Buddina

Population growth drivers in Buddina 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, as of Feb 2026, Buddina's population is estimated at around 4,458. This reflects an increase of 222 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,236. The change was inferred from the resident population of 4,233 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 272 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,286 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for Buddina was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilized, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Examining future population trends, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with Buddina expected to expand by 833 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 15.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Buddina averaged around 48 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 244 homes were approved, with another 8 approved so far in FY-26. This averages to about 0.8 new residents per new home over the past five financial years.

New construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and potentially facilitating population growth. The average value of new properties under construction is $1,097,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, $4.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of Qld, Buddina has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 79th percentile of areas assessed, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity shows 27.0% detached dwellings and 73.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This is a significant change from the current housing mix (currently 69.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands. Buddina has around 143 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Buddina is expected to grow by 677 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project - Stage 2, The Point Buddina, Lowanna Beach Resort, and The Beachfront Buddina. Below is a list of those most likely to be 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.

Buddina ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Buddina has an educated workforce with high representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, Buddina has 2,364 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Buddina is similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 17.2% of Buddina's residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. Buddina has a strong specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Buddina's labour force decreased by 2.9%, with a 2.8% decline in employment, leading to a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Buddina's employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Buddina's employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Buddina's median income among taxpayers is $55,037. The average income in Buddina is $79,166. Nationally, the median income is lower at $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Buddina's median and average incomes are approximately $60,491 and $87,011 respectively by September 2025. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Buddina cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.8% of Buddina's community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (1,328 individuals), which aligns with the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Buddina, with only 83.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Buddina displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Buddina, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 68.7% houses and 31.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings in the same period. Home ownership level within Buddina was at 38.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.6% and rented dwellings at 32.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440. These figures were compared to Non-Metro Qld's averages of $1,655 for monthly repayments and $345 for weekly rents, as per data from 28 August 2016. Nationally, Buddina's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375, based on data from the same period.

Buddina features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 68.3% of all households, including 28.2% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 6.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the average for the Rest of Qld.

The educational profile of Buddina exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 29.6%, exceeding both the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 area average of 23.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 26.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.8% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Buddina has two operational public transport stops, served by seven different bus routes. These routes facilitate a total of 1,376 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to transport is limited, with an average distance of 763 meters to the nearest stop. Buddina is predominantly residential, and most commuters travel outward by car (91%), with cycling at 2%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 17.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes is 196 trips per day, equating to approximately 688 weekly trips per individual stop.

Buddina's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance throughout Buddina. AreaSearch's assessment shows low prevalence of common health conditions in both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (2611 people), compared to 52.5% across the rest of Queensland. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6% and 7.0% of residents respectively. Seventy-one point three percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (931 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Buddina ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Buddina, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 9 June 2009, exhibited a lower level of cultural diversity compared to regional averages. The population composition was predominantly Australian citizens at 86.0%, with 80.9% born in Australia and 94.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.9% of Buddina's population.

While Judaism's representation was not significantly different from regional averages (0.1%), notable overrepresentations were found among New Zealanders (1.1%, compared to 0.9% regionally), South Africans (0.7%, compared to 0.5%) and Welsh individuals (0.6%, compared to 0.5%). The top three ancestral groups based on parental country of birth were English at 32.7%, Australian at 25.8%, and Scottish at 9.8%.

Buddina hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Buddina is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 and well above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented in Buddina at 13.9%, compared to the Rest of Qld average. Meanwhile, the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.7%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 10.5% to 12.0%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 12.7% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 11.8% to 9.7%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 13.5% to 11.8%. Population forecasts for Buddina in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 220 people (36%), from 619 to 840, while the 15-24 cohort is projected to decline by 41 people.