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 suburb of Bucasia's population is estimated at around 5,242 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 327 people (6.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,915 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,153, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 480 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bucasia's 6.7% growth since census positions it within 0.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.1%), 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 the suburb expected to increase by 1,727 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 31.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates 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 23 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 6.8 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new homes was $437,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $823,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in the area. Comparatively, Bucasia has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person when measured against the Rest of Qld.

Nationally, it ranks among the 46th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining Bucasia's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 359 people, reflecting the area's quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Bucasia will gain 1,638 residents by 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 has identified six projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are 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). 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 reveals Bucasia significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Bucasia has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% as of December 2025. There was an estimated employment growth of 4.6% in the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In Bucasia, 2,999 residents are employed and the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Regional Queensland's rate of 4%. Workforce participation stands at 75.1%, exceeding Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses in December 2025, only 4.4% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, mining, and retail trade.

Bucasia specializes strongly in mining with an employment share 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 appear limited based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 4.6% while labour force rose by 5.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. This compares with Regional Qld where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, 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. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bucasia's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

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 Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $63,984 (median) and $77,156 (average). Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Bucasia cluster around the 66th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 38.6% of the community (2,023 individuals) falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, 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

In Bucasia, as per the latest Census, 91.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is in contrast to Regional Qld's figures of 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 was $1,666, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Bucasia was $380, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Bucasia's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 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 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.

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 of which are bus stops. There is one route serving these stops, offering a total of 49 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Bucasia is rated as good, with residents located an average of 272 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.4% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 7 trips per day across all routes, 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's health indicators show below-average results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average for both younger and older age groups.

Common health conditions such as asthma and mental health issues affect 8.1% and 8.1% of residents respectively, while 71.5% report being free from medical ailments compared to 67.6% in Regional Queensland. Private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (around 2,884 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Queensland. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. The area has 12.2% of residents aged 65 and over (639 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 84.8% of its population being citizens, 84.8% born in Australia, and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.6% of Bucasia's population. Judaism, however, had no representation (0.0%), compared to Regional Qld's 0.1%.

The top three parental ancestry groups were English (31.3%), Australian (27.3%), and Irish (8.2%). Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.0% of Bucasia's population, Germans 4.6%, and Maori 0.8%, differing slightly from Regional Qld's figures at 0.9%, 4.7%, and 0.8% respectively.

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 marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, Bucasia has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort at 15.4%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 7.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.4% of the population, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 2.7% to 4.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 16.8% to 13.3%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Bucasia's age profile by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 374 people (46%), growing from 807 to 1,182.