Suburb profile · Rest of Qld
Bowen has an estimated 12,706 residents, up 13.4% since the 2021 Census, with 11 projects tracked in Bowen.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Order a reportDraw your own catchment
You are viewing the free Snapshot. Dashboard puts rankings, rents, projects and services on one screen, and Full adds every chapter with charts and maps. Dashboard and Full are included with AreaSearch Operator and Pro, or unlocked by the area's Area Expert. You need to log in to open them.
Free with an AreaSearch account. Pro is not needed.Free. Built in your browser.
01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Located 959 kilometres north-northwest from Brisbane CBD, the suburb of Bowen has an estimated population of around 12,706 as of Aug 2026. This latest demographic evaluation by AreaSearch synthesises annual aggregated SA2-level Estimated Resident Population (ERP) figures alongside quarterly updates from national address files. Since the 2021 Census recorded 11,205 people, the community has expanded by 1,501 people (13.4%), reflecting a pattern of moderate expansion. Residents in the area are somewhat older than the typical Australian community, recording a median age of 42, while family structures feature an above-average number of children per family.
Bowen's socioeconomic profile is shaped by lower-quartile income levels and generally lower educational attainment, alongside an above-average renting population. The local employment landscape exhibits diverse specialisations, characterised by elevated agricultural employment, a notable logistics and transport base, a substantial administrative employment focus, and a pronounced mining presence.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 9,864 in 2006 and 12,645 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 12,706 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 25 to 34, 14.4%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 28.6%.
Bowen ranks in the 79th percentile nationally for infrastructure drivers and the 77th for development activity.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Bowen is $520 a week, up 4.5% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 19% below Regional Qld.
19% below Regional Qld on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses (solid line): $303 in 2017, $618 in 2026; Units (dashed orange line): $239 in 2017, $357 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Some rents are estimated from nearby areas.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $520 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +4.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, houses | $618 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +7.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $357 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +2.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional Qld | $640 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Regional Qld, over 12 months | +6.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, QLD | $632 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, QLD, over 12 months | +7.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 8 tracked applications: 0 approved, 0 under assessment, 8 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
Add retailers, health, schools and development applications around Bowen, then export the list.
The map builder can plot
AreaSearch tracks 11 projects in Bowen (2 under construction) and 40 more in the surrounding area.
The Bowen Pipeline Project is a proposed underground water pipeline, reported at 182 km, to supply up to 100,000 ML of water a year from…
Restoration of the heritage-listed Bowen Courthouse to address major structural deterioration including termite and moisture damage.
Whitsunday Paradise is a 1.1 billion dollar master-planned coastal community in Bowen.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation is replacing the 150-year-old Bowen Wharf with a modern, purpose-built public jetty.
Economic Development Queensland's Bowen Industrial Estate provides industrial land for sale and lease between Townsville and Mackay, about…
Australia's first commercial orbital launch facility, developed and operated by Gilmour Space Technologies.
Comprehensive upgrades to tourism infrastructure including visitor information centres, parking facilities, signage, and public amenities…
HyNQ is a large-scale integrated green hydrogen and ammonia export project within the Abbot Point State Development Area near Bowen[cite…
Construction of a new rural fire brigade station to enhance public safety and disaster response capabilities in the Abbot Point area.
Development of a long-term strategic master plan for the Bowen State Boat Harbour to guide future infrastructure investment and…
Whitsunday Regional Council's adopted long-term master plan to revitalise the Bowen Foreshore, Boat Harbour, Bowen Jetty and surrounding…
Edenvale is a 102.2-hectare master planned community proposed by Alder Developments at Cannon Valley, fronting Shute Harbour Road and…
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 32 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2025 2, 2026 6, 2027 10, 2028 7, 2029 1, 2030 3, 2031 1, 2032 0, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 2. 7 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 8 substantial development applications lodged in and around Bowen over the period covered (about 1.5 years), 5 in the last 12 months. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2025 (part year) 5, 2026 (to Oct) 3.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 8 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, period covered (about 1.5 years) | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 5 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 3.4 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 44th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 40 | ABS building approvals | 52nd percentile nationally |
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the suburb of Bowen include: Bowen Pipeline Project (Under Assessment); Bowen Courthouse Restoration (Construction); Bowen Industrial Estate (Completed); Bowen State Boat Harbour Master Plan (Planning); and Bowen Wharf Replacement Project (Planning). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the suburb of Bowen spans multiple sectors including Environmental & Disaster Management, Ports, Marinas, Fisheries & Aquaculture, and Communities, Precincts & Urban Renewal, among others.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking positions Bowen among the top 23% of areas assessed nationwide.
