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 12,116 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,338 people (12.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,778 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,923 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 290 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 5.5 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Bundaberg Surrounds - South's 12.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 91.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to expand by 1,118 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.6% in total over the 17 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 around 101 new homes approved per year, with 505 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 76 so far in FY-26. With an average of 3.2 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average construction cost of $294,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $39.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bundaberg Surrounds - South has slightly more development (43.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development consists of 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 121 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Looking ahead, Bundaberg Surrounds - South is expected to grow by 925 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 - South has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Banksia Solar Farm, Duckpond Road Flood Upgrade, Vitwood Branyan Estate, and The Ridge on Branyan, 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 employment landscape in Bundaberg Surrounds - South shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Bundaberg Surrounds - South features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and 8.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,547 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (55.9% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 4.3 times the regional average. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 12.8% employment compared to 16.1% regionally. 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, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 8.7% alongside the labour force increasing by 8.9%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.2 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 Surrounds - South. 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 - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Bundaberg Surrounds - South SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $39,808 and an average of $52,014 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $43,753 (median) and $57,169 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Bundaberg Surrounds - South all fall between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 29.8% of locals (3,610 people) in the $400 - 799 category, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. While housing costs are modest with 87.2% of income retained, the 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 within Bundaberg Surrounds - South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.1% houses and 5.9% 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 - South was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 52.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.2%) or rented (18.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,209, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $275, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Bundaberg Surrounds - South'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 - South has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 70.5% of all households, comprising 20.4% couples with children, 41.1% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (33.6%).

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 reveals substantial challenges facing Bundaberg Surrounds - South, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,549 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 14.1 and 9.1% of residents, respectively, while 57.7% 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 30.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,740 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 - 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.9% of its population being citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Bundaberg Surrounds - South is Christianity, which makes up 55.5% 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 Surrounds - South are English, comprising 32.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.7% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.8% of Bundaberg Surrounds - South (vs 4.7% regionally), Samoan at 0.3% (vs 0.2%) and Australian Aboriginal at 2.8% (vs 3.9%).

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

At 53 years, Bundaberg Surrounds - South's median age is significantly above the Regional Qld average of 41 as well as considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (19.6% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (7.9%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 9.4% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 19.0% to 18.2%. By 2041, Bundaberg Surrounds - South is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 13% (317 people), reaching 2,689 from 2,371. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 62% of projected growth. Conversely, both 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.