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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Booral (Qld) as of Feb 2026 is around 1,974. This reflects an increase of 338 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,636 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 1,714 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 57 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 70 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 20.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for areas not covered by this data and years post-2032. Moving forward with demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 694 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 40.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Booral has experienced approximately 23 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 117 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved in FY-26 so far. This results in an average of 5.6 new residents per year for every home built during these years.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which can exert upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $434,000. In the current financial year, commercial approvals totaling $1.1 million have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Booral has similar development levels per capita, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

This is notably higher than the national average, indicating strong developer interest in the area. New building activity comprises approximately 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With around 77 people per approval, Booral reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Booral is projected to gain 808 residents by 2041. If current development patterns continue, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favorable 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has 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.

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.

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

Booral has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and estimated employment growth of 9.8% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, there are 1,083 employed residents, with an unemployment rate matching Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 76.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

Only 9.5% of residents work from home (Census data). Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has a strong presence with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Professional & technical services have limited representation at 2.5%, compared to the regional 5.1%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 9.8% and labour force grew by 10.4%, leading to a slight unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). In comparison, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Booral's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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 was below the national average, with Rest of Qld's median income being $53,146 and average income being $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $50,186 for median income and $63,098 for average income as of September 2025. Census data shows household income ranks at the 29th percentile with a weekly income of $1,412, while personal income is at the 10th percentile. In Booral, 34.5% of the population (681 individuals) have incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, which aligns with regional levels where this cohort also 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

Booral's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro 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 Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $335, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Booral's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 versus Australia's 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 account for 81.3% of all households, consisting of 33.2% couples with children, 35.2% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.7%, including lone person households at 15.8% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of 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 the Australian 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 prevalent, with 46.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (36.9%). Educational participation is high at 25.2%, with 9.9% in secondary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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 cohorts. Only approximately 50% (~986 people) of Booral's total population has private health cover, which is lower than the Rest of Qld average of 52.5%, and below the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (10.6%). Conversely, 59.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Booral has a higher proportion of seniors, with 22.1% (436 people) aged 65 and over, compared to the Rest of Qld average of 20.4%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally 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. The dominant religion in Booral is Christianity, comprising 45.6% of the population. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented in Booral with 1.2%, compared to 1.1% across Rest of Qld.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English at 35.4%, Australian at 29.1%, and Scottish at 6.8%. There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German is overrepresented at 5.9%, Dutch at 1.8%, and New Zealand at 1.0% compared to regional averages.

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

Booral's median age of 46 years is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Booral has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 at 16.2%, but fewer residents aged 35-44 at 10.4%. This 55-64 concentration is notably higher than the national average of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of Booral's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 8.9% to 11.2%, while the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 11.6% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 12.4% to 10.2%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 14.3% to 12.5%. By 2041, Booral's population is expected to experience significant shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 61%, increasing from 221 people to 357.