Bundaberg Surrounds - South

Population growth drivers in Bundaberg Surrounds - South are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bundaberg Surrounds - South's population is around 12,255 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,477 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,778 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,134 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 361 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5.6 persons per square kilometer. Bundaberg Surrounds - South's growth of 13.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.1%) and the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 89.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase of just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to expand by 997 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.2% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Bundaberg Surrounds - South was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Bundaberg Surrounds - South has seen approximately 101 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 505 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 91 approvals so far in FY26. On average, around 3.2 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built yearly between FY21 and FY25, indicating high demand outpacing supply.

This has likely contributed to upward pressure on property prices and increased competition among buyers. The average development value of new dwellings is $294,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers in the area. In terms of commercial activity, $39.9 million in approvals have been registered in Bundaberg Surrounds - South during FY26 alone.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, this region has seen slightly higher development activity over the past five years, with a 42% increase per person above the regional average. This has helped maintain good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The majority of new developments in Bundaberg Surrounds - South consist of detached dwellings (97%), with only 3% being attached dwellings. This maintains the area's traditional low-density character, focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. The location has approximately 121 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bundaberg Surrounds - South is expected to grow by 876 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand in the area, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Bundaberg Surrounds - South has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Banksia Solar Farm, Duckpond Road Flood Upgrade, Vitwood Branyan Estate, and The Ridge on Branyan.

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 employment landscape in Bundaberg Surrounds - South shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Bundaberg Surrounds - South has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 4.4%. In the past year, employment grew by an estimated 8.7%.

As of December 2025, there are 5,547 residents in work, but the unemployment rate is higher than Regional Qld's at 4.4% compared to 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.0% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Only 11.2% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notably high concentration with employment levels at 4.3 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 12.8% compared to 16.1% regionally. The area may have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 8.7%, while labour force grew by 8.9%, leading to a slight unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bundaberg Surrounds - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Bundaberg Surrounds - South SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $39,808 and an average of $52,014 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Regional Qld having a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $44,330 (median) and $57,923 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Bundaberg Surrounds - South fall between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.8% of locals (3,651 people) earn between $400 and $799, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Housing costs are modest, with 87.2% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Bundaberg Surrounds - South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg Surrounds - South was at 52.7%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (29.2%) or rented (18.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,209, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Bundaberg Surrounds - South was recorded at $275, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bundaberg Surrounds - South has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 70.5% of all households, including 20.4% couples with children, 41.1% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Bundaberg Surrounds - South faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.9% and certificates at 33.6%. A total of 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.5% in secondary, 9.3% in primary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.5% in secondary education, 9.3% in primary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Bundaberg Surrounds - South is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant health issues in Bundaberg Surrounds - South. AreaSearch's assessment found high mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 5,612 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (14.1%) and mental health issues (9.1%). About 57.7% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.5% (3,857 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes align broadly with national rankings.

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

Bundaberg Surrounds - South had a cultural diversity index below average, with 85.9% of its population being citizens born in Australia who spoke English only at home. The majority religion was Christianity, practiced by 55.5%, compared to the regional average of 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (30.7%), and Scottish (7.9%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.8% (regional: 4.7%), while Samoan was at 0.3% (regional: 0.2%) and Australian Aboriginal was lower at 2.8% (regional: 3.9%).

Bundaberg Surrounds - South ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Bundaberg Surrounds - South has a median age of 53 years, which is significantly higher than the Regional Queensland average of 41 years and considerably older than the Australian median of 38 years. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 19.2% locally compared to the Regional Queensland average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.9%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 10.1% of the population between 2016 and 2021, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 19.0% to 17.8% and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 13.2% to 12.1%. By 2041, Bundaberg Surrounds - South is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 65 to 74 group projected to grow by 13%, reaching 2,655 from 2,355. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 65% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.