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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Bucasia is estimated at around 5,118 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 203 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,915 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,057 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 469 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bucasia's 4.1% growth since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 59.0% 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 and 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of locations outside of capital cities is forecast, with Bucasia expected to increase by 1,641 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 30.9% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bucasia recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bucasia recorded approximately 11 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 57 homes were approved, with an additional 26 approved so far in FY-26. This results in a significant demand exceeding new supply, which typically drives price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average value of new homes constructed over this period was $437,000. In terms of commercial development, Bucasia has registered $823,000 in approvals this financial year, indicating minimal activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bucasia has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks at the 46th percentile nationally. This limited supply supports demand for existing dwellings but may also suggest possible planning constraints due to its below-average national level of development activity.

Recent development in Bucasia has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining its traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The area currently has an estimated 353 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet and low-activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Bucasia will gain approximately 1,580 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Bucasia has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones are Royal Sands Mackay Estate, Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road Intersection Upgrade, Bucasia 186 Homes and Childcare Centre, and Reed Street Extension (Norwood Parade/Reed Street Connection). 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Bucasia well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Bucasia has a diverse workforce with balanced white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% as of December 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 3.2% over the past year.

The area's unemployment rate is below Regional Qld's at 1.0%, with workforce participation higher at 72.4%. Only 4.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 impacts may have affected this figure. Key industries include health care & social assistance, mining, and retail trade. Mining is particularly prominent, with employment share at 3.9 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, at 0.7% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, labour force by 4.0%, raising unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of 0.7% employment growth, 1.0% labour force expansion, and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bucasia's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations not accounting for localized population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Bucasia is $58,215 and the average is $70,199 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is slightly above the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) in Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $64,828 (median) and $78,174 (average). Census data shows that incomes in Bucasia cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Incomes between $1,500 - 2,999 capture 38.6% of the community (1,975 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region at 31.7%. After housing expenses, 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

Dwelling structure in Bucasia, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 91.2% houses and 8.7% other dwellings. In Regional Qld, this was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bucasia stood at 23.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.2% and rented ones at 32.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,666, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $380, against Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Bucasia's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 20.9%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Regional Queensland 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 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, with 35.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.9% in primary, 11.5% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 272 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Bucasia being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

Only 4.4% of residents work from home, as recorded in the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 7 trips per day, resulting in approximately 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 shows below-average health indicators based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average for both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 55%, compared to 52.5% across Regional Queensland, affecting around 2,815 people in total. The most common conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.1% and 8.1% of residents respectively. 71.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Queensland. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. There are 12.8% seniors aged 65 and over (655 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Queensland. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for 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, surveyed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 84.8% citizens, 84.8% born in Australia, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated at 45.6%, while Judaism was underrepresented at 0%. Ancestry-wise, English (31.3%) and Australian (27.3%) were top, followed by Irish (8.2%).

Notable differences included New Zealand's overrepresentation at 1.0% compared to regional 0.9%.

Bucasia's population is younger than the national pattern

Bucasia has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Regional Queensland figure of 41 and Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Bucasia at 14.6%, compared to the Regional Queensland average. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 7.8%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 2.7% to 4.5% of Bucasia's population, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 6.7% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 16.8% to 13.8%, and the 35-44 age group dropped from 14.8% to 13.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Bucasia's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 345 people (46%), growing from 747 to 1,093.