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 6,315 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 511 people (8.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,804 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,995 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 148 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 458 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bundaberg East - Kalkie's 8.8% growth since the census positions it within 0.3 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed 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, 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above-median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to increase by 894 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording 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 experienced around 27 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 138 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 17 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.8 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, though recent data shows this has moderated to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting improved supply-demand balance. New homes are being built at an average value of $371,000. Additionally, $16.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Bundaberg East - Kalkie has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 84th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. New development consists of 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 531 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Bundaberg East - Kalkie is expected to grow by 574 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 15 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Gateway Marina - Burnett Heads, Kalkie Heights Residential Estate, Bundaberg East Levee, and Telegraph Road Over-50s Lifestyle Community, 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.

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

Bundaberg East - Kalkie features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and 9.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,225 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (67.5% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. In contrast, construction employs just 7.4% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 10.1%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 9.1% and the labour force increased by 8.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 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 East - Kalkie. 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 East - Kalkie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Bundaberg East - Kalkie SA2's median income among taxpayers is $50,278, with an average of $62,997. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $55,261 (median) and $69,240 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Bundaberg East - Kalkie all fall between the 20th and 21st percentiles nationally. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.5% of residents (1,862 people), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing, 85.0% of income remains, though this ranks at only 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 within Bundaberg East - Kalkie, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 84.7% houses and 15.3% 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 East - Kalkie was in line with that of Regional Qld, 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 well below the Regional Qld average at $1,324, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $290, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Bundaberg East - Kalkie's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.9% of all households, comprising 26.2% couples with children, 29.8% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (30.4%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 15 active transport stops operating within Bundaberg East - Kalkie comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 81 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 391 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 4.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Bundaberg East - Kalkie, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions, particularly among older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,182 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6 and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 62.6% 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 21.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,358 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though ranking 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.8% of its population being citizens, 86.6% born in Australia, and 92.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Bundaberg East - Kalkie is Christianity, which makes up 55.1% of people in the area. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bundaberg East - Kalkie are Australian, comprising 30.5% of the population, English, comprising 30.5% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.4% of Bundaberg East - Kalkie (vs 4.7% regionally), Korean at 0.4% (vs 0.2%) and Australian Aboriginal at 3.3% (vs 3.9%).

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

The 41-year median age in Bundaberg East - Kalkie matches Regional Qld's average of 41, while being somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld, Bundaberg East - Kalkie has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (14.2%) but fewer 35 - 44 year-olds (11.2%). Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.8% to 14.2% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.4% to 11.7% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.3% to 11.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Bundaberg East - Kalkie's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 30% (271 people), reaching 1,168 from 896. Conversely, the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.