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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bundaberg Surrounds - South's population is around 12,093 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,315 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 290 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 rate of 12.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.4%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed 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 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. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with 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 1,118 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.8% 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 approximately 101 new homes approved annually. Development approval data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows 505 homes were approved over five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. As of FY26, 35 dwellings have been approved. On average, 3.2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years, indicating high demand exceeding new supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost of new properties is $416,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. This financial year has seen $39.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating robust local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg Surrounds - South has slightly higher development levels, with 43.0% more approvals per person over five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values.

New developments consist predominantly of detached dwellings (97.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (3.0%), preserving the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 121 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Projections indicate Bundaberg Surrounds - South will grow by 948 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, 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 22 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include Banksia Solar Farm, Duckpond Road Flood Upgrade, Vitwood Branyan Estate, and The Ridge on Branyan. The following list details those projected to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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. The unemployment rate is 5.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.0% in the past year as of June 2025.

There are 5,331 residents employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Qld's by 1.3%. Workforce participation is significantly lower at 45.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include 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.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 12.8% compared to the regional average of 16.1%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data analysis. In the past year, employment increased by 6.0%, labour force grew by 7.6%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's employment growth of 1.8% and unemployment rise of 0.2%. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bundaberg Surrounds - South's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.3%% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localized population projections.

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 of $50,114 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld's median being $50,780 and average income at $64,844. By March 2025, estimates based on an 11.71% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median would be approximately $44,341 and the average around $55,982. The 2021 Census showed 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 (3,603 people) earned between $400 and $799, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket was dominant at 31.7%. Housing costs were modest, allowing for 87.2% of income to be retained, but 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

In Bundaberg Surrounds - South, as per the latest Census, 94.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg Surrounds - South stood at 52.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.2% and rented ones at 18.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,209, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in the area was $275, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Bundaberg Surrounds - South had significantly lower mortgage repayments at $1,209 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and substantially lower rents at $275 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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 has university qualification rates of 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% in tertiary education. Within Bundaberg Surrounds - South, there are 9 schools educating approximately 1,043 students. The area has varied educational conditions with a balanced provision of 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 the 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% of its total population (~5,586 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%), with 57.7% of residents reporting 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% (3,699 people), compared to 26.3% in Rest of Qld. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in the area are better than those of 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 had cultural diversity below average, with 85.9% of its population being citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main 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% (vs regional 6.4%), Samoan at 0.3% (vs 0.1%), and Australian Aboriginal at 2.8% (vs 3.4%).

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

At 53 years, Bundaberg Surrounds - South's median age is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41, as well as considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 19.3% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.9%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows 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 from 2,333. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 63% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.