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

According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Oonoonba stands at approximately 7,546 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 513 people (7.3%) from the 7,033 residents recorded during the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 7,544 alongside 37 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With these numbers, the population density reaches 867 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with typical averages for locations evaluated by AreaSearch. The area's 7.3% expansion since the 2021 census outpaced the broader SA4 region (7.1%), making it a frontrunner for growth locally. This upward trajectory was largely fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 62.9% of the total population gains in recent times.

AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, which use 2022 as a base. For any SA2 localities omitted from this dataset, or for projections extending beyond 2032, the 2023 Queensland State Government SA2 projections based on 2021 data are used. Because the state-level figures do not break down population by age brackets, AreaSearch applies proportional age cohort weightings derived from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (based on 2022 statistics). Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest the area will experience population growth exceeding the median for non-metropolitan Australia. Based on the most recent annual ERP statistics, the locality is projected to add 1,440 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 19.1% over the 16 years.

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

Approvals for residential construction in Oonoonba average approximately 14 properties annually, with 71 dwellings approved during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 12 recorded so far in FY-26. Because an average of 8.5 new residents per year have arrived for each built home over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, the local housing supply is lagging demand considerably. This gap typically intensifies competition among buyers, creating upward pressure on prices, even though new construction projects show an average estimated cost of $177,000—below regional benchmarks—indicating relatively affordable options for purchasers. Furthermore, commercial development approvals total $20.5 million this financial year, pointing to steady commercial building activity.

In comparison to the Rest of Qld, building activity in Oonoonba is notably quiet, tracking 52.0% below the regional average on a per capita basis. This constrained volume of new building completions typically bolsters demand and supports prices for existing residential stock. This level of activity also tracks below the national average, highlighting the established profile of the community and pointing to potential zoning or planning constraints. Recent construction activity consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the low-density character of the neighborhood through a focus on stand-alone homes that appeal to buyers seeking extra space. The ratio of 1414 people in the locality for every single dwelling approval highlights the quiet, low-scale nature of current development.

Projections indicate that Oonoonba will welcome an additional 1,438 residents by 2041, according to the latest quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If current building rates persist, the supply of new housing may not keep pace with this population growth, which could increase competition among buyers and support rising property values.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and urban planning decisions are key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 10 projects that are anticipated to influence this locality. Among the key developments are the Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion, Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), the University Road to Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia) Upgrade, the Kirwan Health Campus Expansion, and the Fairfield Business Precinct, with the primary details of these relevant developments provided below.

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.

Employment conditions in Oonoonba rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

The local workforce in Oonoonba is highly educated, featuring a strong representation of workers in essential services, alongside a low unemployment rate of 1.9%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 4,455, while the unemployment rate sits 2.0% below the 3.9% recorded in Regional Qld. In addition, labor force participation is exceptionally high, reaching 71.8% compared to 64.3% across Regional Qld. Census data indicates that a modest 5.3% of workers operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The community exhibits a strong concentration of workers in public administration & safety, with its share of employment reaching 3.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented, employing only 0.6% of the workforce in Oonoonba compared to 4.5% across Regional Qld. Given the comparison between the Census working population and resident population figures, this mostly residential neighborhood offers relatively few employment options within its own boundaries.

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the labor force shrank by 1.9% and total employment fell by 1.8% over the 12-month period, which led to a 0.1 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1% and the labor force expand by 0.3%, resulting in a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future demand trends for Oonoonba. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local industry profile to estimate future employment trends. While nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely by sector. Applying these sectoral trends to the local industry mix suggests Oonoonba's employment numbers would rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, representing a basic weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes that does not incorporate local population forecasts.

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of the most recent postcode-level ATO data from the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the Oonoonba SA2 recorded a median income of $73,270 and an average income of $86,343. These figures are exceptionally high on a national scale and compare to median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 in Regional Qld. Accounting for a Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated values would be roughly $81,593 for the median and $96,152 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Oonoonba are all highly ranked, placing between the 71st and 85th percentiles nationally. Income distribution figures show that 37.5% of the local population (2,829 people) fall in the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which is similar to the regional proportion of 31.7%. Housing costs consume 14.5% of income, while strong household earnings place residents in the 73rd percentile for disposable income, and the area sits in the 6th decile of the SEIFA index for income.

