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 6167 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 363 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5804 people. The change was 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, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bundaberg East - Kalkie's growth rate of 6.3% since census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.7%), 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 is adopting 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 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with Bundaberg East - Kalkie expected to expand by 894 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 11.7% 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 approved approximately 27 residential properties annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25138 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 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 balance.

The average construction value of new properties is $371,000. This year, commercial approvals totaling $16.5 million have been registered, reflecting steady investment activity in the area. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg East - Kalkie has about three-quarters the building activity per person.

Nationally, it ranks at the 84th percentile for areas assessed. Building activity has increased recently. Of new properties, 72.0% are detached houses, and 28.0% are medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Bundaberg East - Kalkie is 531 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 722 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to impact the area. Key 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 of 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.

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. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 10.0%.

As of that date, 3,214 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.1% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was 67.7%, similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Only 4.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area showed strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, construction had lower representation at 7.4% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities exist locally but many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 10.0% while labour force increased by 9.7%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates 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 that Bundaberg East - Kalkie SA2 has an income below the national average. The median income is $50,278 and the average income stands at $62,997. In contrast, Rest of Qld's figures show a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Bundaberg East - Kalkie would be approximately $55,261 (median) and $69,240 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, Bundaberg East - Kalkie's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 20th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.5% of the community (1,819 individuals), which aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Bundaberg East - Kalkie, evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.7% houses and 15.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg East - Kalkie was 34.5%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (32.4%) or rented (33.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,324, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and Australia's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $290, substantially lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345 and Australia's 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 comprise 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, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

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 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 operational public transport stops, all bus services. Two routes serve these stops, offering a combined total of 81 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents on average 391 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily; cars are the primary mode at 95%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling. In 2021 Census data, only 4.6% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 11 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantially higher than average, particularly among older age cohorts. Approximately 50% of the total population (~3108 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (9.2%). Conversely, 62.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 21.7% aged 65 and over (1335 people), compared to 20.0% in Rest of Qld. Senior health outcomes 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 has a low cultural diversity, with 89.8% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, practiced by 55.1%, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.5%), English (30.5%), and Scottish (7.4%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 6.4% compared to the regional average of 4.7%, while Korean ancestry is higher at 0.4% versus 0.2%. However, Australian Aboriginal ancestry is lower at 3.3% compared to the regional figure of 3.9%.

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 proportion 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 those aged 15 to 24 increased from 12.2% to 13.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 declined from 13.4% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Bundaberg East - Kalkie's age structure. Notably, the population aged 25 to 34 is expected to grow by 40%, reaching 1,168 from 832. Meanwhile, the populations aged 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 are projected to decline.