Westcourt - Bungalow

An assessment of population growth drivers in Westcourt - Bungalow reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Westcourt - Bungalow's population is around 6,965 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 446 people (6.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,519 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,833 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 97 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 715 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Westcourt - Bungalow's 6.8% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.2%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,633 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 21.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Westcourt - Bungalow according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Westcourt - Bungalow has recorded around 5 residential properties granted approval annually, with 25 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 10 so far in FY-26. With an average of 9.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $276,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $47.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Westcourt - Bungalow has significantly less development activity (79.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (40.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated count of 4535 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Westcourt - Bungalow will gain 1,501 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Westcourt - Bungalow has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 69 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Barlow Park Upgrade, Far North Private Hospital, Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt, and Cairns Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs Residential Treatment Services, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment conditions in Westcourt - Bungalow face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Westcourt - Bungalow has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 9.5%. As of December 2025, 3,275 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 5.5% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (60.3% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.0% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. With 2.2 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.0% while employment declined by 5.2%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 4.0 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. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Westcourt - Bungalow. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Westcourt - Bungalow's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The Westcourt - Bungalow SA2's income level is just below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Westcourt - Bungalow SA2's median income among taxpayers is $53,612 and the average income stands at $66,633, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,925 (median) and $73,236 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Westcourt - Bungalow all fall between the 10th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 28.3% of residents (1,971 people), mirroring the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile.

Westcourt - Bungalow displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Westcourt - Bungalow, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 39.7% houses and 60.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Westcourt - Bungalow lagged that of Regional Qld, at 18.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (19.4%) or rented (61.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Westcourt - Bungalow's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Westcourt - Bungalow features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 47.4% of all households, comprising 12.9% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 12.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 52.6%, with lone person households at 44.6% and group households comprising 7.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.0 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Westcourt - Bungalow performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational qualifications in Westcourt - Bungalow trail regional benchmarks, with 21.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (29.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 22 active transport stops operating within Westcourt - Bungalow, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 1,217 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 223 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with 7% walking and 4% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 10.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 173 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 55 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Westcourt - Bungalow, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,628 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.9% and 7.9% of residents, respectively, while 67.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,279 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Westcourt - Bungalow was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Westcourt - Bungalow was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 31.9% of its population born overseas and 25.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Westcourt - Bungalow is Christianity, which makes up 47.3% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 3.8% of the population, compared to 1.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Westcourt - Bungalow are English, comprising 22.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 29.6%, Other, comprising 19.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.9%, and Australian, comprising 17.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.5%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 8.4% of Westcourt - Bungalow (vs 3.9% regionally), Korean at 0.9% (vs 0.2%) and Filipino at 2.5% (vs 0.9%).

Westcourt - Bungalow's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 38-year median age in Westcourt - Bungalow is marginally below Regional Qld's average of 41 while in line with Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 19.9% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 7.1%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 17.4% to 19.9% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.9% to 15.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.0% to 7.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.3% to 11.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Westcourt - Bungalow. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 30% (409 people), reaching 1,796 from 1,386. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 16 people.