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 12,104 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,326 people 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 295 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5.5 persons per square kilometer. Bundaberg Surrounds - South's growth of 12.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 8.6%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 91.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies 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, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected. The area is expected to expand by 1,118 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 7.7% over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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, totaling 505 homes from FY21 to FY25. In FY26 up until now, 63 homes have been approved. On average, 3.2 people move to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average value of new dwellings developed is $294,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers. In this financial year alone, $39.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg Surrounds - South has seen slightly more development, with 43.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development consists predominantly of detached dwellings (97.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (3.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 121 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Bundaberg Surrounds - South is projected to grow by 937 residents through to 2041, according to 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to impact the region. Notable initiatives 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.

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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. Its unemployment rate is 4.6%.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 9.7%. As of September 2025, there are 5,526 residents in work, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Qld's at 4.1%, and workforce participation is lower at 45.3% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notably high concentration with levels at 4.3 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 12.8% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. AreaSearch analysis shows employment increased by 9.7% over one year alongside labour force growth of 10.4%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted slightly by 0.01%. The state unemployment rate is at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Bundaberg Surrounds - South's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years.

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 $39,693 and an average of $50,114 in financial year 2022. These figures were lower than the national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,246 (median) and $57,125 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Bundaberg Surrounds - South incomes fell between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in this area was $400 - $799, with 3,606 people (29.8% of locals) falling within this bracket. This contrasts with the surrounding region where the leading income bracket was $1,500 - $2,999 at 31.7%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.2% income retention, total disposable income ranked 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, comprised 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg Surrounds - South was at 52.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.2% and rented dwellings at 18.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,209, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure was $275, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Bundaberg Surrounds - South's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 26.5% and group households making up 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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 a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Bundaberg Surrounds - South faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 46% (~5,592 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.1%) and mental health issues (9.1%). Around 57.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 59.1% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 30.6% (3,702 people), compared to the Rest of Qld's 26.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 speaking English only at home, totalling 85.0%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 55.5%, compared to 54.0% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (30.7%), and Scottish (7.9%).

Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented at 6.8% versus the regional average of 6.4%. Samoan ethnicity stood at 0.3%, higher than the regional 0.1%. However, Australian Aboriginal ethnicity was underrepresented at 2.8%, compared to the regional 3.4%.

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

Bundaberg Surrounds - South's median age is 53 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Queensland average of 41 years and considerably older than the Australian median of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Bundaberg Surrounds - South at 19.3%, compared to the Rest of Queensland's average of 12.5%. This concentration 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 9.4% of the population, while 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, with the 65 to 74 group projected to grow by 15%, reaching 2,689 people from 2,336. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 63% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.