Booval

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Booval is around 2,925 people. This reflects an increase of 202 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,723 people. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of the ABS ERP data release from June 2024 and address validation since the Census date, is 2,917 people. This results in a density ratio of 1,720 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Booval's population growth of 7.4% since the census places it within 1.5 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia figures for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. Post-2032 and for areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Considering these projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for Booval, with the area projected to grow by 652 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 20.4% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Booval has seen around 4 new homes approved each year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 21 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY26.

On average, about 2.5 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating healthy demand which supports property values. New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $485,000. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Booval records markedly lower building activity, 87.0% below regional average per person, typically reinforcing demand and pricing for existing homes. However, construction activity has intensified recently. This activity is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 17.0% standalone homes and 83.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse housing options. The location has approximately 271 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth.

Future projections show Booval adding 597 residents by 2041, with current development rates potentially struggling to match population growth, heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. One major project identified by AreaSearch impacts the area: Riverstone Rise Estate. Key projects include Riverstone Rise Estate, Bundamba State Secondary College Redevelopment, Emerald Hill Estate Brassall, and Bundamba Creek Environmental Restoration & Linear Park. Most relevant projects are listed below.

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

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The labour market performance in Booval lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Booval has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate in June 2025 was 9.8%.

Over the past year, employment stability was relative. As of June 2025, 1,204 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 5.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 48.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key employment industries for Booval residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share 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 was 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, while labour force decreased by 0.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Booval's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

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

Booval's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $44,564. The average income for the same period was $49,209. This is lower than national averages. Greater Brisbane, however, had a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520 during the same year. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Booval's median income would be approximately $50,799 and the average would be around $56,093 as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Booval fall between the 3rd and 11th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest income segment comprises 28.9% earning $400 - $799 weekly (845 residents). This contrasts with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 33.3%. The concentration of 41.0% in sub-$800 weekly brackets indicates economic challenges for a significant portion of Booval's community. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.1% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Booval's dwelling structures, 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 21.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.0% and rented ones at 53.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Booval was $1,300, significantly lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,517 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Booval was $265, substantially below Brisbane metro's $300 and 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 are the most prevalent, accounting for 50.8% of all households. They consist of 14.7% couples with children, 18.9% couples without children, and 15.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 49.2%, with lone person households making up 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 prominent, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 8.7% and certificates make up 27.9%. Educational participation is high at 26.6%, including 9.0% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Sacred Heart School in Booval has an enrollment of 540 students and offers local educational services. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. It demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1024) with balanced educational opportunities.

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

The analysis of public transport in Booval shows that there are 19 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 52 individual routes, which collectively provide 2,284 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located an average of 207 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 326 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 120 weekly trips per individual 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 conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover in Booval is low at approximately 47%, covering around 1,366 people, compared to Greater Brisbane's 49.9% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 15.6% and 11.3% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 51.4% of residents 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 620 people falling into this age group, compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.3%. The health outcomes among seniors generally align with the broader 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 was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 86.2% of its population being Australian citizens, 84.6% born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Booval is Christianity, comprising 51.6% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.2% compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.6%), Australian (26.2%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, German (6.4%) is equally represented compared to the regional average of 6.4%, Samoan (0.9%) is also similarly represented at 0.9%, and Scottish (9.2%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 7.7%.

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

The median age in Booval is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, and also older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 11.3% of Booval's population, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Brisbane. Conversely, the 5-14 age group makes up 8.8% of Booval's population, which is less prevalent than in Greater Brisbane. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.8% to 11.5%, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 10.1% to 8.8%. Population forecasts for Booval in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 74%, reaching 347 people from 198, leading the demographic shift. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting Booval's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.