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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bundaberg East - Kalkie's population is around 6165 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 361 people, a 6.2% growth since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5804 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5995 in June 2024 and an additional 91 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 448 persons per square kilometer. Bundaberg East - Kalkie's 6.2% growth positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 56.8% 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected. The area is expected to expand by 894 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 11.7% over the 17 years.

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

Bundaberg East - Kalkie has recorded approximately 27 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 138 homes were approved, and a further 16 have been approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 1.8 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand. However, this has moderated to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting an improved supply-demand balance.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $371,000. This year, around $16.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg East - Kalkie records about three-quarters the building activity per person, while it ranks among the 84th percentile nationally for building activity.

New building activity consists of approximately 72% detached houses and 28% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The estimated population in the area is around 531 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bundaberg East - Kalkie is expected to grow by approximately 724 residents through to 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Bundaberg East - Kalkie has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 15 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include The Gateway Marina at Burnett Heads, Kalkie Heights Residential Estate, Bundaberg East Levee, and Telegraph Road Over-50s Lifestyle Community. Below is a list detailing those projects most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Bundaberg East - Kalkie ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

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% in September 2025, 0.1% below Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 10.0%. As of September 2025, 3,214 residents were employed. The unemployment rate was 0.1% lower than Rest of Qld's rate, with similar workforce participation rates.

Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 7.4% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 10.0%, labour force by 9.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. 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 East - Kalkie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Bundaberg East - Kalkie SA2 had an income below the national average. The median income was $48,788 and the average income stood at $60,286. In comparison, Rest of Qld's figures were a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,613 (median) and $68,720 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that Bundaberg East - Kalkie's household, family and personal incomes all fall between the 20th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.5% of the community (1,818 individuals), which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Bundaberg East - Kalkie, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 9 August 2016, comprised 84.7% houses and 15.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg East - Kalkie stood at 34.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (33.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,324, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $1,300 and $285 respectively. Nationally, Bundaberg East - Kalkie's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as of 2017, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bundaberg East - Kalkie has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households making up 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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 at 28.3%, with 10.1% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing 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

Bundaberg East-Kalkie has 15 active public transport stops. These are all bus stops. Two routes serve these stops, offering a total of 81 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is good, with residents on average living 391 metres from the nearest stop. Buses run an average of 11 times daily across both routes, which translates to roughly five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bundaberg East - Kalkie is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Bundaberg East - Kalkie faces significant health challenges, impacting both younger and older age groups. The area has approximately 50% private health cover (~3,082 people), compared to 48.0% across the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common conditions, affecting 10.6 and 9.2% of residents respectively.

About 62.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 59.1% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.7% (1,335 people), compared to 26.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general 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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 89.8% of its population being citizens, 86.6% born in Australia, and 92.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bundaberg East-Kalkie, comprising 55.1%, slightly higher than the 54.0% regional average. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.5%), English (30.5%), and Scottish (7.4%).

There were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German was overrepresented at 6.4% compared to the regional figure of 6.4%, Korean was higher at 0.4% than the regional average of 0.2%, and Australian Aboriginal was slightly lower at 3.3% versus the regional figure of 3.4%.

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 Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Bundaberg East - Kalkie has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (13.3%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 25 to 34 grew from 11.8% to 13.5%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.2% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.4% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bundaberg East - Kalkie's age structure. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 40%, reaching 1,168 people from 832. Conversely, the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.