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 is approximately 7,546 as of May 2026. Between the 2021 Census and this period, Oonoonba experienced a growth of 513 people, from a population of 7,033 to its current figure. This increase represents a 7.3% rise since the 2021 Census. The estimated resident population was 7,544 in June 2025, with an additional 37 validated new addresses contributing to this growth. Oonoonba's population density is around 867 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Oonoonba's growth of 7.3% since the 2021 Census surpassed the SA4 region's growth rate of 7.1%, positioning it as a growth leader in the area.

Overseas migration was the primary driver for this population increase, contributing approximately 62.9% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest an above median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Oonoonba is projected to grow by 1,440 persons, reflecting a total gain of 19.1% over the 16-year period based on the 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. In FY26 so far, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 11.3 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This indicates supply is lagging demand, likely leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $177,000, under regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing choices 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 markedly lower building activity, at 52.0% below the regional average 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 the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated count of 1412 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment. Future projections suggest Oonoonba will add 1,438 residents by 2041, potentially leading to housing supply struggles and heightened buyer competition at current development rates.

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

Ten infrastructure projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These 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 most likely to be relevant.

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 has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of December 2025. This rate is 2.1% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Oonoonba is 72.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 5.3% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Public administration & safety is particularly strong, with an employment share 3.3 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.6% of Oonoonba's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.1% and employment decreased by 0.2%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 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, based on simple weighting 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

In financial year 2023, Oonoonba SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $73,270 and an average income of $86,343. These figures are significantly higher than the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $81,593 and an average income of $96,152 as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Oonoonba rank highly nationally, between the 71st and 85th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income distribution data shows that 37.5% of the population (2,829 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing expenses account for 14.5% of income, and residents' disposable incomes rank in the 73rd percentile nationally. 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

In Oonoonba, as per the latest Census evaluation, 78.1% of dwellings were houses while 21.8% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oonoonba stood at 19.2%, with mortgaged properties at 35.5% and rented ones at 45.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, exceeding Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Oonoonba was $360 compared to Regional Queensland's $345. 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 account for 67.9 percent of all households, including 28.8 percent couples with children, 27.9 percent couples without children, and 9.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.1 percent, with lone person households at 25.1 percent and group households comprising 6.9 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Regional Queensland average.

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

The area's university qualification rate of 29.8%, among residents aged 15+, exceeds the SA4 region average of 20.1% and the Rest of Qld figure of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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 accounting for 9.7% and certificates for 24.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.3% 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 shows 17 active transport stops in Oonoonba, served by buses. There are 3 routes providing 238 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 497 meters, with accessibility rated moderate. Most residents commute outward, using cars predominantly at 94%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.5. In 2021 Census data, 5.3% of residents worked from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 34 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 14 weekly trips per 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 indicates significant health challenges in Oonoonba, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (4,678 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 8.1 and 7.0% of residents respectively. However, 73.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 10.8% of residents aged 65 and over (811 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld.

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 was found to be roughly comparable to the wider region, with 88.3% of its population being Australian citizens, 82.6% born in Australia, and 88.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Oonoonba, comprising 52.1% of the population. However, Hinduism was notably overrepresented, making up 2.3% of the population compared to 0.8% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups in Oonoonba were English (27.8%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (8.4%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included Korean at 1.3% (vs regional 0.2%), Italian at 4.9% (vs regional 2.4%), and South Australian at 0.6% (vs regional 0.5%).

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

Oonoonba's median age is 32, which is considerably lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Oonoonba has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (20.0%), but fewer residents aged 75-84 (2.6%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 18.0% to 20.0%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.4% to 15.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 10.8%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.8% to 11.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Oonoonba's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 33%, adding 504 residents to reach a total of 2,014. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort grows by a modest 2% (24 people).