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

According to the latest Census, the mix of housing types in Oonoonba consisted of 78.1% separate houses and 21.8% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative housing), compared to 76.4% separate houses and 23.6% other options in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in Oonoonba lagged behind the regional average at 19.2%, with the remaining properties being either mortgaged (35.5%) or rented (45.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,700 was higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent stood at $360 compared to the Regional Qld figure of $345. Locally, mortgage payments remain below the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the Australian average of $375.

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

Family units represent the majority of households at 67.9%, which includes 28.8% couples raising children, 27.9% couples without children, and 9.9% single-parent households. The remaining 32.1% consists of non-family living arrangements, with lone person households accounting for 25.1% and group houses making up 6.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 residents, matching the average for Regional Qld.

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

The educational profile of the area is distinct when compared regionally, with university graduation rates (29.8% of residents aged 15+) tracking ahead of both the SA4 region average of 20.1% and the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%, highlighting a strong local focus on higher education. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational training also represents a significant share of the community, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade or technical credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (24.4%).

Participation in study is notably strong, with 31.3% of local residents currently enrolled in an educational program. This student population includes 10.2% in primary school, 8.5% in high school, and 7.4% enrolled in tertiary studies.

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

Public transport networks in Oonoonba include 17 active stops serviced by various bus connections. These stops are utilized by 3 distinct routes, which combine to offer 238 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is considered moderate, with local homes situated an average of 497 meters from the closest stop. Because the area is primarily residential, the vast majority of working residents commute to other areas, and private vehicles remain the dominant mode of travel at 94%. Households average 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. A small proportion of residents (5.3%) work from home, based on 2021 Census records which may have been impacted by pandemic conditions.

Across all bus routes, service frequencies average 34 trips per day, which translates to roughly 14 weekly trips for each transport stop in the network.

Health performance in Oonoonba is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health metrics indicate notable challenges for Oonoonba, as shown by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the prevalence of chronic health conditions across both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, with approximately 62% of the population (4,678 people) holding coverage, compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health conditions and asthma were identified as the most common medical diagnoses, affecting 8.1 and 7.0% of the population, respectively. However, 73.1% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes for the working-age demographic are generally standard. The proportion of residents aged 65 and older stands at 10.8% (811 people), which is lower than the Regional Qld average of 20.4%, with national comparative standings for health status tracking higher than the general population.

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

Cultural diversity metrics show Oonoonba is generally similar to the broader region, with citizens making up 88.3% of the population, 82.6% of residents born in Australia, and 88.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 52.1% of residents. The most noticeable religious variation is for Hinduism, which accounts for 2.3% of the population compared to just 0.8% in Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestral background, the three most common ancestries in Oonoonba are English (27.8%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (8.4%). There are also notable differences in the concentration of other backgrounds: Korean ancestry is overrepresented at 1.3% of the population (compared to 0.2% regionally), Italian ancestry is at 4.9% (compared to 2.4%), and South Australian ancestry stands at 0.6% (compared to 0.5%).

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

Oonoonba's median age of 32 years is significantly younger than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the nationwide median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, there is a higher proportion of young adults aged 25 - 34 (20.0%) but fewer retirees aged 75 - 84 (2.6%). This concentration of 25 - 34 year-olds is also well above the national rate of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age bracket expanded from 18.0% to 20.0% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort rose from 14.4% to 15.6%. In contrast, the school-age cohort of 5 to 14 years decreased from 13.0% to 10.8%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.8% to 11.1%. Demographic models indicate that Oonoonba's age structure will change significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 bracket projected to grow the most at 33%, adding 504 residents to total 2,014, while the 15 to 24 group will grow by a modest 2% (24 people).