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 of May 2026, is around 6334. This figure reflects a growth of 760 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5574. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 6235 in June 2025 and an additional 83 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 177 persons per square kilometer. Craignish-Dundowran Beach's growth rate of 13.6% since the 2021 Census exceeds Rest of Qld's 9.2%, indicating significant growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 75.4% to this growth, with other factors also positively influencing population increase.

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. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future population trends project an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with Craignish-Dundowran Beach expected to expand by 1369 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 20.1% over the 16-year period.

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

Craignish-Dundowran Beach has recorded approximately 35 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY21-FY25178 homes were approved, with an additional 56 approved in FY26 as of now. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 4.9 people per year over the past five financial years.

This significant demand outpaces supply, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost value for new properties is $341,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY26, $2.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. When measured against the Rest of Qld, Craignish-Dundowran Beach has 52.0% less development activity per person.

This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. All new construction since FY21 has been detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character appealing to families seeking space. As of now, Craignish-Dundowran Beach reflects a developing area with around 184 people per approval. By 2041, AreaSearch quarterly estimates project a growth of 1,270 residents. Building activity is keeping pace with these growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to affect the region: Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road upgrade, Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection improvement, BayWest City Centre development, Dundowran Industrial Park expansion, and 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Craignish - Dundowran Beach significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Craignish-Dundowran Beach has a skilled workforce with 2.6% unemployment as of December 2025. Employment growth in the past year was estimated at 8.7%. There are 3,124 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation is 61.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Only 11.4% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with a particular specialization in health care & social assistance (1.3 times the regional level). Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%.

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 8.7% while labour force increased by 8.9%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Craignish-Dundowran Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Craignish - Dundowran Beach SA2 has median income of $54,506 and average income of $67,242. This is similar to national averages but higher than Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $60,698 (median) and $74,881 (average). Census data indicates household income ranks at the 39th percentile ($1,563 weekly) and personal income at the 21st percentile. Income analysis reveals that 31.0% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing expenses, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Craignish-Dundowran Beach's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 99.0% houses and 1.1% other dwellings. This compares to Regional Queensland's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Craignish-Dundowran Beach stood at 46.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.1% and rented ones at 9.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in the area was $375, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Craignish-Dundowran Beach had lower mortgage repayments at $1,733 versus Australia's average of $1,863, but similar rents 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, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 32.3%. Educational participation is high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.7% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

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. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents located an average of 455 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside the area, and cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 97%. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The 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 aligned with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are prevalent among both younger and older age groups, with arthritis affecting 10.5% and mental health issues impacting 8.9%. Approximately 64.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Queensland. The area has a private health cover rate of around 53%, slightly higher than the average SA2 region's 50.3%. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of June 2021, 26.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,646 people), which is higher than Regional Queensland's 20.4%. The area's national rankings for health indicators are generally in line with the broader 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 June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 81.7% of residents born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 53.6%, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 52.2%. Top ancestral groups were English (34.3%), Australian (27.1%), and Scottish (8.6%).

Notable differences included overrepresentation of German (5.2% vs regional 4.7%), Dutch (1.6% vs 1.1%) and South Australian (0.5% vs 0.5%) groups.

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 Regional Qld's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The age group 65-74 shows strong representation at 16.3%, compared to Regional Qld, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.7%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.8% to 10.5%, and the 65 to 74 cohort has increased from 15.2% to 16.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 12.8%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 13.7% to 12.3%. By 2041, Craignish - Dundowran Beach is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 25%, reaching 1,296 from 1,033. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 9 people.