Dwelling approval activity in the suburb of Bowen area has seen 95 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The suburb of Bowen's current population of 12,706 has been supported by 40 approvals on average over recent years.
The suburb of Bowen has seen 3.4 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 6.3 approvals in Regional Qld. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 263 people in the suburb of Bowen, compared to one for every 152 in Regional Qld.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the suburb of Bowen's approval levels have been significantly above the yearly average of 40, indicating strong recent growth in development activity.
Over the past five years, the population in the suburb of Bowen has grown by approximately 1,470 people, while 201 residential approvals were recorded. This equates to a ratio of 7.3 people added for each new dwelling approval. This high ratio suggests strong population growth relative to housing supply, potentially indicating unmet housing demand.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Population growth drivers in Bowen are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,706 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | +13.4% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 79th percentile nationally |
| Population density | 7 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 17th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | +2.5% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | +1.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 11,205 | 2021 Census | |
| Residents added since the 2021 Census | 1,501 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | +2.8% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | +2.0% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 1,796.27 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the suburb of Bowen was estimated to be approximately 12,706 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 12,645 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The suburb of Bowen has added approximately 1,501 people and shown a 13.40% increase from the 11,205 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the suburb of Bowen is estimated at 7 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the suburb of Bowen has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.7% per annum.
Population growth in the suburb of Bowen is driven by: Interstate migration (51.0%), Overseas migration (45.0%), Natural increase (4.0%). The primary driver is Interstate migration, contributing 51.0% of overall population gains.
Bowen's median age exceeds the national pattern.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 41 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 67th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 20.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 16.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 25.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 51.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 42 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 5.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 11.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 11.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 14.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 12.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 11.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 13.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 12.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 6.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 1.9% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the suburb of Bowen at 41 years as at August 2026. That is down from the 2021 Census figure of 42 years, with AreaSearch updating the age profile for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 41 years as at August 2026, Bowen is equal to the Regional Qld 2021 Census average and 3 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the suburb of Bowen compared to the Regional Qld region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 14.4% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the suburb of Bowen compared to the Regional Qld region is the 45 - 54 group, making up 11.0% of the population.
No, the age distribution in the suburb of Bowen is broadly in line with Regional Qld.
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 16.8% of the population in the suburb of Bowen as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 20.4% of the population in the suburb of Bowen as at August 2026.
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $52,288 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 22nd percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $69,037 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,343 | 2021 Census, weekly | 23rd percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $710 | 2021 Census, weekly | 30th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 16.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,780 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 31.9% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Bowen is approximately $56,006. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $52,288.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Bowen is approximately $73,946. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $69,037.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the suburb of Bowen is approximately $56,006 compared to $60,755 in Regional Qld. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $52,288 and $56,722 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the suburb of Bowen is approximately $73,946 compared to $76,631 in Regional Qld. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $69,037 and $71,544 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the suburb of Bowen's households (~28.6% / 1,156 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the suburb of Bowen is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 28.6% of households. In comparison, Regional Qld's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 31.7% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the suburb of Bowen is $1,343/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the suburb of Bowen is $1,780/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the suburb of Bowen is $710/wk.
The suburb of Bowen shows a median taxpayer income of $52,288 and an average of $69,037 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. This is just below the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $56,722 and average income of $71,544. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 7.11% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $56,006 (median) and $73,946 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the suburb of Bowen is $4,969 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The suburb of Bowen's disposable income is $4,969 compared to $5,480 for Regional Qld, based on AreaSearch analysis.
Bowen has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 61.9% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 6,172 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 11,320 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 6,516 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of March 2026, the suburb of Bowen has approximately 6,172 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 5.3%. The unemployment rate is moderate, indicating some available workforce capacity. Employment indicators are below the national average, suggesting room for improvement.
As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in the suburb of Bowen stands at 5.3%, which is 1.4 percentage points above Regional Qld's rate of 3.9%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the suburb of Bowen is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are agriculture, forestry & fishing (18.0% of employment), health care & social assistance (11.0%), and transport, postal & warehousing (8.9%). Other significant employers include retail trade and construction.
Over the past year to March 2026, the suburb of Bowen has experienced employment growth, with total employment increasing while the labour force increased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Regional Qld saw employment increased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the suburb of Bowen is 61.9%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate trailing the Regional Qld average of 64.2%, showing similar workforce dynamics to Regional Qld.
The suburb of Bowen shows notable specialisation in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which employs 18.0% of the local workforce compared to 4.5% across Regional Qld. With a local vs regional employment ratio of 4.0, this represents a significant industry cluster that likely serves markets beyond the local area. The area also shows above-average employment in 2 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
The long-run outlook for employment is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
The suburb of Bowen's employment market shows below-average performance in national comparisons. While employment opportunities exist, the area faces more challenges than many other regions. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 0.9% growth, ranking 20th out of 37 regions nationally.
Bowen faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 9.2% | 2021 Census | 10th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 1.7% | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 12.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 32.6% | 2021 Census | 87th percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 1.3% | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 8.1% | 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 47.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 29.5% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 1.8% | 2021 Census | 9th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 12.2% | 2021 Census | 82nd percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 10.0% | 2021 Census | 89th percentile nationally |
12.2% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Bowen have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in Regional Qld.
47.2% of people aged 15 and over in the suburb of Bowen have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.2% in Regional Qld.
The suburb of Bowen ranks in the 10th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the suburb of Bowen are: Certificate (32.6%), Bachelor Degree (9.2%), Advanced Diploma (8.1%).
29.5% of the population in the suburb of Bowen is currently engaged in formal education, including 12.2% in primary school, 10.0% in secondary school, 1.8% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the suburb of Bowen is 925, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 6 schools within the suburb of Bowen, with a combined enrollment of approximately 1,728 students.
The suburb of Bowen includes 4 primary schools, 2 secondary schools.
Bowen features high concentrations of group households and couples without children but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional Qld.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.4 people | 2021 Census | 41st percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 29.2% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 24.6% | 2021 Census | 30th percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 31.1% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 9.7% | 2021 Census | 40th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 4.3% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 4,046 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 4,588 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 66.5% | 2021 Census | 31st percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 1.9 per family | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the suburb of Bowen had 4,046 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has grown by approximately 13.4% to an estimated 4,588 households today.
The average household size in the suburb of Bowen is 2.4 people. This compares to 2.5 in Regional Qld and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 66.5% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (29.2%), group households (4.3%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 2,691 family households, couples with children account for 24.6% of all households, couples without children at home 31.1%, and single parent families 9.7%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional Qld, the suburb of Bowen shows distinct household patterns. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the suburb of Bowen have an average of 1.9 children, slightly above the Regional Qld average of 1.7. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 43.6% of the adult population are currently married, while 36.3% have never married. This compares to 45.1% married and 35.6% never married across Regional Qld.
Single-person households represent 29.2% of all households in the suburb of Bowen, similar to the average for Regional Qld of 25.6%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 4.3% of households, slightly above the Regional Qld average of 4.0%.
Bowen ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 16.2% | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 8.9% | 2021 Census | 39th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 91.1% | 2021 Census | 61st percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 82.3% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 83.8% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 7.1% | 2021 Census | 93rd percentile nationally |
Bowen was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.3% of its population being citizens, 83.8% born in Australia, and 91.1% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Bowen was found to be Christianity, which makes up 55.4% of people in Bowen. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bowen are Australian, comprising 29.3% of the population, English, comprising 27.2% of the population, and Other, comprising 7.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 7.1% of Bowen (vs 3.9% across Regional Qld), Samoan at 0.2% (vs 0.2%) and German at 4.0% (vs 4.7%).
16.2% of the suburb of Bowen population was born overseas, compared to 19.8% across Regional Qld.
8.9% of the population in the suburb of Bowen speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 9.6% in Regional Qld.
7.1% of the suburb of Bowen population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 3.9% in Regional Qld.
