Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Population
Bokarina 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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bokarina is around 3,310. This figure represents a growth of 1,375 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,935. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,268 residents based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 524 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,902 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bokarina's population growth of 71.1% since the 2021 census exceeds that of the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.
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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb of Bokarina expected to increase by 943 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 27.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Bokarina was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country
Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Bokarina has seen around 109 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 546 homes have been approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years has led to around 1.7 new residents per year.
This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction value of new homes is $896,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year, there have been $23.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity in the area. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bokarina shows 231.0% higher development activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers and indicating strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction trends show 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% attached dwellings, shifting from the area's existing housing composition of 99.0% houses. This denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. It also reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options.
With around 24 people per approval, Bokarina reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 901 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Bokarina
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Bokarina has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact this region. Notable ones are St Clair, Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, Birtinya Town Centre, and Birtinya Social Housing Project. The following details those most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
The Wave - Sunshine Coast Rail and Public Transport Project
The Wave is an integrated transport initiative for the Sunshine Coast. Stage 1 involves a 19km dual-track heavy rail line from Beerwah to Caloundra. Stage 2 extends this rail 7km to Birtinya, including a 1km tunnel. Stage 3 (Metro) delivers a 12km Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network connecting Birtinya to the Sunshine Coast Airport via Maroochydore CBD. The project aims to reduce travel times to Brisbane by 45 minutes and support the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sunshine Coast Health Precinct
The Sunshine Coast Health Precinct at Birtinya is one of Australia's largest health and medical hubs, anchored by the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH), the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital (operated by Ramsay Health Care), and the Sunshine Coast Health Institute. SCUH opened in March 2017 with 450 beds and had expanded to 728 inpatient beds by mid-2025, with a planned final capacity of 738 beds. The precinct serves a catchment of around 450,000 residents across the Sunshine Coast and Gympie regions and supports tertiary services including a comprehensive cancer centre, regional trauma service, the Thompson Institute for mental health research, the Adem Crosby Centre, and the Kamala mental health unit. Adjacent facilities include the Vitality Village integrated community health building (opened mid-2021) and the 17-hectare Health Hub greenfield precinct, which is being progressively developed with up to 32,000 square metres of medical, research, allied health and consulting space. Clinical training and research are delivered in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast, Griffith University and TAFE Queensland. The neighbouring Birtinya Town Centre masterplan (Stockland) continues to add retail, residential and commercial floorspace surrounding the precinct, with a refreshed Temporary Local Planning Instrument approved by the State in September 2025 to lift residential density.
Sunshine Coast University Hospital
Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) is a tertiary teaching public hospital in Birtinya, Queensland. Completed in 2017 as a $1.8 billion Public-Private Partnership with the Exemplar Health consortium, it reached its full capacity of 738 beds in 2021. The facility provides comprehensive acute, surgical, maternity, and rehabilitation services. Recent 2025 updates include the introduction of a perinatal mental health hub with 8 dedicated beds and multimillion-dollar digital infrastructure upgrades. SCUH is a core component of the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, fostering collaboration in medical research and education.
Birtinya Town Centre
Birtinya Town Centre is a significant 18-hectare transit-oriented development within the Kawana Health Precinct. Under the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI), the masterplan has been enhanced to support the 2032 Olympic Games and housing demand. The project features high-density living with up to 2,600 dwellings across buildings reaching 15 storeys. It integrates the Birtinya Shopping Centre, commercial office spaces, a 4-star hotel, and extensive green space including a 'green spine' and a 130-metre pedestrian bridge linking to East Bank across Lake Kawana.
Oceanside Birtinya
A large-scale master-planned community by Stockland, encompassing residential land, house and land packages, and townhomes. The community is designed around the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct and features extensive parks, waterways, and connections to retail and dining.
