Avenell Heights

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 Nov 2025, the population of the Avenell Heights statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 5,197, reflecting an increase of 169 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 3.4%. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and the validation of an additional 17 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,703 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, it should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead at population projections, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected for the Avenell Heights (SA2). By 2041, the area is projected to increase by approximately 434 persons, reflecting an overall increase of around 8.2% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

Avenell Heights had 13 dwelling approvals over the five-year period ending in 2020. This averages out to approximately two new dwellings approved annually, reflecting the minimal construction activity typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited local demand and infrastructure capacity. The low approval numbers can result in considerable variations in yearly growth figures and relativities based on individual projects.

Compared to Rest of Qld and national averages, Avenell Heights has substantially lower development levels. New developments consist of 67% standalone homes and 33% medium to high-density housing, with an increasing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. With around 1479 people per approval, the area shows signs of maturity and established population. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Avenell Heights is projected to gain 424 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Avenell Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These 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 provides details on those projects likely to have the 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.

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 both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 5.6%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 9.9%. As of September 2025, 2,346 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.5% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Avenell Heights lags behind at 47.4%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area specializes strongly in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Construction has a limited presence at 7.6% compared to the regional 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the past year, employment increased by 9.9%, while labour force grew by 9.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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.

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 ending June 2023 shows median income in Avenell Heights is $41,775 and average income is $51,621. This is below national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $45,915 (median) and $56,737 (average), based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since June 2023. Census 2021 data indicates Avenell Heights' household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 5th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show 30.0% of residents earn $400 - 799 annually, compared to regional levels where 31.7% earn $1,500 - 2,999. Housing affordability is severe; only 84.1% of income remains after housing costs, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Avenell Heights' dwellings, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 80.0% houses and 20.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Avenell Heights was at 37.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.3% and rented ones at 36.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Avenell Heights was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Avenell Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 make up the remaining 35.7%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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 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 9.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - 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.

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

Transport analysis shows 20 active stops operating within Avenell Heights. These are mixed bus stops serviced by two routes providing 83 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is excellent with residents typically located 172 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 11 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Avenell Heights. A range of health conditions impacts both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,476 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.1% and 10.7% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 54.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 59.1% across the Rest of Qld. The area has 27.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,449 people), which is higher than the 26.3% in the Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 showed cultural diversity below average levels, with 90.6% of its residents being citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 95.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 59.3% of Avenell Heights' population, compared to 54.0% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.9%), Australian (30.5%), and German (7.5%).

Notable differences existed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal at 4.8%, Maltese at 0.4%, and Korean at 0.2%.

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 Rest of Qld's 41 years and also above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Avenell Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (10.5%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.6%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 10.0% to 11.5%, while the percentage of those aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 13.4% to 12.1%. By 2041, Avenell Heights is projected to experience notable changes in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 28%, adding 169 people and reaching a total of 767 from the current 597. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to see population declines.