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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Oonoonba's population is around 7,571 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 538 people (7.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,033 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,544 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 870 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Oonoonba's 7.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.1%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 46.3% 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,665 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 21.6% 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 averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals annually, with 71 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 11 so far in FY-26. At an average of 11.3 new residents per year for every home built 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 homes are being built at an average construction value of $177,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $20.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Oonoonba shows substantially reduced construction (52.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 89.0% standalone homes and 11.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1412 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Oonoonba will gain 1,638 residents through to 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the 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, 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.

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

Oonoonba possesses a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,500 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.1% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (72.4% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 3.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.6% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.1% while employment declined by 0.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded 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 Oonoonba. 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 Oonoonba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Oonoonba SA2's median income among taxpayers is $73,270, with an average of $86,343. This is extremely high nationally, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $80,531 (median) and $94,900 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Oonoonba, between the 71st and 85th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 37.5% of locals (2,839 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 73rd percentile for disposable income and 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

Dwelling structure within Oonoonba, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 78.1% houses and 21.8% 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 Oonoonba was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 19.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.5%) or rented (45.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional Qld average at $1,700, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Oonoonba's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 67.9% of all households, comprising 28.8% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households comprising 6.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

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

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (29.8% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA4 region average of 20.1% and that of Rest of Qld (20.6%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (24.4%).

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

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

Public transport analysis reveals 17 active transport stops operating within Oonoonba, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 238 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 497 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 5.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Oonoonba, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (4,694 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 8.1% and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 73.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 10.2% of residents aged 65 and over (769 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings even 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

Oonoonba was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.3% of its population being citizens, 82.6% born in Australia, and 88.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Oonoonba is Christianity, which makes up 52.1% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 2.3% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Oonoonba are English, comprising 27.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 1.3% of Oonoonba (vs 0.2% regionally), Italian at 4.9% (vs 2.4%) and South Australian at 0.6% (vs 0.5%).

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

Oonoonba's median age of 31 years stands materially younger than Regional Qld's 41 as well as considerably younger than the 38-year national average. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 21.2% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 6.4%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the area has become younger, with the median age dropping 1.1 years to 31 from 32. Key changes show the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 18.0% to 21.2% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.4% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 10.4% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.0% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Oonoonba. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 36%, adding 582 residents to reach 2,191. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort shows minimal growth of just 4% (54 people).