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 Nov 2025, Bells Creek's population is estimated at around 7,827. This reflects a significant increase from the 343 people reported in the 2021 Census, marking a growth of 7,484 people (2181.9%). The latest estimated resident population (ERP) by AreaSearch, following examination of ABS data released June 2024, is 6,325. This figure, combined with an additional 3,461 validated new addresses since the Census date, accounts for this substantial growth. The resulting population density ratio is 314 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential room for further development. Bells Creek's remarkable growth of 2181.9% since the 2021 census far exceeds the non-metro area average (8.8%) and the national average, positioning it as a notable growth leader in the region.

Interstate migration was the primary driver of this population growth, contributing approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, demographic trends indicate exceptional growth for Bells Creek over the coming years. Aggregated SA2-level projections predict an increase of 2,402 persons by 2041, reflecting a decrease of 63.1% in total over this 17-year period.

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 allocated from statistical area data, Bells Creek has seen around 653 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 3269 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. So far in FY-26211 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.1 new residents arrive per year for each new home approved during this period.

New supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average value of new homes being built is $389,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. In the current financial year, $11.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Relative to Rest of Qld, Bells Creek shows 12388.0% higher development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity comprises 81.0% standalone homes and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 100.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

Bells Creek reflects a developing area with around 1 person per approval. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Bells Creek should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence performance. AreaSearch identified 43 potential impact projects. Major ones are Aura Water Project, New Bells Creek Zone Substation, Gagalba Precinct (Aura), and Aura Business Park. The following details these relevant projects.

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 Bells Creek exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Bells Creek has a skilled labor force with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of an unspecified past year.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 9.2%. As of June 2025451 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Bells Creek was 78.1%, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included 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, however, was under-represented with only 1.5% of Bells Creek's workforce compared to 5.6% in Rest of Qld. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 9.2% while labor force increased by 8.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.1 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labor force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Bells Creek. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bells Creek's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

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

Bells Creek has a median taxpayer income of $65,331 and an average of $83,411 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. Nationally, these figures are very high compared to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 13.99% between financial years 2022 and September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $74,471 (median) and $95,080 (average). According to the 2021 Census, income levels in Bells Creek are at the 69th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 includes 52.7% of the community's individuals (4,124), which is consistent with broader regional trends showing 31.7% in the same category. 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

In Bells Creek, as per the latest Census evaluation, all dwellings were houses (100.0%), with no semi-detached homes, apartments, or other dwelling types recorded. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bells Creek was at 12.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 74.4% and rented ones at 12.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Bells Creek was $560, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $450. Nationally, Bells Creek's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially 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 at 3.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, 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 university qualification rate is 25.6% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 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. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 6.3% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education. Nirimba State Primary School and Notre Dame College serve the area, collectively educating 572 students. The ICSEA score is 1018, indicating balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary school and one K-12 school in the area. School places per 100 residents are 7.3, below the regional average of 13.2, suggesting some students may attend schools outside the area. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to their parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows five active stops operating in Bells Creek, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two routes, offering 229 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 394 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 32 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 45 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Bells Creek, with typical levels of common health conditions seen across both young and elderly populations. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,715 people), compared to 52.7% across the rest of Queensland.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.7% and 6.8% of residents respectively. A total of 77.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.2% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 10.0% of residents aged 65 and over (782 people), which is 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 population, like the wider area, is predominantly Australian-born citizens who speak English primarily. Approximately 83.7% are citizens, 76.3% were born in Australia, and 92.4% use only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion (37.3%).

The most significant deviation from regional averages is seen in the 'Other' category, which comprises 1.8% of Bells Creek's population compared to 0.5% region-wide. In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (36.3%), Australian (25.4%), and Scottish (8.8%). Notable differences exist for Welsh (1.6% vs regional 0.6%), French (1.2% vs 0.5%), and Russian (0.6% vs 0.2%) ancestry.

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

Bells Creek's median age is 31 years, which is significantly younger than Rest of Qld's 41 years and considerably younger than the national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years has a strong representation in Bells Creek at 26.8%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 45-54 age cohort is less prevalent at 6.6%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the population of the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.9% to 13.8%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 6.2% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 75 to 84 age cohort has declined from 2.6% to 1.5%. Population forecasts for Bells Creek in the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase significantly, expanding by -45 people (-49%) from 93 to 48. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 75 to 84 cohorts.