Craignish - Dundowran Beach

Craignish - Dundowran Beach lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Craignish-Dundowran Beach's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 6,304 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents an increase of 730 individuals, a rise of 13.1% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 5,574. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 6,169 in June 2024 and an additional 87 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 177 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. The area's growth rate of 13.1% since the 2021 census exceeds both the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all factors including overseas migration and natural growth were positive contributors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied for each age cohort. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to expand by 1,479 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 21.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Craignish - Dundowran Beach among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Craignish - Dundowran Beach has seen approximately 35 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 178 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, 48 approvals have been recorded to date. On average, 4.9 new residents per dwelling constructed have arrived annually between FY-21 and FY-25. This demand exceeds supply, which typically influences housing prices positively and intensifies competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $341,000, aligning with regional trends. Commercial development has seen $2.8 million in approvals this financial year, indicating limited focus on commercial projects compared to the rest of Queensland, where Craignish - Dundowran Beach has 52.0% less development activity per person. This constrained new construction often reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. All recent building activity consists of detached houses, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with approximately 184 people per approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Craignish - Dundowran Beach is projected to grow by 1,344 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with these growth projections, though heightened competition among buyers is expected as the population increases.

Craignish - Dundowran Beach has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly: Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road upgrade (commencing 2018), Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection upgrade (starting 2019), BayWest City Centre development (beginning 2020), Dundowran Industrial Park expansion (initiation in 2021), and Torbanlea-Pialba Road upgrade (scheduled for 2022).

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Employment conditions in Craignish - Dundowran Beach demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Craignish - Dundowran Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.9% as of September 2025, lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 9.7%.

There were 3,112 residents in work while workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 62.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. A low 11.4% of residents worked from home according to Census responses. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Health care & social assistance is particularly notable with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 1.5% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 9.7%, labour force grew by 10.3%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Craignish - Dundowran Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Craignish - Dundowran Beach SA2 is $54,506 and average income is $67,242. This compares to Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from July 2023 to June 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $59,908 (median) and $73,906 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 39th percentile ($1,563 weekly), with personal income at the 21st percentile. Income brackets show 31.0% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. After housing costs, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fourth decile.

Craignish - Dundowran Beach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Craignish - Dundowran Beach, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.0% houses and 1.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Craignish - Dundowran Beach stood at 46.5%, with the rest either mortgaged (44.1%) or rented (9.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $375, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Craignish - Dundowran Beach's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

Craignish - Dundowran Beach features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 84.9% of all households, including 31.8% couples with children, 43.6% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 15.1%, with lone person households at 12.0% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Craignish - Dundowran Beach aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area has university qualification rates of 18.7%, which is significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 32.3%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Craignish-Dundowran Beach has 20 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together offer 35 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered moderate, with residents on average living 455 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 97% of residents. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Craignish - Dundowran Beach's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Craignish - Dundowran Beach residents have health outcomes largely aligning with national benchmarks, according to AreaSearch's analysis conducted on 13th March 2022.

Common health conditions are present at standard levels across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is held by approximately 53% of the total population (~3,315 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 10.5% of residents) and mental health issues (8.9%), with 64.1% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Residents aged between 15-64 years show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over (25.0%, or 1,575 people), compared to the Rest of Qld's 20.4%. National rankings for this age group are broadly in line with the general population.

Craignish - Dundowran Beach ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Craignish-Dundowran Beach, surveyed in 2016, had low cultural diversity with 81.7% Australian-born residents, 90.6% citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practised by 53.6%, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.3%), Australian (27.1%), and Scottish (8.6%).

Notably, German (5.2% vs 4.7%) and Dutch (1.6% vs 1.1%) groups were overrepresented compared to the regional averages.

Craignish - Dundowran Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Craignish - Dundowran Beach has a median age of 48, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 15.8% of its population, compared to Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort comprises 7.3%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national figure of 9.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 8.8% to 10.3%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.9% to 13.1%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 13.7% to 12.2%. By 2041, Craignish - Dundowran Beach's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 65-74 group is projected to grow by 27%, adding 269 people and reaching 1,264 from 994. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is forecasted to decline by 1 person.