Bells Creek

Bells Creek lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the population of Bells Creek is estimated at around 6,909 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 6,566 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 343. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate using ERP data release by ABS in June 2025 and additional 3,845 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 277 persons per square kilometer. Bells Creek's growth rate of 1914.3% since the 2021 census exceeded Rest of Qld (9.2%) and national average, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. Predicted demographic trends indicate exceptional growth over the period to 2041, with the suburb expected to increase by 19,845 persons reflecting a total increase of 287.2%.

The level of residential development activity in Bells Creek was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Bells Creek had approximately 592 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 2,962 homes. As of FY-26419 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.5 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand in the market with stable conditions. The average value of new homes being built is $389,000.

In FY-26, $8.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bells Creek has seen a 4823.0% increase in new home approvals per person. This provides buyers with ample choice, although construction activity has eased recently. The area's developer confidence is strong, reflected in its above-average national building activity levels. New building activity comprises 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. This shift from the existing housing stock (currently 100.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

Bells Creek has an estimated population growth of 5 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to gain 19,845 residents by 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, although increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Bells Creek has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 44 projects potentially impacting the region. Major initiatives include Aura Water Project, New Bells Creek Zone Substation, Gagalba Precinct (Aura), and Aura Business Park. The following list details projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Bells Creek exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Bells Creek has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 23.5%. As of December 2025, 4969 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Bells Creek was 91.8%, significantly higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 13.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance had particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Manufacturing was under-represented, with only 1.5% of Bells Creek's workforce compared to 5.6% in Regional Qld. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 23.5%, while labour force grew by 23.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to Bells Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, although these estimates are illustrative extrapolations and do not account for localized population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Bells Creek has a median taxpayer income of $65,331 and an average income of $83,411 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Nationally, this is extremely high compared to Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Bells Creek would be approximately $72,753 (median) and $92,886 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Bells Creek cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 52.7% of the community (3,641 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. High housing costs consume 19.0% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 58th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Bells Creek is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Bells Creek, as per the latest Census, all dwellings were houses (100.0%), with none being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is different from Regional Qld's mix of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bells Creek was lower at 12.8%, with the rest either mortgaged (74.4%) or rented (12.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, exceeding Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $560, higher than Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Bells Creek's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, but rents were substantially higher at $375.

Bells Creek has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 76.3% of all households, including 20.6% couples with children, 38.2% couples without children, and 17.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.7%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households making up 3.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable within the region, with university qualification rates at 25.6%, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.9% and certificates at 30.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 6.3% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Bells Creek has five active public transport stops offering mixed bus services. These are served by two routes, collectively facilitating 206 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 394 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (93%), with 5% walking. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 13.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 29 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bells Creek's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis shows strong health performance in Bells Creek, based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low among the general population but higher than national averages for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,162 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. Mental health issues impacted 7.7% and asthma affected 6.8% of residents. 77.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 67.6% in Regional Qld. The area has 11.0% of residents aged 65 and over (759 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld but still ranks lower nationally compared to broader population figures.

In terms of cultural diversity, Bells Creek records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bells Creek's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 83.7% citizens, 76.3% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 37.3%. The 'Other' religious category is overrepresented at 1.8%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

In ancestry, English (36.3%) and Australian (25.4%) are the top groups, with Scottish (8.8%) also notable. Welsh (1.6%), French (1.2%), and Russian (0.6%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 0.5%, and 0.2% respectively.

Bells Creek hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Bells Creek's median age of 31 years is significantly younger than Regional Queensland's 41 and the national average of 38. The population aged 25-34 makes up a strong 23.8%, compared to Regional Queensland, while those aged 75-84 are less prevalent at 2.1%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national figure of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.9% to 15.9%, while the 65-74 cohort has risen from 6.2% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 11.8% to 8.0%, and the 25-34 group has fallen from 26.8% to 23.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Bells Creek, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 4,468 people (272%) from 1,644 to 6,113.