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

According to investigations by AreaSearch, the resident count for Craignish - Dundowran Beach stands at approximately 6,334 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 760 individuals (13.6%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 5,574 residents. The adjusted figure is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 6,235 combined with 83 validated new addresses registered after the Census. This population level yields a density of 177 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density living and opportunities for future expansion. The growth rate of 13.6% since the 2021 census outpaced the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national benchmark, placing the area among regional growth leaders. The primary driver of this demographic expansion was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 75.4% of total population gains, with overseas migration and natural growth also contributing positively.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and for projections beyond 2032, Queensland State Government projections released in 2023 utilizing 2021 data are substituted. Since the state-level datasets omit age bracket breakdowns, AreaSearch scales cohort gains proportionally based on the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections configured around 2022 data. Future demographic patterns suggest expansion above the median for non-metropolitan regions nationally, with expectations that the locality will gain 1,369 residents by 2041 relative to recent annual ERP statistics, representing a 20.1% increase over 16 years.

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

Approvals for residential properties in Craignish - Dundowran Beach average about 35 annually, totaling 178 authorized dwellings over the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) alongside 63 approvals registered during FY-26. An average influx of 4.5 residents per year for each constructed home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) indicates that housing supply is failing to match demand, which tends to intensify buyer rivalry and escalate prices, while newly built properties average a construction cost of $341,000, matching regional standards. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached only $2.8 million this financial year, showing a quiet commercial construction sector.

In comparison to the Rest of Qld, development intensity in Craignish - Dundowran Beach is notably subdued, tracking 52.0% below the regional average per capita. This lack of incoming housing supply generally bolsters demand and valuations for established properties. All new residential building has consisted of detached houses, preserving the classic low density profile of the suburb with an emphasis on spacious family residences. Recording approximately 188 people per approval, Craignish - Dundowran Beach exhibits characteristics of a developing area.

Projected estimates suggest Craignish - Dundowran Beach will welcome an extra 1,270 residents by 2041, measured from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly figures. While construction volumes are tracking in alignment with projected growth, incoming residents may face greater competition for housing as population numbers climb.

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

Developments in public infrastructure, major regional works, and town planning strategies are key drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has tracked 4 key projects poised to influence the immediate area. The most relevant local developments include the Maryborough - Hervey Bay Road and Pialba - Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade, BayWest City Centre, Dundowran Industrial Park, and the Torbanlea Pialba Road Upgrade.

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 labour market strength in Craignish - Dundowran Beach positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Craignish - Dundowran Beach is characterized by a skilled labor force with significant representation in essential service fields, a low unemployment rate of 2.1%, and an estimated job growth rate of 6.7% over the prior year. Employed residents numbered 3,121 as of March 2026, keeping the local unemployment rate 1.8% below the Regional Qld level of 3.9%, though the workforce participation rate of 61.1% trails the Regional Qld average of 64.3%. Census data showed that only 11.4% of the workforce worked from home, a figure that may be affected by pandemic lockdown protocols.

The local workforce is heavily concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area exhibits a distinct concentration in health care & social assistance, employing residents at 1.3 times the regional average rate. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing represents a small segment of employment at 1.5% compared to 4.5% across the region. Local job creation appears restricted relative to the resident workforce size, as shown by comparing the count of local workers against employed residents at the Census.

Based on AreaSearch assessments of SALM and ABS statistics for the 12 months ending March 2026, local employment grew by 6.7% while the overall labor force expanded by 5.4%, yielding a 1.2 percentage point decrease in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe in Regional Qld, employment edged up by 0.1%, the labor force increased by 0.3%, and unemployment ticked up by 0.1 percentage points. National employment trends published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer context for future labor demands in Craignish - Dundowran Beach. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential changes. With nationwide employment projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Applying these trends to the local industry mix suggests Craignish - Dundowran Beach employment could grow by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not incorporate localized population shifts.

