Walkervale - Avenell Heights

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 is around 11,308 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 326 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,982. The change is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 11,322 as of June 2024 and 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level equates to a density ratio of 909 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 55.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where utilised. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation, with the area expected to expand by 884 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 7.9% in total over the 17 years.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 65 homes were approved, with another 84 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 2.5 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost of new homes is $219,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY26, $8.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Walkervale - Avenell Heights has significantly less development activity, with 82.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Nationally, the area also has below-average building activity, suggesting possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% attached dwellings, offering a mix of medium-density options across different price brackets.

This is a notable shift from the existing housing stock, which is currently 85.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated population per dwelling approval in the area is 1343 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Walkervale - Avenell Heights is projected to 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly impact local performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects potentially affecting the area. Notable ones 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.

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The employment landscape in Walkervale - Avenell Heights shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Walkervale - Avenell Heights has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 5.7% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 10.0%. There are currently 5,341 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is 1.6% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 50.8%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Major employment areas for residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, mining employs only 1.4% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 3.6%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 10.0%, while labour force grew by 9.8%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, with unemployment increasing by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Walkervale - Avenell Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

The Walkervale - Avenell Heights SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $42,883. The average income stood at $52,990 during the same period. For comparison, Rest of Qld's median and average incomes were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, estimated incomes would be approximately $48,882 (median) and $60,403 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Walkervale - Avenell Heights fell between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income analysis showed that the largest segment comprised 28.3% earning $400 - $799 weekly (3,200 residents), differing from metropolitan patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 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% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is comparable 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 properties at 27.7% and rented dwellings at 35.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,186, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in the area was $275, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of $285. Nationally, 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 comprise 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 make up 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 matches the average for the Rest of Queensland.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (32.1%). Educational participation is high at 26.9%, with 10.3% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 47 active stops operating within Walkervale - Avenell Heights. These are a mix of bus services. Four routes service these stops, providing a total of 177 weekly passenger trips.

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, equating to approximately three 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 issues are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health problems (10.7%), while 56.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 59.1% in Rest of Qld. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 23.7% (2,679 people), lower than the 26.3% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging but generally align with the overall population's health profile.

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 showed lower 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 Rest of Qld's 54.0%. Top ancestral groups were Australian (31.4%), English (31.0%), and Irish (7.1%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher at 6.8% compared to regional 6.4%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.8% vs 3.4%, and Filipino at 1.2% vs 0.8%.

Walkervale - Avenell Heights's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Walkervale - Avenell Heights is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but higher than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 75-84 age cohort is over-represented at 8.7% locally, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 10.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.9% to 13.4%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes 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.