Bowen

Population growth drivers in Bowen are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Bowen, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the 2021 Census, the suburb's population is estimated at around 12,604 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,399 people (12.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,205 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,442, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 95 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7.0 persons per square kilometer. Bowen's 12.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 51.0% 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. 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. 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national regional areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 2,885 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 21.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bowen has averaged around 44 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 220 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved in FY26 so far. This indicates a significant demand exceeding new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost of these dwellings is $992,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment. Commercial development approvals this financial year total $10.9 million, indicating balanced commercial activity.

New developments consist of 72% detached houses and 28% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Bowen's low-density character focused on family homes. With around 231 people per dwelling approval, Bowen has a developing market. Population forecasts suggest Bowen will gain 2,702 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Bowen has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to impact the area. Major initiatives include Bowen Pipeline Project, Bowen Industrial Estate Development, Bowen Courthouse Restoration, and Bowen Wharf Replacement Project. The following list 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.

Employment performance in Bowen exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Bowen has a diverse workforce with balanced white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2%.

As of June 2025, 5,949 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% lower than Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation is at 56.1%, below Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and transport, postal & warehousing. Bowen specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 4.0 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 11.0% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, while labour force decreased by 0.2%, reducing unemployment by 2.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, and an unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bowen's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.3% in five years and 11.7% in ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Bowen's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $48,066, with an average of $63,618, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly lower than the national average, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Bowen would be approximately $54,790 (median) and $72,518 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Bowen rank modestly, between the 23rd and 30th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 28.6% of residents (3,604 people), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at the 26th percentile nationally.

Bowen is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Bowen, as per the latest Census evaluation, 83.6% of dwellings were houses while 16.4% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had no recorded houses or other dwellings at the time of evaluation. Home ownership in Bowen stood at 34.7%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 26.1% and rented dwellings making up 39.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure in Bowen was $270, while Non-Metro Qld had no recorded figures for rent at the time of comparison. Nationally, Bowen's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bowen features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.4 people

Family households constitute 66.5% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people.

Bowen faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 8.1% and certificates at 32.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education. Bowen has a robust network of 6 schools educating approximately 1,728 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 925). Education provision is balanced with 4 primary and 2 secondary schools serving distinct age groups. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Bowen has 81 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by four routes that collectively offer 136 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically located 1009 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 19 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Bowen is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bowen faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts.

Its private health cover rate is approximately 52%, covering around 6,605 people, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.6% and 7.7% of residents respectively. Notably, 66.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of Queensland. Bowen has a higher proportion of older residents, with 19.8% aged 65 and over (2,495 people).

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

Bowen's population was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 82.3% being Australian citizens, 83.8% born in Australia, and 91.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Bowen, accounting for 55.4% of its population, compared to None% in the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.3%), English (27.2%), and Other (7.8%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups had higher representation in Bowen than regionally: Australian Aboriginal at 7.1%, Samoan at 0.2%, and German at 4.0%.

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

The median age in Bowen is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 and well above Australia's median of 38. Comparing Bowen with Rest of Qld, the 25-34 age group is notably over-represented at 14.2%, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 11.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.2%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 10.1% to 11.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.1% to 11.6%. Population forecasts for Bowen indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 558 people (31%), growing from 1,789 to 2,348. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is projected to decline by 31 people.