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 Feb 2026, Booval's population is estimated at around 2911 people. This reflects an increase of 188 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2723 people. The current resident population estimate of 2899 by AreaSearch was inferred from the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1712 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Recent population growth in Booval was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 63% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends indicate a significant increase in Booval's top quartile of national statistical areas. By 2041, the suburb is forecast to increase by 642 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 21.6% 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, Booval averaged approximately 2 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years ending FY-25. This totals an estimated 12 homes. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded.

Between FY-21 and FY-25, on average 5.2 people moved to Booval for each dwelling built. This high demand-to-supply ratio typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $485,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Booval has significantly lower building activity, 93.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, development activity has increased recently. Nationally, Booval's level is also below average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity in Booval shows 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% attached dwellings. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a considerable shift from the current housing mix of 63.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 712 people per dwelling approval, Booval reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Booval is projected to add 630 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects are Riverstone Rise Estate, Bundamba State Secondary College Redevelopment, Emerald Hill Estate Brassall, and Bundamba Creek Environmental Restoration & Linear Park. 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Booval faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Booval has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 9.7%. As of December 2025, 1,266 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate was higher at 4.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Workforce participation was lower at 55.6% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%. Only 12.1% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have affected this figure. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area had a higher employment share in manufacturing at 1.5 times the regional level, but professional & technical jobs were less prevalent at 4.1% compared to the regional 8.9%.

There were 0.9 workers for each resident as of the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 9.7% and labour force by 6.7%, reducing the unemployment rate by 2.5 percentage points. This compares to Greater Brisbane where employment grew by 3.2%, labour force expanded by 3.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections based on Booval's employment mix suggest a growth of 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Booval's median income among taxpayers is $44,564. The average income in the suburb is $49,209. This is lower than national averages. In Greater Brisbane, the median income is $58,236 and the average is $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Booval's median income would be approximately $48,980 by September 2025, with an average of around $54,086. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Booval fall between the 3rd and 11th percentiles nationally. The largest segment of residents earns $400 - $799 weekly, comprising 28.9% (841 residents), unlike surrounding regions where 33.3% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. This concentration highlights economic challenges faced by 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 63.4% houses and 36.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Booval stood at 21.3%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (25.0%) or rented (53.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Booval was $265, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Booval's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 50.8 percent of all households, including 14.7 percent couples with children, 18.9 percent couples without children, and 15.3 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 49.2 percent, with lone person households at 44.2 percent and group households comprising 4.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, 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, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (27.9%). Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.0% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 4.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 routes, facilitating 1,992 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 207 meters to the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with outward commuting being common. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 82% of residents, while trains account for 9%. On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.1% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 284 trips per day, equating to around 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,359 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (15.6%) and asthma (11.3%), with 51.4% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age population health is notably challenged by high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors at 21.6%, or 628 people, compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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 (84.6%), and speaking English only at home (93.3%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.6% of Booval's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.6%), Australian (26.2%), and Irish (9.4%). German ancestry was notably higher than regional averages at 6.4%. Samoan ancestry remained consistent with regional levels at 0.9%, while Scottish ancestry was slightly higher at 9.2% compared to the regional average of 7.4%.

Booval hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Booval is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 14.0% of Booval's population, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 5-14 age group makes up 8.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.8% to 11.5%, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 10.1% to 8.5% and the 25 to 34 age group has dropped from 13.3% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for Booval in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 70%, reaching 351 people from 206. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 57% of total population growth, reflecting Booval's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.