Shoal Point - Bucasia

Population growth drivers in Shoal Point - Bucasia are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Shoal Point - Bucasia's population is around 6,671 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 587 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,084 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,590 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 114 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 373 persons per square kilometer. Shoal Point - Bucasia's growth rate of 9.6% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (6.8%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 50.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of regional areas across the nation, with Shoal Point - Bucasia expected to increase by 2,124 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 30.6% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Shoal Point - Bucasia among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Shoal Point - Bucasia has averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25175 homes were approved, with a further 58 approved in FY26 as of now. Each dwelling built over these years has attracted an average of 2.9 new residents yearly, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $345,000, aligning with regional trends. This financial year has seen $2.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's predominantly residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Shoal Point - Bucasia experiences 52.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers. The majority of new building activity consists of standalone homes at 96.0%, with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 4.0%.

This preserves the area's low-density nature, attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 282 people per dwelling approval in the location, suggesting potential for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Shoal Point - Bucasia is projected to gain 2,043 residents by 2041. Development activity is keeping pace with this projected growth, although increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Shoal Point - Bucasia has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Royal Sands Mackay Estate, Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road Intersection Upgrade, Bucasia 186 Homes and Childcare Centre, Reed Street Extension (Norwood Parade/Reed Street Connection). The following list details those most 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 Shoal Point - Bucasia performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Shoal Point - Bucasia has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 2.5%. Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 4.8%.

As of December 2025, there are 3759 residents employed. The unemployment rate is 1.5% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is higher at 73.2% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses show that only 4.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, mining, and retail trade.

Mining employment levels are particularly high at 3.9 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.6% of local workers compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. From December 2024 to December 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, labour force increased by 5.4%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Shoal Point - Bucasia's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

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

The median taxpayer income for Shoal Point - Bucasia SA2 is $64,030, with an average of $76,305, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) in Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $71,304 (median) and $84,973 (average). According to Census 2021 data, income in Shoal Point - Bucasia clusters around the 71st percentile nationally. The earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 36.6% of the community (2,441 individuals), which is similar to the regional figure of 31.7%. Housing accounts for 14.3% of income. Residents rank within the 74th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Shoal Point - Bucasia is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Shoal Point - Bucasia's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Shoal Point - Bucasia was 24.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.5% and rented ones at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Regional Qld's $1,655. Median weekly rent was $380, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Shoal Point - Bucasia's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 against Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 versus the national figure of $375.

Shoal Point - Bucasia features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 79.6% of all households, including 36.9% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for 20.4%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households at 2.4%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Shoal Point - Bucasia fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (37.4%). Educational participation is high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.6% in primary, 11.2% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.6% in primary education, 11.2% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Shoal Point - Bucasia has 22 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route, offering a total of 98 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 275 meters from the nearest stop. The majority of residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

Shoal Point - Bucasia's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Shoal Point - Bucasia. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be low, particularly among younger cohorts.

Private health cover was high at approximately 57% of the total population (~3802 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Queensland. The most prevalent medical conditions were mental health issues (8.0%) and asthma (7.8%). A majority, 71.7%, reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Queensland. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. As of 2023, 12.9% of residents were aged 65 and over (861 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors were above average but ranked lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Shoal Point - Bucasia is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Shoal Point - Bucasia had a cultural diversity index below average, with 85.2% of its population being citizens, 84.1% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.1% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.6%), Australian (26.2%), and Irish (8.6%).

Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.0%, Maltese 0.8%, and Germans 4.5%, compared to regional percentages of 0.9%, 0.4%, and 4.7% respectively.

Shoal Point - Bucasia's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Shoal Point-Bucasia has a median age of 37 years, which is lower than the Regional Queensland average of 41 and closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38. The 45-54 age group is notably higher at 14.4% locally compared to the regional average, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 8.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group has increased from 2.7% to 4.2%, and the 25-34 cohort has risen from 13.2% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 16.6% to 13.8%, and the 35-44 age group has dropped from 14.6% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Shoal Point-Bucasia's age profile, with the 25-34 cohort expected to grow by 45%, adding 432 residents to reach a total of 1,382.