Ooralea - Bakers Creek

Ooralea - Bakers Creek lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Ooralea - Bakers Creek's population was around 6,618 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 677 people (11.4%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,941. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 6,600 in June 2025 and an additional 165 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 135 persons per square kilometer. Ooralea - Bakers Creek's growth exceeded the SA3 area (6.8%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 47.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Demographically, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecast. The area is expected to expand by 1,948 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 29.2% over the 16 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Ooralea - Bakers Creek among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Ooralea - Bakers Creek has recorded approximately 39 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totaling 197 homes. In FY26 so far, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.6 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating high demand exceeding new supply. New properties were constructed at an average cost of $280,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

Commercial approvals this financial year amounted to $83.3 million, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Ooralea - Bakers Creek shows 78.0% higher new home approvals per capita. Recent development has been exclusively detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 419 people, reflecting its quiet development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Ooralea - Bakers Creek is projected to add 1,930 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential increased buyer competition as the population grows.

Ooralea - Bakers Creek has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Mackay Technology Park, The Gardens at Ooralea, Ooralea Local Plan, and Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex (Mackay ARC). The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Ooralea - Bakers Creek performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Ooralea - Bakers Creek has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.9% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.6% over the past year. In December 2025, 3,802 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 72.2%, higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses in 2025, 3.6% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment were health care & social assistance, mining, and retail trade. The area had a strong specialization in mining with an employment share of 3.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 1.3% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%.

There were 2.0 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.6% and labour force increased by 5.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ooralea - Bakers Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

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

The Ooralea - Bakers Creek SA2 has one of the highest income levels in Australia according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The median income among taxpayers is $68,877 and average income stands at $85,185 for financial year 2023. This compares to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $76,701 (median) and $94,862 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Ooralea - Bakers Creek cluster around the 74th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows 37.0% of the population fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. A substantial proportion of high earners (30.3% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Ooralea - Bakers Creek. Housing accounts for 13.6% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 78th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Ooralea - Bakers Creek is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Ooralea - Bakers Creek, as recorded at the latest Census, consisted of 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ooralea - Bakers Creek was 29.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (43.8%) or rented (26.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,820, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $410, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Ooralea - Bakers Creek's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Ooralea - Bakers Creek has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 75.7% of all households, including 36.2% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Ooralea - Bakers Creek faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 17.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 7.5% while certificates make up 34.8%. Educational participation is high, with 32.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Ooralea - Bakers Creek has 11 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together facilitate 155 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically living 526 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 93%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Only 3.6% of residents work from home, according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 22 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 14 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Ooralea - Bakers Creek is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ooralea - Bakers Creek faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (4,076 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.8 and 6.8% of residents respectively. 72.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (961 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Ooralea - Bakers Creek ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Ooralea-Bakers Creek showed lower cultural diversity, with 86.0% citizens, 84.3% born in Australia, and 88.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 60.3%, compared to 52.2% regionally. Top ancestry groups were Australian (29.7%), English (26.3%), and Irish (7.3%).

Notably, Maltese (3.1%) Filipino (3.8%), and Maori (0.7%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.9%, and 0.8% respectively.

Ooralea - Bakers Creek's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Ooralea - Bakers Creek has a median age of 36, which is lower than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. The 25-34 age group is notably over-represented locally at 15.7%, while the 75-84 age group is under-represented at 4.6%. Between 2021 and now, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.2% to 13.4% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 13.4% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Ooralea - Bakers Creek's age profile. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 406 people (39%) from 1,038 to 1,445. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 age group is projected to grow by a modest 7% (56 people).