Bucasia

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

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Bucasia's estimated population is around 5,242 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 327 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,915. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 5,153 residents following examination of ABS' ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of six new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 480 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Bucasia has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, though all drivers including overseas and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of locations outside capital cities by 2041, with Bucasia expected to increase by 1,781 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 34.2% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Bucasia when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Bucasia has recorded around 10 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 54 homes were approved, with another 19 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 7.1 new residents arriving per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

Consequently, demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value for new homes is around $437,000. In terms of commercial development activity, $823,000 in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bucasia has approximately two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 43rd percentile nationally when assessed for areas with more limited choices for buyers.

This supports demand for existing dwellings but also reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development in Bucasia has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining its traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is around 385 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bucasia is forecasted to gain approximately 1,791 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bucasia has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting this region. Key initiatives include Royal Sands Mackay Estate, Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road Intersection Upgrade, Bucasia 186 Homes and Childcare Centre, Reed Street Extension (Norwood Parade/Reed Street Connection). Below 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 analysis reveals Bucasia significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Bucasia has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.9% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of that date, 2,986 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Bucasia was 75.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 4.4% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, mining, and retail trade.

Mining had a particularly strong presence with an employment share 3.9 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.7%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.3% and labour force increased by 4.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Bucasia. These projections estimate local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific growth rates against Bucasia's employment mix.

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

The suburb of Bucasia had a median taxpayer income of $58,215 and an average income of $70,199 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest approximately $63,984 (median) and $77,156 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that incomes in Bucasia cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 38.6% of the community (2,023 individuals) falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses.

Bucasia is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Bucasia's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.2% houses and 8.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bucasia was at 23.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.2% and rented ones at 32.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,666, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Bucasia was $380, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Bucasia's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,666 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 compared to the national figure of $375.

Bucasia features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.1% of all households, including 36.8% couples with children, 27.3% couples without children, and 14.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 20.9%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (38.2%).

Educational participation is high at 35.6%, with 13.9% in primary education, 11.5% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bucasia has 18 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by one route, offering a total of 49 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents living an average of 272 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Bucasia's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant transport mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, above the regional average.

Only 4.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 7 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Bucasia are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Bucasia's health indicators show below-average outcomes, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~2,884 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.1 and 8.1% of residents respectively. 71.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 12.1% of residents aged 65 and over (634 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Bucasia had a cultural diversity level below average, with 84.8% of its residents being citizens and 84.8% born in Australia. English was the language spoken at home by 95.7%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.6%.

Judaism was not represented in Bucasia's population (0.0%), compared to 0.1% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.3%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (8.2%). Notable differences existed for New Zealand (1.0% vs regional 0.9%), German (4.6% vs 4.7%), and Maori (0.8% vs 0.8%).

Bucasia's population is younger than the national pattern

Bucasia has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Bucasia has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort (15.6%) and an under-representation of the 65-74 year-olds (7.6%). Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 13.7% to 15.6%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 2.7% to 4.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 13.4%. Demographic modeling suggests Bucasia's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 400 people (49%), growing from 817 to 1,218.