82.3% of the suburb of Bowen population holds citizenship, compared to 84.9% in Regional Qld.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Bowen is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 39.2% | 2021 Census | 76th percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 34.7% | 2021 Census | 54th percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 83.6% | 2021 Census | 45th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,500 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 28th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 26.1% | 2021 Census | 17th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 13.2% | 2021 Census | 67th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $270 | 2021 Census, weekly | 18th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 20.1% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 45th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 25.8% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 66th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.8 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 72nd percentile nationally |
In the suburb of Bowen, 34.7% of homes are owned outright, 26.1% are owned with a mortgage, and 39.2% are rented.
According to the latest data, 83.6% of dwellings in the suburb of Bowen are houses.
In the suburb of Bowen, 0.3% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 13.2% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the suburb of Bowen stands at 34.7%, compared to 33.4% in Regional Qld.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the suburb of Bowen is $1,500, compared to $1,655 in Regional Qld.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the suburb of Bowen is $850, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the suburb of Bowen, households with mortgages typically spend 25.8% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 20.1% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the suburb of Bowen is 0.8, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the suburb of Bowen shows mortgage holders spending 25.8% of income on repayments (vs 25.3% in Regional Qld), while renters spend 20.1% of income on rent (vs 22.9% in Regional Qld).
The dwelling mix in the suburb of Bowen consists of 83.6% detached houses, 13.2% semi-detached dwellings, 0.3% apartments, and 2.9% other dwelling types.
Housing in Bowen consumes approximately 14.6% of median household income ($5,815 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Recent development applications in Bowen show attached dwellings contributing 46% of approvals compared to 16% of existing stock, while detached houses represent 54% of applications versus 84% of current dwellings. This suggests increasing densification. Density increases remain below national trends.
Health performance in Bowen is lower than the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 52.7% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 43rd percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 66.7% | 2021 Census | 35th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 6.9% | 2021 Census | 74th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 75.1% | 2021 Census | 42nd percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 2.3% | 2021 Census | 84th percentile nationally |
Around 52.7% of people in the suburb of Bowen are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 53.3% in Regional Qld.
In the suburb of Bowen, 6.9% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.3% of people in Regional Qld require similar assistance.
7.5% of people in the suburb of Bowen are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 7.4% of the population across Regional Qld is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 4.9% of the suburb of Bowen population, while in Regional Qld, 4.2% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
4.3% of people in the suburb of Bowen have heart disease. Across Regional Qld,4.1% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the suburb of Bowen, 52.7% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional Qld sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 53.3%.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 31 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 31st percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 89 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 68th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 136 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 12th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 143 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 4 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.4 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 5.3% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 89 public transport stops within the suburb of Bowen.
The suburb of Bowen has 136 weekly trips across 4 routes, averaging 19 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 1007 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest school is 2.2 km away and the nearest child care centre 2.7 km.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 89 stops nearby, 136 weekly trips, access rating 31 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 16 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 16th percentile nationally |
| Nearest school | 2.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 2.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 3.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 3.3 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest shopping centre | 3.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 3.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 3.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest hospital | 3.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 3.6 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 3.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 99.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There are 3 long day care centres with 196 places in Bowen, about 3.4 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Bowen is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
More sectors are coming soon for suburbs and areas. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Bowen.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
AreaSearch's development drivers ranking positions Bowen among the top 23% of areas assessed nationwide.
Bowen ranks in the 79th percentile nationally for infrastructure.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Median rent in Bowen is $520 a week, +4.5% over 12 months to Jun 2026.
Population growth drivers in Bowen are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends.
Bowen's median age exceeds the national pattern.
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch.
Bowen has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks.
Bowen faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
Bowen features high concentrations of group households and couples without children but relatively few couples with children, with a smaller average household size than Regional Qld.
Bowen ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics.
Bowen is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Health performance in Bowen is lower than the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Bowen has an estimated 12,706 residents, up 13.4% since the 2021 Census, with 11 projects tracked in Bowen.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Bowen.
Data currency
Refreshed . Rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to Oct 2026. Housing, households and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL30342). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries (suburb-style geography). SAL represents commonly-known suburb names used in addresses, while Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census and statistical reporting. Even when sharing the same name, SAL and SA2 boundaries often cover different geographic areas with different populations.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (Oct 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing, households and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Bowen from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Bowen with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
