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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
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
As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Avenell Heights is estimated at around 5,198 people. This reflects an increase of 170 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,028 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 5,182 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,704 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods, primarily driving population growth for the area.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a median increase just below Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 419 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 7.8% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Avenell Heights according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
Avenell Heights had 16 dwelling approvals over the five-year period ending in December 20XX, with an average of three new dwellings approved annually. This low development level is typical of rural areas where housing demand is modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects due to the low approval numbers.
Avenell Heights has substantially lower development levels than the rest of Queensland and under national averages. The new development consists of 67% standalone homes and 33% medium and high-density housing, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. With around 1036 people per approval, Avenell Heights shows signs of being a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to increase by 403 residents by 2041.
At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep up with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Avenell Heights
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Avenell Heights 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 identified four projects likely affecting the region: New Bundaberg Hospital, St Vincent de Paul Social Housing Walkervale Bundaberg, 432-434 Goodwood Road Land Lease Community Site, and Gympie Estate Affordable Housing Project. The following details those most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026
The Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026 is a state policy framework released on 10 October 2025. It reverses earlier plans by extending state-owned coal asset operations until at least 2046 supported by a 1.6 billion dollar maintenance guarantee. The plan focuses on a market-driven approach to Regional Energy Hubs, doubling gas capacity to 8.3GW by 2035, and accelerating large-scale battery storage. Significant infrastructure includes the 400MW Central Queensland Gas Power Tender and the CopperString Eastern Link (330kV) transmission project.
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026
The Queensland Energy Roadmap 2026 is a strategic policy framework released by the Crisafulli Government on 10 October 2025. It replaces the previous SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint, shifting focus toward a market-based approach to power reliability and affordability. Key pillars include extending the operating life of state-owned coal power stations until 2046, doubling gas-fired generation capacity to 8.3GW by 2035, and transitioning 'Renewable Energy Zones' into 'Regional Energy Hubs' to integrate solar, wind, and storage with existing grid infrastructure. Major active components include the $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee, a 400MW gas generation tender in Central Queensland, and the CopperString Eastern Link (330kV) targeted for 2032 completion.
New Bundaberg Hospital
The $1.2 billion New Bundaberg Hospital is a major greenfield development featuring a six-storey clinical building with over 400 beds. The facility includes an expanded emergency department, a rooftop helipad, mental health units, and teaching spaces. It serves as the centerpiece of the Bundaberg Health and Enterprise Precinct, aimed at providing level 5 health services to the growing Wide Bay region while mitigating flood risks associated with the existing hospital site.
Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro Project
The Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro Project is a 2 GW / 20 GWh energy storage facility designed to repurpose the Mount Rawdon gold mine's open pit into a lower reservoir. The project includes a new upper reservoir, underground power station, and a transmission line connecting to the Powerlink network. As of May 2026, the project has received a 50 million dollar investment from the Queensland Government through CleanCo and is undergoing feasibility and environmental assessments, with construction targeted to begin in 2027.
Paradise Dam Improvement Project (New Dam Wall)
The project involves the construction of a new roller-compacted concrete dam wall approximately 90m downstream of the existing structure to restore the dam to its original 300,000 ML capacity. Following the identification of irreparable foundation and concrete durability issues in the original wall, the replacement structure will be built to modern safety standards with a 100-year design life. Works include the partial demolition of the existing spillway, construction of a new secondary spillway, and significant river diversion. Early works including road upgrades were completed in late 2025, with main wall construction scheduled to commence in 2028.
Building Future Hospitals Program
Now referred to as the Hospital Rescue Plan, this $18.5 billion program is the largest health infrastructure investment in Queensland history. It aims to deliver over 2,600 new public hospital beds by 2032 through three new hospitals (Coomera, Bundaberg, Toowoomba) and major expansions at 10 existing facilities including QEII, Logan, and Princess Alexandra hospitals. Recent milestones in 2026 include the completion of the concept design for the 600-bed Coomera Hospital and the final concrete pour for the QEII Hospital expansion clinical building.
Bundaberg Aquatic Centre
A state-of-the-art year-round aquatic facility featuring a covered 50m FINA-standard 10-lane competition pool, an indoor 25m lap pool, a heated program/hydrotherapy pool with accessible ramp entry, multipurpose rooms, Reformer Pilates studio, cafe, and equitable access features including ramps, lifts, and hoists. Co-located with the Bundaberg Multiplex to form a high-performance sports precinct. Includes sustainability features such as solar arrays, hybrid heating, and rainwater harvesting. Provides fitness, education, therapy, competition, and recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities, with approximately 165 parking spaces.
Bundaberg Solar Farm
A 100 MW solar photovoltaic farm located in the Bundaberg region, approximately 360 kilometers north of Brisbane. The facility features 168,399 solar modules installed across 146 hectares and is expected to have a 25-year lifespan. The project will generate approximately 200 GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power around 36,000 homes and offset 104,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. Construction is being delivered by Monford Group as EPC contractor, with commercial operation expected to commence in Q3-Q4 2025. The project includes a Power Purchase Agreement with Telstra for 153 GWh per annum.
Employment
The employment landscape in Avenell Heights shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators
Avenell Heights has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented here. The unemployment rate is 5.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 9.0% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.
As of December 2025, there are 2,375 residents employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Regional Qld's at 1.3%. Workforce participation in Avenell Heights lags behind Regional Qld at 56.8% compared to 64.5%. Only 4.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.
Avenell Heights has a particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. However, construction has limited presence here with only 7.6% of employment compared to Regional Qld's 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 9.0% and labour force by 8.7%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Avenell Heights. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Avenell Heights's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Avenell Heights is $41,775 and average income is $51,621. This is below the national average. In Regional Qld, median income is $53,146 and average income is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $46,521 (median) and $57,485 (average). Census 2021 data shows household, family and personal incomes in Avenell Heights fall between the 5th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 30.0% of residents earn between $400 - $799, contrasting with regional levels where the highest bracket is $1,500 - $2,999 at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Avenell Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
As of the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures in Avenell Heights consisted of 80.0% houses and 20.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Avenell Heights stood at 37.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (26.3%) or rented (36.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent figure was $270, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Avenell Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Avenell Heights features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 64.3% of all households, including 18.8% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 15.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.7%, with lone person households making up 32.8% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
The educational profile of Avenell Heights exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics
The area's university qualification rate is 12.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 37.4% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (29.7%).
Educational participation is high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Avenell Heights has 20 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by two routes that together offer 83 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically living 172 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 96%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm. Only 4.3% of residents work from home, as recorded in the 2021 Census, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
Across all routes, service frequency averages 11 trips per day, equating to roughly 4 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Avenell Heights is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts
Avenell Heights faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with a low private health cover rate of approximately 48% (2,477 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.1%) and mental health issues (10.7%), while 54.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld.
Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.4% (1,476 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Avenell Heights is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Avenell Heights' cultural diversity was found to be below average, with its population comprising 90.6% citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Avenell Heights, accounting for 59.3%, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.9%), Australian (30.5%), and German (7.5%).
Notably, Australian Aboriginal individuals are overrepresented at 4.8% versus the regional average of 3.9%. Maltese and Korean populations also have similar representation in Avenell Heights compared to the region, with 0.4% each.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Avenell Heights hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
Avenell Heights has a median age of 46 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Qld's 41 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Qld, Avenell Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (10.8%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.1%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 25-34 has grown from 10.0% to 11.5%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 9.9% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 13.4% to 11.8%. By 2041, Avenell Heights is expected to experience notable changes in its age composition. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 57%, reaching 401 people from 254. This demographic shift will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who will represent 52% of the anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.