Boyne Island

An assessment of population growth drivers in Boyne Island 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, Boyne Island's estimated population as of Nov 2025 is around 5,058. This reflects an increase of 223 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,835. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,047 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional four validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 110 persons per square kilometer. Boyne Island's 4.6% growth since census positions it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA4 region, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 38.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the Boyne Island statistical area (Lv2) expected to increase by 595 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.2% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Boyne Island when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Boyne Island has seen approximately 23 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 119 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY-26.

The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over this period is approximately 1.9. This suggests a balanced market with stable conditions. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $469,000, which is slightly above the regional average. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Boyne Island has seen around 46.0% more development per person over the past five years. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values.

New development consists of approximately 43.0% standalone homes and 57.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently around 88.0% houses. Boyne Island shows characteristics of a low density area with approximately 146 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Boyne Island is forecasted to gain around 618 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Boyne Island has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to impact the area: Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre, Riverstone Rise, Tannum Sands Priority Development Area, and Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System. These are the key projects with potential relevance detailed below.

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

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The employment environment in Boyne Island shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Boyne Island's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with a low unemployment rate of 3.1% and employment growth of 1.1% in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, 2856 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 64.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include manufacturing, construction, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing is particularly strong, with a share of employment 3.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 12.1% versus the regional average of 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data. In the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, while labour force grew by 1.5%, raising unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted slightly by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Boyne Island's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Boyne Island's median income among taxpayers is $61,936. The average income in the suburb is $76,562. Nationally, this is high compared to Rest of Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $68,074 (median) and $84,149 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Boyne Island are around the 56th percentile nationally. The largest income segment consists of 33.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 1,714 residents falling into this category, reflecting regional patterns where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses.

Boyne Island is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Boyne Island's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Boyne Island stood at 26.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.4% and rented ones at 33.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,600. The median weekly rent in Boyne Island was $310, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $275. Nationally, Boyne Island's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $310 compared to the national figure of $375.

Boyne Island has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 73.5% of all households, including 31.3% couples with children, 29.8% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 24.0% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Queensland.

Educational outcomes in Boyne Island fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational credentials are common, with 47.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (38.3%). Educational participation is high, with 31.6% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (13.5%), secondary education (9.2%), and tertiary education (3.0%).

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

Boyne Island has 13 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses operating along one route. This route provides 60 weekly passenger trips in total.

The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically living 613 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 8 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Boyne Island is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Boyne Island shows superior health results with both younger and older age groups experiencing low occurrences of common health issues.

Approximately 58% (~2,910 individuals) have private health insurance, which is notably high. Mental health problems and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.9 and 7.3% of residents respectively. Notably, 72.4% report being free from medical ailments compared to 69.4% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a senior population (aged 65 and over) of 16.1% (814 individuals). Health outcomes among seniors are commendable, largely mirroring the overall population's health profile.

Boyne Island is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Boyne Island, surveyed in August 2016, showed cultural diversity levels below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (88.3%), born in Australia (86.1%), and speaking English only at home (96.4%). Christianity was the most prevalent religion, accounting for 44.4% of residents.

Notably, Judaism, which had no representation regionally, comprised 0.1% of Boyne Island's population. In terms of ancestry, English (31.6%) and Australian (31.2%) were the top two groups, followed by Scottish at 8.0%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences compared to regional averages: Maori was overrepresented at 1.3% (vs 0.8%), South African at 0.8% (vs 0.6%), and German at 5.1% (vs 5.1%).

Boyne Island's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Boyne Island's median age is 37 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Boyne Island has a notably over-represented 0-4 cohort (7.6%) and an under-represented 75-84 year-old group (4.8%). Post the 2021 Census, the 65-74 age group grew from 9.1% to 10.3%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.7% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 15.7% to 13.7%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.6% to 11.9%. By 2041, Boyne Island's age profile is projected to evolve significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 28%, adding 174 residents to reach 807. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 51% of anticipated growth. However, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.