Avoca (Qld)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026 the suburb of Avoca's population is estimated at around 5,254. This reflects an increase of 342 people (7.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,912 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,240, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 158 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 858 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Avoca's 7.0% growth since census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 82.0% of overall 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to expand by 88 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 1.4% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Avoca has averaged approximately 19 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 96 homes. So far in FY-26, 53 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 has resulted in around 2.9 new residents per year, reflecting robust demand that underpins property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $552,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. There have also been $6.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Relative to Rest of Qld, Avoca shows approximately 59% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 73rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, though construction activity has intensified recently.

Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (77.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With around 171 people per dwelling approval, Avoca shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections show Avoca adding 74 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include 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 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.

Employment performance in Avoca has been broadly consistent with national averages

Avoca's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stands at 4.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 8.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 2,447 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate aligns with Regional Qld's 4.0%.

However, workforce participation lags at 57.9%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses reveal that only 3.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, with a particular specialization in health care & social assistance at 1.4 times the regional level. In contrast, construction employs only 7.8% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 10.1%.

The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.4%, while the labour force grew by 8.9%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Avoca. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Avoca suburb's median taxpayer income in financial year 2023 was $45,688, with an average of $56,455. This is based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are below Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,878 (median) and $62,868 (average), accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Avoca's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 11th and 14th percentiles nationally. The predominant income bracket in Avoca is $400 - 799, comprising 30.2% of locals (1,586 people), contrasting with metropolitan regions where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates at 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.7% of income remains in Avoca, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Avoca's housing structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Avoca was at 44.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented dwellings at 24.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Avoca was $305, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Avoca's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are common, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (29.0%). A total of 24.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 9.3% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.0% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Avoca has ten active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that collectively facilitate 257 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered moderate, with residents typically living 450 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Avoca's predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 96% of residents. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 3.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 36 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 25 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 as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions that affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of Avoca's total population (~2,604 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.7%) and mental health issues (9.5%). Conversely, 55.4% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Regional Queensland's 67.6%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Avoca has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.0% (1,681 people), compared to Regional Queensland's 20.4%. While national rankings for senior health outcomes are broadly in line with the general population, they present some challenges.

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 diversity with 89.1% born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 96.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 56.9%, compared to 52.2% regionally. Top ancestral groups were English (32.1%), Australian (30.9%), and Scottish (8.3%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher at 6.5% versus regional 4.7%. Aboriginal Australian representation was 4.0%, similar to the regional 3.9%, while Korean was lower at 0.1% compared to 0.2% regionally.

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

Avoca's median age in 2021 was 48, which is older than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group had strong representation at 13.2%, compared to Regional Queensland's figure, while the 35-44 cohort was less prevalent at 9.6%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group grew from 9.5% to 11.0% of Avoca's population, while the 15 to 24 cohort declined from 11.0% to 10.4%. By 2041, Avoca is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 41%, reaching 475 people from the current figure of 336. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are expected to comprise 73% of Avoca's population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 5-14 age cohorts.