Westcourt - Bungalow
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Westcourt - Bungalow's population is approximately 6,987 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 468 people, a rise of 7.2% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 6,519. The change is estimated based on the ABS's June 2024 figure of 6,833 and 43 new addresses validated since the Census date. The population density stands at 718 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages across assessed locations by AreaSearch. Westcourt - Bungalow's growth rate of 7.2% is close to that of its SA4 region (7.4%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver for population growth in 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Looking ahead, regional areas including Westcourt - Bungalow are projected to experience above-median population growth, with an expected increase of 1,633 persons by 2041, marking a total rise of 21.2% over the 17-year period.

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 approximately five residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, showing 25 homes approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with ten approved so far in FY-26. On average, 9.1 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five financial years. This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $697,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, $47.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity compared to the past five years' total of $153.8 million. However, when measured against the Rest of Qld, Westcourt - Bungalow has significantly less development activity, with 79.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This activity is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

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. 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 1,479 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Westcourt - Bungalow has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified 68 projects that are likely to impact the area, significantly influencing its performance through changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Key projects include Barlow Park Upgrade, Far North Private Hospital, Woree Social and Affordable Housing Precinct. The following list details those projects most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

The labour market performance in Westcourt - Bungalow lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Westcourt-Bungalow has an unemployment rate of 7.2% as of June 2025. The area employs 3,375 residents, with an unemployment rate 3.3% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is at 52.6%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area specializes in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.0% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

There are 2.2 workers per resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting external workers. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.5%, while employment declined by 3.7%, increasing unemployment rate by 2.1 percentage points. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%. As of Sep-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Westcourt-Bungalow's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

Westcourt - Bungalow's median income among taxpayers was $51,414 in financial year 2022. Its average income stood at $63,944 during the same period. Comparing these figures to Rest of Qld's $50,780 and $64,844 respectively shows Westcourt - Bungalow's incomes were slightly higher. By March 2025, estimates based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% suggest median income will be approximately $57,435 and average income around $71,432. Census data from 2021 indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Westcourt - Bungalow fall between the 10th and 24th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 to $2,999 dominated with 28.3% of residents (1,977 people), similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Westcourt - Bungalow, with only 80.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

Westcourt-Bungalow's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 39.7% houses and 60.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Westcourt-Bungalow was 18.9%, with dwellings either mortgaged (19.4%) or rented (61.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent was $280, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $315 and 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 account for 47.4% of all households, including 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 comprising 44.6% and group households making up 7.9%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

In Westcourt-Bungalow trail region, 21.9% of residents aged 15 and above have university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Among these residents, 16.2% hold bachelor degrees, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (29.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 8.9% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 5.0% in tertiary education. Educational facilities may be located outside immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 22 active stops operating within Westcourt-Bungalow area, serving mixed bus routes. These stops are covered by 9 distinct routes, facilitating 1,217 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents positioned on average 223 meters from nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 173 trips daily across all routes, resulting in roughly 55 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Westcourt - Bungalow is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Westcourt's Bungalow faces notable health challenges with common conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Approximately 51% (~3,577 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.9% and 7.9% of residents respectively. About 67.4% consider themselves free from medical ailments, compared to 71.7% in Rest of Qld. Around 18.1% (1,264 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than the 15.7% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors require additional attention.

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 has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 31.9% of its population born overseas and 25.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Westcourt-Bungalow, comprising 47.3% of its population. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent here compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 3.8% of Westcourt-Bungalow's population versus 2.1%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (22.6%), Other (19.1%), and Australian (17.8%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (8.4%) and Korean (0.9%) populations are higher than regional averages, as is the Filipino population at 2.5% compared to 1.8%.

Westcourt - Bungalow's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Westcourt-Bungalow as of the 2021 Census was 38 years, slightly below Rest of Queensland's average of 41 but inline with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constituted 19.7% of Westcourt-Bungalow's population, higher than Rest of Queensland's percentage and significantly above the national average of 14.5%. In comparison, the 5-14 cohort represented 7.5%, which is lower than both Rest of Queensland's and Australia's averages. According to the Census data, between 2016 and 2021, Westcourt-Bungalow saw an increase in the 25-34 age group from 17.4% to 19.7%, while the 5-14 cohort decreased from 9.0% to 7.5%. The 45-54 age group also experienced a decline, dropping from 13.3% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for Westcourt-Bungalow in 2041 anticipate substantial demographic changes. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 31%, adding 420 people and reaching a total of 1,796 from its current figure of 1,375. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort is predicted to decline by 29 people.