Bundaberg North - Gooburrum
Statistical Area - sa2

Bundaberg North - Gooburrum is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Bundaberg North - Gooburrum's population is approximately 7,907 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents a growth of 459 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,448. The increase is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 7,909 in June 2024 and an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 146 persons per square kilometer. Bundaberg North - Gooburrum's growth rate of 6.2% since the census is within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area average (8.4%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing around 63.6% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on the latest population numbers, Bundaberg North - Gooburrum is expected to increase by approximately 563 persons to 2041, representing a total increase of 7.2% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Bundaberg North - Gooburrum when compared nationally

Bundaberg North - Gooburrum has received approximately 22 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that between Financial Year 21 and Financial Year 25, around 113 homes gained approval, with one so far in Financial Year 26. Each year, about five new residents have moved into the area for every home built over these past five years. This indicates significant demand outstripping supply, leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $579,000. Commercial development has been limited this financial year, with approximately $2.3 million in approvals. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg North - Gooburrum shows reduced construction activity, around 53.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new supply generally supports higher demand and values for established properties. The area's development activity is also below the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent building activity has been entirely focused on detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes. Developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated by Census data (77.0%), reflecting strong demand for family homes. The current population estimate is 492 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Bundaberg North - Gooburrum will gain approximately 565 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth to exceed current forecasts.

Bundaberg North - Gooburrum has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that may impact the region. Notable ones include New Bundaberg Hospital, Bundaberg Solar Farm, Bundaberg Aquatic Centre, and Belle Eden Estate Extensions. The following list outlines those expected to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment performance in Bundaberg North - Gooburrum has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Bundaberg North - Gooburrum has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, agriculture, forestry & fishing.

Unemployment rate in June 2025 was 6.5%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.6%. As of June 2025, 3,502 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 46.6%, versus Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment share twice the regional level. Professional & technical sector has limited presence at 3.0% compared to 5.1% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited based on Census data comparison. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 5.6%, labour force by 7.4%, raising unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and unemployment rise by 0.2%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23%, with state unemployment at 4.2%. National unemployment is 4.5%, with national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bundaberg North - Gooburrum's mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2%% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

Bundaberg North - Gooburrum's median income among taxpayers was $41,997 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $51,895 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated median income for Bundaberg North - Gooburrum as of March 2025 is approximately $46,915 and the average is around $57,972. Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Bundaberg North - Gooburrum fall between the 4th and 8th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $400 - 799 captures 31.7% of the community (2,506 individuals). After housing costs, 86.2% of income remains, which ranks at the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Bundaberg North - Gooburrum, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.8% houses and 23.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg North - Gooburrum stood at 48.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.7% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,138, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in the area was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285 and the national figure of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Bundaberg North - Gooburrum features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.5% of all households, including 18.5% couples with children, 34.5% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 30.1% and group households at 3.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Bundaberg North - Gooburrum 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 at 12.0%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 8.1% and certificates at 31.1%.

A substantial 24.5% of the population actively pursues formal education, including 8.9% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education. Bundaberg North - Gooburrum's 5 schools have combined enrollment reaching 1,303 students as of a recent report. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 959) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 4 primary and 1 secondary schools serving distinct age groups.

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

Transport analysis in Bundaberg North - Gooburrum shows 21 active public transport stops operating. These are mixed bus stops serviced by two routes offering 34 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 665 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Bundaberg North - Gooburrum is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Bundaberg North - Gooburrum faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The private health cover rate is notably low at approximately 46% (~3,653 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, impacting 12.9% and 10.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 56.2% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 59.1% reported across the rest of Queensland. The region has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.6% (2,339 people), compared to the 26.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors largely align with those of the general population.

Bundaberg North - Gooburrum is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Bundaberg North-Gooburrum had low cultural diversity, with 88.7% of residents being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home by 95.0%. Christianity was the predominant religion at 54.6%, slightly higher than the regional average of 54.0%. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.2%), Australian (29.1%), and Scottish (8.5%).

Notably, German ancestry was relatively high at 6.8% compared to the regional average of 6.4%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also slightly higher at 3.5%, matching the regional average. Maltese ancestry was present at 0.4%, equal to the regional average.

Bundaberg North - Gooburrum hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Bundaberg North - Gooburrum has a median age of 48, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 11.4% of its population, compared to Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 5-14 cohort comprises 8.7%, which is less prevalent than in Rest of Qld. This 75-84 concentration is well above the national figure of 6.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.0% to 12.6%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.3% to 9.3% and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 10.5% to 8.7%. By 2041, Bundaberg North - Gooburrum is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 84%, reaching 561 people from the current 305. This aging population trend will result in those aged 65 and above comprising 58% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.