Oonoonba

Population growth drivers in Oonoonba are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Oonoonba's population was around 7,581 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 548 people, a 7.8% rise since the 2021 Census which reported 7,033 people. The change was inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 7,544 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 871 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Oonoonba's growth exceeded its SA4 region (6.9%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 46.3% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. These state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied where utilized. Demographically, non-metropolitan areas including Oonoonba are projected to grow above the median Australian rate. By 2041, the area is expected to gain 1,665 persons, reflecting a total increase of 21.5% over the 17-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Oonoonba according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Oonoonba has seen approximately 14 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 71 homes. As of FY26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 11.3 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating substantial demand outstripping supply, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $297,000, under regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $20.5 million in commercial development approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Oonoonba records significantly lower building activity, at 52.0% below the regional average per person, which usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count of 1412 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment. Future projections estimate Oonoonba will add 1628 residents by 2041, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and price increases if current development rates continue.

Future projections show Oonoonba adding 1,628 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Oonoonba has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include the Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion, Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge upgrade in Idalia, Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, and Fairfield Business Precinct.

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

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Employment conditions in Oonoonba demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Oonoonba's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stood at 2.1% as of June 2025.

In comparison to the Rest of Qld, Oonoonba had an unemployment rate 1.8 percentage points lower at 3.9%, and a workforce participation rate of 74.3%, significantly higher than the regional rate of 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area showed strong specialization in public administration & safety with an employment share 3.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

Between Jun-24 and Jun-25, Oonoonba experienced a decrease in labour force by 2.1% and employment by 2.6%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.5 percentage points. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a rise in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. State-wide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) to Nov-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Job and Skills Australia forecasts indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Oonoonba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Oonoonba SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $70,383 and an average income of $82,789. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Rest of Qld's $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $80,230 and $94,371, based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Incomes in Oonoonba ranked highly nationally in 2021 Census figures, between the 71st and 85th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution data showed 37.5% of residents (2,842 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, mirroring regional levels at 31.7%. Housing accounted for 14.5% of income, with strong earnings placing residents in the 73rd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Oonoonba is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Oonoonba, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.1% houses and 21.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oonoonba was at 19.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.5% and rented ones at 45.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,700, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure in Oonoonba was $360, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Oonoonba's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Oonoonba features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 67.9% of all households, including 28.8% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households comprising 6.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Queensland.

Oonoonba shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 29.8%, higher than the SA4 region average of 20.1% and Rest of Qld's 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 34.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 24.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.3% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 7.4% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 17 active stops operating within Oonoonba, all of which are bus routes. These stops are served by three individual routes, collectively offering 238 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 498 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 34 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Oonoonba is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Oonoonba shows better-than-average health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among its general population. However, it has higher rates among older and at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Approximately 61% of Oonoonba's total population (4,647 people) have private health cover, which is higher than the Rest of Qld's 53.3% and the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 8.1% of residents, while asthma impacts 7.0%, with 73.1% reporting no medical ailments compared to 67.8% in Rest of Qld. The area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 10.1% (762 people) than the broader Queensland average of 14.9%.

In terms of cultural diversity, Oonoonba records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Oonoonba's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 88.3% citizens, 82.6% born in Australia, and 88.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 52.1%. Hinduism shows overrepresentation, comprising 2.3%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are English (27.8%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (8.4%). Notable divergences include Korean (1.3% vs regional 0.2%), Italian (4.9% vs 3.6%), and South African (0.6% vs 0.3%) groups.

Oonoonba hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Oonoonba's median age of 31 years is significantly younger than Rest of Qld's 41 and considerably younger than Australia's average age of 38. The population aged 25-34 makes up 20.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort represents 6.3%. This concentration of people aged 25-34 is higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 25-34 has grown from 18.0% to 20.6%, while those aged 35-44 increased from 14.4% to 15.6%. Conversely, the age group of 45-54 has decreased from 12.8% to 10.7%, and the 5-14 cohort has dropped from 13.0% to 11.4%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes for Oonoonba. The age group of 25-34 is projected to increase by 629 people (40%), growing from 1,561 to 2,191. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort grows modestly by 4% (30 people).