Avoca (Qld)

Avoca has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for Avoca (Qld) is around 5,311, reflecting an increase of 399 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.1% increase from the previous census figure of 4,912 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which estimated a resident population of 5,231. This level of population results in a density ratio of 867 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Avoca's growth rate since the census is within 0.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth, indicating competitive fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. Post-2032 and for areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 are used, applying proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future dynamics anticipate lower quartile growth, with the suburb expected to increase by 79 persons to 2041, reflecting a decrease of 1.4% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Avoca when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Avoca recorded approximately 19 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 98 homes. As of FY26, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.6 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY21 and FY25. The average construction cost value for new homes was $552,000.

This financial year, Avoca has registered $7.5 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Rest of Qld, Avoca records around 61% of the building activity per person. Nationally, it ranks at the 74th percentile for areas assessed.

Recent years have seen an acceleration in building activity. New development consists predominantly of standalone homes (96.0%) and a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (4.0%), maintaining Avoca's low-density character. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies, reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 171 people per dwelling approval, Avoca exhibits growth area characteristics. Population projections indicating stability or decline suggest reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

Avoca has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that may affect this area. Notable ones are New Social Housing in Avoca, Bundaberg Regional Aviation and Aerospace Precinct, Bundaberg GHAG Solar PV Park, and Branvale Estate. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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 Avoca shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Avoca's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.0%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 2,369 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was significantly lower at 49.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

Key industries for Avoca residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area had a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, construction was under-represented, with only 7.8% of Avoca's workforce compared to 10.1% in Rest of Qld. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.0%, while labour force increased by 7.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, and an unemployment increase of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide further insight into potential future demand within Avoca. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Avoca's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Avoca was $45,688 and average income was $56,455. This is lower than Rest of Qld's figures where the median income was $50,780 and average income was $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Avoca would be approximately $52,080 and average income would be around $64,353 by that date. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Avoca fall between the 11th and 14th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income category in Avoca is $400 - $799, with 30.2% of locals (1,603 people) falling into this range, unlike the broader area where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. After accounting for housing costs, 85.7% of income remains in Avoca, which ranks at the 13th percentile nationally.

Avoca is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Avoca, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Avoca was at 44.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.6%) or rented (24.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure was $305, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Avoca's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Avoca features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.1% of all households, including 21.5% couples with children, 33.3% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.9%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4 people.

Avoca faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is significantly lower than the Australian average at 12.4% compared to 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common among residents with higher education qualifications, at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.5% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.2%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 37.3% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (29.0%). A substantial portion of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 24.0% pursuing it.

This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.9% in tertiary education. Avoca State School serves the local educational needs within Avoca, enrolling 308 students as of a recent count. The school's ICSEA score is 953, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. It caters exclusively to primary education, while secondary options are available in nearby areas. However, there is limited local school capacity, with only 5.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.9, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Avoca has nine active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 257 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered moderate, with residents on average living 450 meters away from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 36 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Avoca faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately half of Avoca's population (~2,632 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.7%) and mental health issues (9.5%). A higher proportion of residents, 55.4%, report being free from medical ailments compared to Rest of Qld at 59.1%. Avoca has a larger senior population, with 31.2% aged 65 and over (1,657 people), compared to the Rest of Qld's 26.3%. The health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general population.

Avoca is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Avoca's population showed low cultural diversity, with 89.1% born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.9%, compared to 54.0% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (30.9%), and Scottish (8.3%).

Notably, German (6.5%) and Australian Aboriginal (4.0%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 6.4% and 3.4%, respectively. Korean representation was lower at 0.1% versus the region's 0.2%.

Avoca hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Avoca's median age is 48, which is higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 12.8% of Avoca's population, compared to Rest of Qld's figure and notably higher than the national average of 6%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.5% to 10.9%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 12.4%. By 2041, Avoca's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 17 people, reaching 795 from 679. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 74% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 cohorts.