Booral (Qld)

Population growth drivers in Booral are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of the suburb of Booral (Qld) was around 1,974 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 338 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,636 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 1,714 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 70 persons per square kilometer. Booral's growth rate of 20.7% since the 2021 census exceeded Rest of Qld's 9.1% and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 92.0%.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied. Demographic trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally, with Booral expected to expand by 565 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 15.4% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Booral experienced around 23 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 119 homes were approved, with an additional 22 so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 5.5 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $434,000. In FY-26, $1.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus for development in Booral. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Booral has slightly more development, with 11.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values and indicates robust developer interest in the area, which is significantly above the national average. New building activity shows 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Booral's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 76 people per approval, Booral reflects a developing area. Population forecasts indicate Booral will gain approximately 305 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Three projects may impact the area's performance: Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct Basketball Stadium, Astro Aero Aircraft Manufacturing Centre, Hervey Bay Airport Redevelopment, and Wondunna Mixed-Use Development (MCU22/0103).

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The labour market in Booral demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Booral has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.9%. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 8.6% based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of December 2025, 1,091 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Booral is high at 77.0% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%. According to Census responses, 9.5% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Professional & technical services have limited presence at 2.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 5.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.6% and labour force grew by 8.5%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged at 3.9%. In contrast, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and an increase in unemployment to 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Booral's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Booral had a median taxpayer income of $45,661 and an average income of $57,409 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,186 (median) and $63,098 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. Census data shows household income ranks at the 29th percentile ($1,412 weekly), while personal income is at the 10th percentile. In Booral, 34.5% of the population (681 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to regional levels where this group represents 31.7%. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses.

Booral is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Booral, as per the latest Census, 98.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 2.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Booral stood at 43.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.1% and rented ones at 12.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Booral was $335, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Booral's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Booral features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 81.3% of all households, including 33.2% couples with children, 35.2% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.7%, with lone person households at 15.8% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 46.1% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 36.9%. Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.9% in secondary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Booral is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Booral faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Only approximately 50% of Booral's total population (~986 people) has private health cover, compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Booral are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (10.6%), while 59.8% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age population health is particularly challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Booral has 21.1% of residents aged 65 and over (416 people), with senior health outcomes broadly in line with national rankings.

Booral is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Booral's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.6% being citizens, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Booral, accounting for 45.6% of people. However, Buddhism appears to be overrepresented, comprising 1.2% of Booral's population compared to 1.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 35.4%, Australian at 29.1%, and Scottish at 6.8%. Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented in Booral at 5.9% (versus 4.7% regionally), Dutch at 1.8% (versus 1.1%), and New Zealand at 1.0% (versus 0.9%).

Booral hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Booral's median age of 46 years is significantly higher than Regional Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Qld, Booral has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (16.1%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has increased from 8.9% to 11.3%, while the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has risen from 11.6% to 13.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has declined from 12.4% to 10.5%, and the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has decreased from 17.4% to 16.1%. By 2041, Booral's age composition is expected to change notably. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 31 people, reaching 292 from 223. However, the 15-24 cohort is projected to decline by 23 people.