16 Bright Place Affordable Housing
An eight-storey waterfront development designed by Ellivo Architects providing 90 affordable apartments (12 studios, 66 one-bedroom, and 12 two-bedroom units) for local essential workers in the Sunshine Coast health and retail precincts. Features naturally cross-ventilated units, communal spaces with lake views, solar array, 82 car parks, and designed to achieve 7+ star NatHERS rating with livable housing standards. The project was approved via Ministerial Infrastructure Designation in September 2024 but that approval was repealed in March 2025, requiring the project to now seek Sunshine Coast Council approval through the standard development application process.
Birtinya Social Housing Project
A five-storey social housing development delivering 63 units with a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom options, designed to be fully accessible for seniors and people with disabilities. Located on a 2622sqm block near the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, the complex features communal areas to build community and includes at least 61 car parking spaces. The basement structure is now in place with completion due mid-2026.
St Clair
Absolute waterfront apartment development on Lake Kawana comprising two eight-level towers with a total of 200 luxury 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments plus penthouses. Resort-style amenities include a 25m pool, BBQ pavilion and fire pit, exclusive residents' dining room with chef's kitchen, nearly 1,000sqm private parklands with direct lake access, and a level-9 rooftop terrace with outdoor kitchen and panoramic ocean/hinterland views. The project topped out in July 2025, is over 75% sold and scheduled for completion in Q1 2026.
Employment
Employment performance in Bokarina ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally
Bokarina has an educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%. In the past year, estimated employment growth was 5.7%.
As of December 2025, 1,849 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.6% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 72.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 21.3% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.3%. The ratio of workers to residents is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 5.7% alongside labour force growth of 5.7%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Bokarina's employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch
The suburb of Bokarina has one of the highest income levels in Australia, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Bokarina is $62,029, with an average income of $89,224. This compares to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $69,075 (median) and $99,360 (average). According to the Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Bokarina rank highly nationally, between the 75th and 88th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 28.6% of the population (946 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in metropolitan regions where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. A substantial proportion of high earners (39.9%) have incomes above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 88th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Bokarina is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
Dwelling structure in Bokarina, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 98.7% houses and 1.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bokarina was 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.1% and rented dwellings at 26.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, above Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Bokarina was $530, compared to Regional Qld's $375. Nationally, Bokarina's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,400 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Bokarina features high concentrations of family households and group households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 82.3% of all households, including 40.7% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 17.7%, with lone person households at 13.9% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Bokarina shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators
Educational attainment in Bokarina is notably high with 31.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing the broader benchmarks of 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 23.6% in SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent with 36.3% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (23.6%). Educational participation is high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.9% in primary, 10.9% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.9% in primary education, 10.9% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Public transport analysis shows ten active transport stops operating within Bokarina, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by three individual routes, collectively providing 681 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 225 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 92%, with 3% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, some 21.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 97 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 68 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Bokarina's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions
Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Bokarina. AreaSearch's assessment found low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (2,070 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and 55.7% nationally.
Mental health issues impacted 8.0% of residents, while asthma affected 6.1%. A total of 75.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. Bokarina has 14.1% of residents aged 65 and over (466 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Bokarina ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Bokarina's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.4% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (82.0%), and speaking English only at home (94.3%). Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 43.0% of Bokarina's population. Notably, Judaism, which makes up 0.1% across Regional Qld, is not represented in Bokarina.
The top three ancestry groups are English (33.7%), Australian (27.9%), and Irish (8.6%). There are notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.4% in Bokarina compared to 0.2% regionally, New Zealanders comprise 1.0% versus 0.9%, and South Australians make up 0.8% compared to 0.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Bokarina's population is slightly younger than the national pattern
Bokarina has a median age of 37, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 and similar to Australia's median of 38. The 45-54 age group is notably higher at 14.5% compared to the regional average, while the 75-84 cohort is lower at 3.9%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group grew from 10.6% to 12.8%, and the 65-74 group increased from 7.4% to 9.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort decreased from 16.8% to 14.5%, and the 25-34 group fell from 11.5% to 10.2%. By 2041, Bokarina's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 36%, adding 171 residents to reach 651.