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

Recent ATO tax data compiled at the postcode level by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicates that local earnings match national benchmarks, featuring a median income of $54,506 and an average of $67,242. This compares to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Adjusting these figures for a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of $60,698 for median income and $74,881 for average income as of March 2026. According to Census findings, weekly household income sits at the 39th percentile ($1,563 weekly), whereas individual income lands at the 21st percentile. The earnings cohort receiving between $1,500 - 2,999 comprises 31.0% of the local population (1,963 individuals), similar to the metropolitan average of 31.7%. Discretionary funds remaining after housing costs account for 86.4% of income, and the SEIFA score places the area in the 4th decile for income.

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

According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Craignish - Dundowran Beach was dominated by detached houses at 99.0%, with only 1.1% classified as other formats like townhouses, apartments, or alternative structures, whereas Regional Qld comprised 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options. The rate of home ownership reached 46.5%, significantly higher than Regional Qld, with the remaining homes split between mortgaged properties (44.1%) and rentals (9.5%). Local monthly mortgage commitments averaged $1,733, and weekly rents averaged $375, compared to $1,655 and $345 in Regional Qld. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Craignish - Dundowran Beach are below the Australian median of $1,863, while weekly rents match the national average of $375.

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

Families comprise the vast majority of local households at 84.9%, consisting of couples with children at 31.8%, childless couples at 43.6%, and single parent households at 9.2%. Non-family households account for the remaining 15.1%, with lone person households representing 12.0% and shared households making up 2.8%. The average household size of 2.7 residents exceeds the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

Educational attainment levels present a clear opportunity for improvement, as the university qualification rate of 18.7% sits below the nationwide average of 30.4%. Among degree holders, bachelor qualifications are most common at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.4% and graduate diplomas at 2.3%. Vocational training is highly prevalent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (32.3%).

Enrolment rates in educational programs are high, with 26.2% of the population engaged in formal study. This student population includes 10.7% in primary school, 9.0% in high school, and 1.8% pursuing higher education.

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

An assessment of public transit options shows 20 active transit stops located throughout Craignish - Dundowran Beach, primarily consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 2 distinct routes that provide a total of 35 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is considered moderate, with an average distance of 455 meters from households to the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential profile, commuting is largely outbound, with private cars serving as the primary transport mode for 97% of workers. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.9 cars, which is higher than the regional average. A low share of 11.4% of residents worked from home at the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Transit service frequency averages 5 daily trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 1 weekly departure per individual stop location.

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

Health indicators for the Craignish - Dundowran Beach population are generally positive, with AreaSearch evaluations of mortality and medical conditions aligning closely with national averages. The prevalence of common illnesses is typical across youth and elderly age groups, while the private health insurance rate is slightly above average at approximately 53% of the community (~3,331 people).

The primary medical diagnoses reported by residents were arthritis and mental health conditions, affecting 10.5% and 8.9% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 64.1% of residents reported no long-term medical issues, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Chronic health issues are slightly elevated among the working-age population. Residents aged 65 and over constitute 26.0% of the community (1,646 people), compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld, with general health rankings matching broader national patterns.

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

The population shows lower cultural diversity than average, with Australian-born residents accounting for 81.7% of the community, citizens making up 90.6%, and English-only speakers at home representing 95.5%. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 53.6% of residents in Craignish - Dundowran Beach, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

Looking at parent countries of birth, the most common ancestries in Craignish - Dundowran Beach are English at 34.3%, Australian at 27.1%, and Scottish at 8.6%. Other notable ancestries include German heritage at 5.2% of the local population (compared to 4.7% regionally), Dutch heritage at 1.6% (compared to 1.1%), and South Australian ancestry at 0.5% (matching the regional 0.5%).

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

Having a median age of 48, Craignish - Dundowran Beach has a much older population profile than Regional Qld at 41 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 demographic is highly visible at 16.3% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 6.7%. The local concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is higher than the national share of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the 15 to 24 group rose from 8.8% to 10.5% of the population, and the 65 to 74 group grew from 15.2% to 16.3%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 14.9% to 12.8% and the 5 to 14 group decreased from 13.7% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic shifts will alter the local age profile. The 65 to 74 age bracket is projected to expand by 25% (262 people), growing from 1,033 to 1,296, while the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to decrease by 9 people.