Booval

An assessment of population growth drivers in Booval reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Booval's population is estimated at around 2,904 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 181 people (6.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,723 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,899, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,708 persons per square kilometer, which is above average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilized, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Booval (SA2), expected to grow by 651 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 21.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Booval according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Booval has seen approximately 2 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 10 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26.

This results in about 5.3 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years. Consequently, demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is $485,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Booval records markedly lower building activity, 94.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, although it remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, representing a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 63.0% houses.

This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. The location has approximately 711 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Booval will gain 617 residents through to 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

The performance of an area can greatly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified one major project that is expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Riverstone Rise Estate, Bundamba State Secondary College Redevelopment, Emerald Hill Estate Brassall, and Bundamba Creek Environmental Restoration & Linear Park. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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 drivers in Booval are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Booval has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 9.5%, and a 4.8% employment growth in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, 1,221 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.5%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%.

Workforce participation is lower at 48.3% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing is particularly strong, with a share of employment 1.5 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 4.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 8.9%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.8% and labour force by 2.5%, reducing unemployment by 2.0 percentage points (AreaSearch data). In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and a 0.5 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% between November 2024 and November 2025, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts (May 2025) project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Booval's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.1% in five years and 12.9% in ten years, although these are simple extrapolations not accounting for population changes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Booval is $44,564 and the average is $49,209. These figures are based on postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, the median income is higher at $58,236 with an average of $72,799 in Greater Brisbane. By September 2025, these incomes would have grown to approximately $48,980 (median) and $54,086 (average), according to a 9.91% increase since the financial year 2023. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Booval all fall between the 3rd and 11th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $400 - $799 captures 28.9% of Booval's community, with 839 individuals, while the metropolitan region leads with the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket at 33.3%. Economic circumstances indicate financial pressure, with 41.0% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Booval displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Booval, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.4% houses and 36.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Booval was at 21.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (25.0%) or rented (53.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in Booval was recorded at $265, compared to Brisbane metro's $300. Nationally, Booval's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Booval features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 50.8% of all households, including 14.7% couples with children, 18.9% couples without children, and 15.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 49.2%, with lone person households at 44.2% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Booval shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 16.4%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.6% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 27.9%. Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.0% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Booval has 19 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 61 individual routes, collectively providing 1,992 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 207 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 284 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 104 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Booval is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Booval faces significant health challenges, with various health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover in Booval is extremely low at approximately 47%, covering around 1,356 people, compared to 50.5% across Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 15.6% and 11.3% of residents respectively, while 51.4% report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.2% in Greater Brisbane.

Booval has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.2%, with around 615 people falling into this age group, compared to 15.3% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

Booval ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Booval's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.2% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia on August 15th, 2016. English was spoken exclusively at home by 93.3%. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 51.6% of Booval's population as of June 2017.

Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.2%, compared to 0.1% in Greater Brisbane on August 1st, 2018. The top three ancestral groups were English (29.6%), Australian (26.2%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, German ancestry was equally represented at 6.4%, Samoan at 0.9%, and Scottish at 9.2%, compared to regional percentages of 6.4%, 0.9%, and 7.7% respectively.

Booval hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Booval is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 11.3% of Booval's population, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 8.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.8% to 11.5%, and the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 10.1% to 8.8%. By 2041, Booval's population is forecasted to undergo substantial demographic changes. Notably, the 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 76%, adding 150 people and reaching a total of 348 from 197. The combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting Booval's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.