2024 and an additional 148 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 458 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person for further development. Bundaberg East - Kalkie's 8.8% growth since census positions it within 0.3 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors. 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied for each age cohort. Demographic trends project an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation, with Bundaberg East - Kalkie expected to increase by 894 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers reflecting a gain of 9.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bundaberg East - Kalkie when compared nationally

Bundaberg East - Kalkie has seen approximately 27 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 138 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 1.8 new residents arrived per year for each new home over these five years. However, this has moderated to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $371,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaling $16.5 million have been registered. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg East - Kalkie has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it ranks in the 84th percentile for areas assessed, with building activity accelerating recently. New development consists of 72% standalone homes and 28% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's low-density character. There are estimated to be around 531 people per dwelling approval in the area. By 2041, Bundaberg East - Kalkie is projected to grow by approximately 574 residents, with current development patterns suggesting that new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth.

Bundaberg East - Kalkie has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include The Gateway Marina at Burnett Heads, Kalkie Heights Residential Estate, Bundaberg East Levee, and Telegraph Road Over-50s Lifestyle Community. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment performance in Bundaberg East - Kalkie exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Bundaberg East - Kalkie has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 10.0%. There were 3,214 residents in work by September 2025, with an unemployment rate of 0.1% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Only 4.6% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts.

Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance is particularly notable with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Construction employs just 7.4% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 10.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population count. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 10.0% and labour force increased by 9.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bundaberg East - Kalkie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Bundaberg East - Kalkie SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $50,278 and an average of $62,997. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Qld's median was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $55,261 (median) and $69,240 (average). Census 2021 data reveals Bundaberg East - Kalkie's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 20th and 21st percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 29.5% of residents (1,862 people), consistent with surrounding regions at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains, ranking at the 21st percentile nationally.

Bundaberg East - Kalkie is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Bundaberg East - Kalkie, as per the latest Census, consisted of 84.7% houses and 15.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg East - Kalkie was at 34.5%, with the rest either mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (33.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,324, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Bundaberg East - Kalkie was $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bundaberg East - Kalkie has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 70.9% of all households, including 26.2% couples with children, 29.8% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the Rest of Qld average.

Educational outcomes in Bundaberg East - Kalkie fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 15.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (30.4%). Educational participation is high, with 28.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.1% in primary, 9.6% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 15 active public transport stops in Bundaberg East - Kalkie, all bus stops. Two routes serve these stops, offering a total of 81 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents living an average of 391 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the primary transport mode at 95%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 11 trips per day across all routes, resulting in about 5 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bundaberg East - Kalkie is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Bundaberg East - Kalkie faces substantial health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are considerably higher than average, with an even greater impact on older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (around 3,182 people), compared to 52.5% across the rest of Queensland and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.6% of residents) and mental health issues (9.2%), with 62.6% of residents declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (21.5%, or 1,358 people), compared to 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Bundaberg East - Kalkie ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bundaberg East-Kalkie showed lower cultural diversity, with 89.8% citizens, 86.6% born in Australia, and 92.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Bundaberg East-Kalkie at 55.1%, compared to 52.2% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australian (30.5%), English (30.5%), and Scottish (7.4%) were the top groups.

Notably, German (6.4% vs regional 4.7%), Korean (0.4% vs 0.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (3.3% vs 3.9%) showed different representations compared to the rest of Queensland.

Bundaberg East - Kalkie's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Bundaberg East-Kalkie is 41 years, matching Rest of Queensland's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Queensland, Bundaberg East-Kalkie has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (14.2%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group increased from 11.8% to 14.2% of the population while the 5-14 cohort declined from 13.4% to 11.7%. The 45-54 age group also decreased from 12.3% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bundaberg East-Kalkie's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 30%, reaching 1,168 from 896. Conversely, the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.