Bundaberg Surrounds - South
Statistical Area - sa2

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

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Bundaberg Surrounds - South's population is approximately 12,104 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 1,326 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,778. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,923 in June 2024 and an additional 295 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 5.5 persons per square kilometer. Bundaberg Surrounds - South's population grew by 12.3% between the 2021 Census and November 2025, outpacing the SA3 area's growth of 8.6%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 91.2% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. By 2041, Bundaberg Surrounds - South's population is projected to increase by approximately 1,118 persons, reflecting a total increase of 7.7% over the 17-year period based on the latest 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, totalling 505 homes between FY21 and FY25. In FY26, 47 homes have been approved so far. On average, 3.2 people move to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This demand outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $294,000, below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $39.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating high local commercial activity.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg Surrounds - South has slightly higher development rates, at 43.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The area's new development primarily consists of detached dwellings (97.0%) and attached dwellings (3.0%), preserving its traditional low-density character focused on family homes. There are approximately 121 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Bundaberg Surrounds - South is projected to grow by 937 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Bundaberg Surrounds - South has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Banksia Solar Farm, Duckpond Road Flood Upgrade, Vitwood Branyan Estate, and The Ridge on Branyan. Below is a list of those likely to be most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Bundaberg Surrounds - South recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Bundaberg Surrounds - South has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Unemployment rate was 5.3% in June 2025, higher than Rest of Qld's 3.9%.

Workforce participation was 45.3%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant sectors were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, retail trade. Agriculture had a notable concentration with employment levels at 4.3 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance had limited presence at 12.8% compared to regional 16.1%.

Employment opportunities locally seemed limited based on Census data comparison. Over one year ending June 2025, employment increased by 6.0%, labour force by 7.6%, leading to unemployment rise of 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8%, labour force grow by 2.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) suggest Bundaberg Surrounds - South's employment growth could be approximately 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation of national projections against local employment mix.

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

Bundaberg Surrounds - South had a median taxpayer income of $39,693 and an average income of $50,114 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,246 (median) and $57,125 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Bundaberg Surrounds - South fell between the 4th and 5th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicated that 29.8% of locals (3,606 people) were in the $400 - $799 income bracket, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket led at 31.7%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.2% of income to be retained, 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 within Bundaberg Surrounds - South, as evaluated at the latest Census in 2016, comprised 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership within Bundaberg Surrounds - South was 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 $1,209, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $275. Nationally, Bundaberg Surrounds - South's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported on 24th June 2021, while 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 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 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 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 11.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (33.6%).

A substantial 24.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.5% in secondary education, 9.3% in primary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education. There are 9 schools operating within Bundaberg Surrounds - South, educating approximately 1,043 students. Education provision is balanced with 7 primary and 2 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents (8.6) fall below the regional average (13.9), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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 age groups. 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 seniors aged 65 and over at 30.6% (~3,702 people), compared to the Rest of Qld's 26.3%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging 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 score below average, with 85.9% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 55.5% of people, 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 ancestry was overrepresented at 6.8%, while Samoan was 0.3% and Australian Aboriginal was 2.8%.

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

Bundaberg Surrounds - South's median age is 53 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Queensland average of 41 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented locally at 19.3%, compared to the Rest of Queensland average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 7.9%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. As per data from the 2021 Census, 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. The 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 15%, reaching 2,689 from 2,336. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 63% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.