Walkervale - Avenell Heights
Statistical Area - sa2

Walkervale - Avenell Heights is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Walkervale - Avenell Heights' population was around 11,308 as of November 2025. This figure shows an increase of 326 people from the 2021 Census total of 10,982, indicating a growth rate of approximately 3.0%. The change is inferred from ABS estimates and new address data: the estimated resident population was 11,322 in June 2024, with an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 909 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed around 55.5% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends suggest a modest increase just below the median of regional areas across Australia. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 884 persons from the latest population numbers, representing a total gain of approximately 7.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Walkervale - Avenell Heights, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Walkervale - Avenell Heights has seen approximately 13 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, 65 homes were approved, with one more approved in FY-26 to date. On average, about 2.5 people moved to the area per new home constructed over those years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average expected construction cost of these new homes was $219,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. This financial year has seen $8.9 million in commercial approvals, highlighting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland and nationally, Walkervale - Avenell Heights has significantly less development activity, with 82.0% below the regional average per person and reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows a mix of 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% attached dwellings, expanding medium-density options to cater to various price brackets. This shift from the existing housing stock (currently 85.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles' need for diverse, affordable housing alternatives. With an estimated 1343 people per dwelling approval, the area maintains a quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections indicate Walkervale - Avenell Heights will add 898 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Walkervale - Avenell Heights has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely influencing the region. Notable projects include New Bundaberg Hospital, St Vincent de Paul Social Housing Walkervale Bundaberg, Walkervale Social Housing Development, and 432-434 Goodwood Road Land Lease Community Site. 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 reveals Walkervale - Avenell Heights recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Walkervale - Avenell Heights has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 6.3% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.6%. There are 5,236 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 8.7%, which is 4.8 percentage points above Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 50.8%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (32.6%), retail trade (21.7%), and education & training (14.2%).

The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Mining employs just 1.4% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 3.6%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 6.6%, while labour force grew by 7.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Walkervale - Avenell Heights' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Walkervale - Avenell Heights had a lower than average national income level in financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers was $42,883 and the average income stood at $52,990. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $48,882 (median) and $60,403 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Walkervale - Avenell Heights all fell between the 8th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that the largest segment comprised 28.3% earning $400-$799 weekly (3,200 residents), differing from patterns across the metropolitan region where $1500-$2999 dominated with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 10th percentile.

Walkervale - Avenell Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Walkervale - Avenell Heights, as per the latest Census, 85.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 14.6% being semi-detached properties, apartments, or other types of dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Walkervale - Avenell Heights stood at 37.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.7% and rented ones at 35.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,186, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Weekly rent in the area averaged $275, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Walkervale - Avenell Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,186 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Walkervale - Avenell Heights features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 66.1% of all households, including 21.5% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 15.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Rest of Qld average.

Walkervale - Avenell Heights faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 11.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (32.1%).

Educational participation is high at 26.9%, including primary education (10.3%), secondary education (8.7%), and tertiary education (2.8%). The three schools in Walkervale - Avenell Heights have a combined enrollment of 925 students, focusing exclusively on primary education with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents are lower at 8.2 compared to the regional average of 13.9, indicating some students may attend schools outside the area.

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

Transport analysis in Walkervale - Avenell Heights shows 47 active public transport stops operating. These are a mix of bus stops serviced by 4 individual routes. The total weekly passenger trips provided is 178.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 192 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 25 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Walkervale - Avenell Heights is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Walkervale - Avenell Heights faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 47% (~5,280 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (10.7%). Conversely, 56.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 59.1% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 23.7% (2,679 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 26.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors largely align with those of the general population.

Walkervale - Avenell Heights is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Walkervale - Avenell Heights had low cultural diversity, with 90.1% citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 54.0%, similar to the Rest of Qld's 54.0%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.4%), English (31.0%), and Irish (7.1%).

Notably, German (6.8%) and Australian Aboriginal (4.8%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 6.4% and 3.4%, respectively. Filipino representation was also higher at 1.2%.

Walkervale - Avenell Heights hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Walkervale - Avenell Heights is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but well above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 8.7% locally, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 10.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.9% to 13.4% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Walkervale - Avenell Heights. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to expand by 433 people (29%) from 1,516 to 1,950. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.