Booral (Qld)

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

As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Booral (Qld) is estimated at around 1,828, reflecting an increase of 192 people since the 2021 Census. This growth rate of 11.7% exceeds both the Rest of Qld's 9.2% and the national average. The population density ratio stands at 65 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 92.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for years post-2032. By 2041, the suburb is forecast to have a population increase of 494 persons, marking a total gain of 25.6% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 494 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 25.6% in total over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Booral when compared nationally

Booral has seen approximately 23 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 119 homes were approved, with a further 29 in FY-26. The average population increase per dwelling built over the past five financial years was 1.5 people, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this decreased to 0.9 people per dwelling over the last two financial years.

Development projects averaged $434,000 in construction value. This year, Booral has registered $1.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a primarily residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Booral's development levels are similar, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. This is notably higher than the national average, indicating strong developer interest.

New building activity consisted of 96% standalone homes and 4% townhouses or apartments, preserving Booral's low-density character. With around 64 people per approval, Booral reflects a developing area. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 467 residents by 2041, with current development patterns expected to meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely affecting this region: Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct Basketball Stadium, Astro Aero Aircraft Manufacturing Centre, Hervey Bay Airport Redevelopment, and Wondunna Mixed-Use Development (MCU22/0103). The following details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Booral remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Booral's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services. The unemployment rate in Booral was 4.8% as of December 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%. Residents' unemployment rate is 0.8% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, with workforce participation at 59.0%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Only 9.5% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction employment share is 1.5 times the regional level. Professional & technical services have limited presence at 2.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 5.1%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, with fewer working residents than locals. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5% while unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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.

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 latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below the national average. Regional Qld's median income was $53,146 with an average income of $66,593 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Booral would be approximately $50,848 (median) and $63,931 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows household income ranks at the 29th percentile ($1,412 weekly), while personal income sits at the 10th percentile. In Booral, 34.5% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which aligns with regional levels where this cohort represents 31.7%. After housing expenses, 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 compares to Regional Qld's 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 Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Booral was $335, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Booral's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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, which is larger than the Regional Qld 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 46.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (36.9%). Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including secondary (9.9%), primary (9.0%), and tertiary education (1.4%).

Educational participation is notably 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low, with approximately 50% of Booral's total population (~913 people) having it, compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.7% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 10.6%). However, 59.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age individuals in Booral face substantial health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (21.5%, or 393 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. While national rankings for senior health outcomes are broadly similar to the general population, some challenges exist.

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. The dominant religion in Booral is Christianity, comprising 45.6% of the population. Buddhism, however, is overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to 1.1% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (35.4%), Australian (29.1%), and Scottish (6.8%). Notably, German (5.9%) and Dutch (1.8%) are overrepresented in Booral compared to regional averages of 4.7% and 1.1%, respectively. New Zealanders also show a slight overrepresentation at 1.0%.

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

Booral's median age is 46 years, which 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 (15.7%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (10.4%). In the period from the 2021 Census to present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.6% to 13.9%, while the 25-34 cohort has risen from 8.9% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 17.4% to 15.7% and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 12.4% to 10.8%. By 2041, Booral's population is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 41%, adding 84 people and reaching a total of 289 from the current figure of 204. The 15-24 age group, however, shows no growth, with an increase of 0 residents.