Bundaberg Surrounds - North

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bundaberg Surrounds - North reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bundaberg Surrounds - North's population is around 10,064 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 788 people (8.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,276 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,839 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 7.9 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Bundaberg Surrounds - North's 8.5% growth since the census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 62.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 850 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.2% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bundaberg Surrounds - North when compared nationally

Bundaberg Surrounds - North has seen around 54 new homes approved annually, totalling 274 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.1 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $320,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $2.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bundaberg Surrounds - North maintains similar construction rates (per person), maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 264 people per approval, Bundaberg Surrounds - North reflects a transitioning market.

Population forecasts indicate Bundaberg Surrounds - North will gain 625 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 44 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Brookfield Estate, Bundaberg Solar Farm, Branvale Estate, and Belle Eden Estate Extensions, 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.

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.

The labour market in Bundaberg Surrounds - North demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Bundaberg Surrounds - North has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.7%, and 9.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,020 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (61.7% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.9 times the regional average. In contrast, accommodation & food employs just 4.3% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 8.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 9.1% while the labour force increased by 9.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Bundaberg Surrounds - North. 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 Surrounds - North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The Bundaberg Surrounds - North SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Bundaberg Surrounds - North SA2's median income among taxpayers is $46,606 and the average income stands at $58,204, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,225 (median) and $63,972 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Bundaberg Surrounds - North all fall between the 8th and 14th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 28.2% of the community (2,838 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. While housing costs are modest with 87.0% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 18th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Bundaberg Surrounds - North, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.6% houses and 3.4% 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 Surrounds - North was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 47.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.9%) or rented (16.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Bundaberg Surrounds - North's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bundaberg Surrounds - North has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 76.6% of all households, comprising 26.6% couples with children, 38.9% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.4%, with lone person households at 19.6% and group households comprising 3.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

Bundaberg Surrounds - North 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 (12.1%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (33.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 2.2% 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 6 active transport stops operating within Bundaberg Surrounds - North, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 12 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 5394 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 10.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1 trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bundaberg Surrounds - North is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bundaberg Surrounds - North faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,850 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 12.1 and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 61.3% 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 24.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,494 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Bundaberg Surrounds - North was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.9% of its population being citizens, 86.6% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Bundaberg Surrounds - North is Christianity, which makes up 51.2% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bundaberg Surrounds - North are English, comprising 33.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, and Irish, comprising 7.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.9% of Bundaberg Surrounds - North (vs 4.7% regionally), Maltese at 0.7% (vs 0.4%) and Australian Aboriginal at 2.8% (vs 3.9%).

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

At 49 years, Bundaberg Surrounds - North's median age is significantly above the Regional Qld average of 41 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 55 - 64 year-olds are particularly prominent (18.4%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (8.8%) than in Regional Qld. This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.1% to 11.6% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.5% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 12.0% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.2% to 10.0%. By 2041, Bundaberg Surrounds - North is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 13% (205 people), reaching 1,741 from 1,535. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 54% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.