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, the estimated population of Boyne Island as of Nov 2025 is around 5,073. This reflects an increase of 238 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,835. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,058 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 4 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 4.9% growth since census positions it within 1.7 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. 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 released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected. The area is expected to increase by 592 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Boyne Island has seen approximately 24 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 123 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 1.9 new residents annually over these years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings was $469,000, aligning with regional trends. This year has seen $66,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Boyne Island records 51.0% more construction activity per person. The new development consists of 48.0% standalone homes and 52.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses at 88.0%, reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Boyne Island has approximately 146 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Future projections estimate an addition of 600 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Boyne Island has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the region. Key projects include Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre, Riverstone Rise, Tannum Sands Priority Development Area, and Hughes Road Battery Energy Storage System. Details about these projects can be found below.

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 Boyne Island exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Boyne Island has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector stands out in terms of representation.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.8% over the past year. There are 2,894 residents employed, with an unemployment rate that is 0.7% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Boyne Island is higher at 64.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Major employment sectors are manufacturing, construction, and health care & social assistance.

Manufacturing has a significant presence with an employment share 3.5 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 12.1% compared to the regional 16.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, while labour force increased by 5.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Boyne Island's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Boyne Island's median income among taxpayers is $61,936, with an average of $76,562. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $70,601 (median) and $87,273 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Boyne Island cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate 33.9% of the community (1,719 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Boyne Island was 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 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 24.0% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Qld.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 47.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 38.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.5% in primary, 9.2% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education. Boyne Island State School serves the area, with an enrollment of 385 students as of the latest data. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 7.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 18.2, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 13 active transport stops in Boyne Island, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by one route collectively offering 60 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated limited with residents typically located 613 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 8 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence rates of common health conditions.

The private health cover rate is notably high at approximately 58% (~2,919 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.9% and 7.3% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 72.4%, report having no medical ailments, compared to 69.4% in the rest of Queensland. As of 2021, 16.1% of Boyne Island's population is aged 65 and over (816 people). Health outcomes among seniors align with those of the general population, indicating above-average health profiles across all age groups.

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, as per the data, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. Its population composition was predominantly Australian citizens, with 88.3% holding citizenship, and 86.1% having been born in Australia. The language spoken primarily at home was English, at 96.4%.

Christianity emerged as the prevalent religion, comprising 44.4% of Boyne Island's population. Notably, Judaism, while still a minority, was overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.1% of Boyne Island's population identifying as Jewish (compared to 0%). Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English at 31.6%, Australian at 31.2%, and Scottish at 8.0%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences in representation: Maori was overrepresented at 1.3% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, South African at 0.8% versus a regional average of 0.6%, and German at 5.1%, matching the regional average exactly.

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

Boyne Island's median age is 37 years, which is significantly below the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 0-4 cohort is notably over-represented at 7.6% locally, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 4.8%. Following the census conducted on 28 August 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 9.1% to 10.3%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.7% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 15.7% to 13.7%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.6% to 11.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Boyne Island's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 cohort showing the strongest projected growth of 27%, adding 171 residents to reach 806. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 52% of anticipated population growth. However, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts.