Bellara

Bellara 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, AreaSearch estimates Bellara's population at approximately 3,247 people. This figure represents a decrease from the 2021 Census total of 3,278 people, marking a decline of 31 individuals (0.9%). AreaSearch arrived at this estimate after examining ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validating addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,531 persons per square kilometer for Bellara, which is higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade ending in 2021, Bellara exhibited resilient growth patterns with an annual compound growth rate of 1.6%, surpassing the national average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data are applied. Looking ahead, Bellara is expected to experience population growth just below the median of Australian statistical areas by 2041. Aggregated SA2-level projections indicate an increase of approximately 259 persons over the 17-year period, representing a total increase of 15.9%.

The level of residential development activity in Bellara is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Bellara has recorded no new dwelling approvals since 2017. The suburb is fully developed with limited opportunities for new construction. This lack of new supply supports demand for established properties, contributing to price stability.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bellara's building activity is markedly lower. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, Bellara's development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Bellara 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 one major project likely affecting the region: Solana Bribie Island Lifestyle Resort. Other key projects include Bribie Pines Island Village, Moreton Bay Rail Link Stage 2, and Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025. The following 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.

The employment landscape in Bellara shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Bellara has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 8.5%.

As of September 2025, 1,248 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is 0.6% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Bellara was 36.9%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employs 1.4 times the regional level, while professional & technical employs only 3.9% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 8.5%, labour force increased by 5.6%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 2.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.8%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 indicate a projected expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bellara's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Bellara had median income among taxpayers of $38,820 with average income standing at $53,055. This is lower than national averages which were $58,236 and $72,799 respectively across Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $42,667 (median) and $58,313 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Bellara all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 36.2% of population (1,175 individuals) fall within $400 - $799 income range, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 33.3%. With 45.0% earning under $800 per week, Bellara faces considerable income constraints affecting local spending patterns. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Bellara's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.5% houses and 32.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 78.8% houses and 21.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bellara was at 45.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.8% and rented ones at 33.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,394, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,647. Median weekly rent in Bellara was recorded at $320, compared to Brisbane metro's $350. Nationally, Bellara's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 56.8% of all households, including 11.8% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.2%, with lone person households at 38.9% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.1.

The educational profile of Bellara exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 11.2%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 10.8% and certificates for 31.4%.

School attendance encompasses 19.3% of the community, including secondary education (6.8%), primary education (6.7%), and tertiary education (1.6%).

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

Transport analysis indicates 20 active stops in Bellara, operated by a mix of buses. These are serviced by 4 routes, offering 283 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 146 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 40 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Bellara faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,566 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.4%) and mental health issues (10.5%). Conversely, 50.1% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 52.7%. The area has a high proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 45.6% (1,480 people), with health outcomes broadly aligning with the general population's profile.

Bellara ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bellara's population showed low cultural diversity, with 79.0% born in Australia, 88.4% being citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 55.6%, slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's 56.3%. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.2%), Australian (25.2%), and Scottish (9.9%).

Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.3% of Bellara's population, higher than the regional average of 0.9%, while Welsh and French residents were also slightly overrepresented at 0.8% and 0.6% respectively.

Bellara ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Bellara's median age is 60, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bellara has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (22.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (4.8%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the median age has increased by 1.1 years from 59 to 60, indicating an aging population. Specifically, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 13.8% to 17.9% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 6.6% to 4.8%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 7.5% to 6.0%. Demographic projections suggest Bellara's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 359 people (62%) from 581 to 941. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 98% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, both the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.