Oonoonba
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Oonoonba's population is approximately 7,581 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 548 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,033. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 871 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Oonoonba's growth rate of 7.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (6.9%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead with demographic trends, above median population growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to grow by 1,665 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 21.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Oonoonba has seen around 14 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years totalling 71 homes. So far in FY26, 10 approvals have been recorded. An average of 11.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This indicates supply lagging demand, leading to buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $297,000, under regional levels. In FY26, $20.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Oonoonba records 52.0% lower building activity per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% attached dwellings, preserving low density nature.

The area had an estimated 1412 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections show Oonoonba adding 1628 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Oonoonba has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Key projects include Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion, Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia) Upgrade, Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, and Fairfield Business Precinct. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Oonoonba ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Oonoonba's workforce is highly educated with strong representation in essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 2.1%.

Residents' employment totaled 4,608, with an unemployment rate 1.8% lower than Rest of Qld's 3.9%, and workforce participation at 74.3% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Oonoonba shows significant specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 3.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

The predominantly residential area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending Jun-25, labour force decreased by 2.1% and employment by 2.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5% with employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Oonoonba's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch aggregated postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Oonoonba had a median income of $70,383 and an average income of $82,789. These figures are high nationally compared to the Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for March 2025 would be approximately $78,625 (median) and $92,484 (average). The 2021 Census figures rank Oonoonba's household, family, and personal incomes between the 71st and 86th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 37.5% of the population, equating to 2,842 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which mirrors regional levels at 31.7%. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income, and residents rank within the 74th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Oonoonba's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.1% houses and 21.8% 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 properties at 35.5% and rented ones at 45.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Oonoonba was $360, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Oonoonba's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were less at $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 corresponds to the average in the Rest of Qld.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 29.8% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 20.1% and that of Rest of Qld (20.6%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 9.7% while certificates make up 24.4%.

Educational participation is high at 31.3%, including 10.2% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 7.4% pursuing tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 515 students: Oonoonba State School and Silver Lining School - Cluden Campus. These schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 994) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is conventional, with one primary and one secondary institution. Local school capacity is limited at 6.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.7, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: if schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 17 active stops operating within Oonoonba. All stops are bus routes. There are 3 routes servicing these stops, providing a total of 238 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is 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 but higher rates among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Approximately 61% (4,647 people) have private health cover, higher than Rest of Qld's 53.3%. Nationally, it stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 8.1% and 7.0% respectively. 73.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across Rest of Qld. The area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 10.1% (762 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 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 the wider region's average. 88.3% of its population are citizens, 82.6% were born in Australia, and 88.5% speak English only at home. Christianity is the prevalent religion in Oonoonba, comprising 52.1% of people.

Hinduism shows overrepresentation, with 2.3% of the population compared to 0.8% regionally. The top three ancestry groups are English (27.8%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (8.4%). Korean (1.3%) is notably overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.2%. Similarly, Italian (4.9%) and South African (0.6%) groups show higher representation than their respective regional averages of 3.6% and 0.3%.

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

Oonoonba's median age was 31 years in 2021, younger than Rest of Qld's 41 and national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constituted 20.6%, higher than Rest of Qld but lower than the national average of 14.5%. The 65-74 cohort was less prevalent at 6.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group grew from 18.0% to 20.6%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.4% to 15.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.8% to 10.7% and the 5-14 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate that Oonoonba's 25-34 age cohort 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).