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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the Bells Creek statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,764. This represents a significant increase from the 2021 Census figure of 343 people, marking a growth rate of 1288.9%. The latest ABS ERP data release in June 2024, combined with an additional 3,461 validated new addresses since the Census date, supports this estimation. This population density translates to approximately 191 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space for further development. The primary driver of Bells Creek's population growth has been interstate migration, contributing about 82% of overall population gains during recent periods. However, natural growth and overseas migration also played positive roles in this demographic shift.

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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. Age category splits are applied proportionally in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Looking ahead, the Bells Creek (SA2) is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it among the top 10 percent of regional areas nationally by 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to increase by approximately 2,564 persons over this period, reflecting a decrease of about 36% in total population over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bells Creek among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Bells Creek has seen approximately 593 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 2,969 homes. As of FY-26286 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.1 new residents per year arrive per new home in Bells Creek between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value of new homes over this period is $389,000.

In FY-26, $8.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bells Creek has seen a significant increase in new home approvals per person, with an approximate 11350.0% higher rate. This substantial increase indicates strong developer confidence in the location and provides ample buyer choice beyond national averages. The current development mix consists of 81.0% detached dwellings and 19.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Bells Creek's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. This shift from the current housing mix (currently 100.0% houses) reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses evolving lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Bells Creek currently reflects a developing area with around 1 person per approval.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, there should be reduced pressure on housing in the area, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives greatly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 44 such projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include the Aura Water Project, New Bells Creek Zone Substation, Gagalba Precinct (Aura), and Aura Business Park. The following list details those expected 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 significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 11.2% over the past year.

As of September 2025544 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.0% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Bells Creek is 78.1%, well above Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance has an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while manufacturing employs only 1.5% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 5.6%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 11.2% and labour force grew by 10.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland 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 Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Bells Creek had a median income among taxpayers of $65,331 and an average income of $83,411. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $71,805 (median) and $91,677 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Bells Creek are at the 69th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 52.7% of locals (2,510 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. High housing costs consume 19.0% of income, but strong earnings 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

The dwelling structure in Bells Creek, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses, with no other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or others. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld's mix of 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership within Bells Creek stood at 12.8%, with the majority of dwellings either mortgaged (74.4%) or rented (12.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950 and the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Bells Creek was recorded at $560, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $450 and significantly above the national figure of $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 Rest of Qld 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 exceeds the regional average, with university qualification rates at 25.6% among residents aged 15+, compared to Rest of Qld's 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 44.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 13.9% and certificates at 30.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 6.3% in tertiary, and 6.0% in 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 operating currently. These are served by a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes in operation. Together, these routes facilitate 206 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically residing 394 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, service frequency stands at 29 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bells Creek's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Bells Creek shows excellent health outcomes, with common health conditions being relatively standard across both young and elderly age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 60% (2,870 people), higher than the Queensland average of 53.9%.

Mental health issues affect 7.7%, while asthma impacts 6.8% of residents. A total of 77.6% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 10.1% (481 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 22.3% in the rest of Queensland.

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 the wider region's average, with 83.7% of its population being citizens, 76.3% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 37.3% of Bells Creek's population. The most significant overrepresentation is seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.8% compared to the region's 0.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (36.3%), Australian (25.4%), and Scottish (8.8%). Notably, Welsh (1.6%) and French (1.2%) populations are overrepresented in Bells Creek compared to regional averages of 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. Additionally, the Russian population is slightly higher at 0.6%.

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

Bells Creek's median age of 31 years is younger than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 26.8% in Bells Creek, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.5%. The 45-54 cohort makes up 6.7%, which is less prevalent compared to other regions. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 10.9% to 13.7%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 6.2% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 75-84 cohort has declined from 2.6% to 1.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant changes in Bells Creek demographics. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase by -11 people (-19%), expanding from 61 to 50. Conversely, population declines are expected for the 75-84 and 85+ cohorts.