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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Craignish - Dundowran Beach's population is around 6,304 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 730 people (13.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,574 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,169 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 87 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 177 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Craignish - Dundowran Beach's 13.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 83.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,479 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording 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 around 35 new homes approved each year, totalling 178 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 50 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 4.9 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $341,000, consistent with regional patterns. There have also been $2.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Craignish - Dundowran Beach has significantly less development activity (52.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 184 people per approval, Craignish - Dundowran Beach reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Craignish - Dundowran Beach is expected to grow by 1,344 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects 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, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Craignish - Dundowran Beach ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Craignish - Dundowran Beach has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and 8.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,124 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (62.3% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 1.5% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 8.7% alongside the labour force increasing by 8.9%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Craignish - Dundowran Beach. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Craignish - Dundowran Beach SA2 is in line with national averages, with the median assessed at $54,506 while the average income stands at $67,242. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,908 (median) and $73,906 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 39th percentile ($1,563 weekly), while personal income sits at the 21st percentile. Income brackets indicate 31.0% of the population (1,954 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. After housing, 86.4% of income remains for other expenses and 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

Dwelling structure within Craignish - Dundowran Beach, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.0% houses and 1.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Craignish - Dundowran Beach was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 46.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (44.1%) or rented (9.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $375, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Craignish - Dundowran Beach's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are comparable to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 84.9% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than 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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.7%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (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

Public transport analysis reveals 20 active transport stops operating within Craignish - Dundowran Beach, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 35 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 455 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 97%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 11.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 5 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips 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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Craignish - Dundowran Beach residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. There is a fairly standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~3,315 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.5 and 8.9% of residents, respectively, while 64.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 25.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,575 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.7% of its population born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Craignish - Dundowran Beach is Christianity, which makes up 53.6% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Craignish - Dundowran Beach are English, comprising 34.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.1% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.2% of Craignish - Dundowran Beach (vs 4.7% regionally), Dutch at 1.6% (vs 1.1%) and South Australian at 0.5% (vs 0.5%).

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

With a median age of 48, Craignish - Dundowran Beach is materially older than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 15.8% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.3%. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.8% to 10.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 13.1% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.7% to 12.2%. By 2041, Craignish - Dundowran Beach is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 65 to 74 group will grow by 27% (269 people), reaching 1,264 from 994. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 1 person.