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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Buddina has an estimated 4,511 residents, up from 4,236 at the 2021 Census — a change of 275 people, or 6.5%. Growth has averaged 1.4% a year over five years. 277 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 82.0% of that increase. That puts 2,313 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Drawing on ABS updates for surrounding regions alongside post-Census address verification by AreaSearch, the suburb of Buddina has an estimated population of 4,511 as of Aug 2026. This indicates an expansion of 275 people (6.5%) compared to the 2021 Census tally of 4,236 people. Such growth builds upon the ABS June 2025 ERP assessment of 4,490 residents as evaluated by AreaSearch, supplemented by 277 validated new addresses added following the Census. The suburb of Buddina maintains a population density of 2,313 persons per square kilometer, tracking higher than the national benchmarks compiled by AreaSearch.
Recording 6.5% growth since census, the suburb of Buddina sits within 2.9 percentage points of the Rest of Qld (9.4%), underscoring solid demographic expansion. Overseas migration served as the principal driver of local gains, generating roughly 82.0% of recent population additions. Population modelling by AreaSearch incorporates 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 figures pegged to a 2022 baseline. For areas omitted from this dataset or covering timeframes beyond 2032, figures rely on 2023 Queensland State Government SA2 forecasts based on 2021 benchmarks. Because these state figures omit age breakdowns, AreaSearch applies cohort weightings aligned with 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region forecasts (2022 base). Looking forward, the suburb of Buddina is projected to exceed the median regional growth across Australia, with aggregate SA2 modelling indicating an addition of 853 persons to 2041, representing a cumulative rise of 18.4% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
276 new dwellings have been approved in Buddina over the past five years, an average of 55 a year. That places the area in the 50th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 12 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 58 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 28% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 22, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Statistical area records processed by AreaSearch indicate that Buddina has maintained an approval pace of roughly 55 new homes annually, accumulating around 276 homes throughout the previous 5 financial years. Within FY-25 to date, 22 approvals have been documented. Historical ratios of 1 new residents per year per dwelling built across the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) suggest a balanced relationship between supply and demand that fosters stability, although this metric rose to 5.3 people per dwelling over the last 2 financial years, pointing to heightened interest and emerging capacity limits.
Newly approved residences carry an average construction cost of $1,804,000, underscoring developer emphasis on higher-end builds. Meanwhile, commercial project approvals reached $4.0 million this financial year, pointing to restrained activity in the commercial space. On a per-person scale, building activity in Buddina aligns with the Rest of Qld, sustaining local market balance even though construction velocity has tempered lately. This volume remains substantially above national averages, highlighting solid developer sentiment. Approvals comprise 28.0% detached dwellings against 72.0% attached dwellings. This orientation toward higher-density formats creates more accessible price points catering to downsizers, first-home buyers, and investors. It also marks a noticeable pivot from the standing stock (currently 69.0% houses), driven by site scarcity alongside evolving lifestyle and budget priorities. Recording roughly 252 people per dwelling approval, Buddina exhibits characteristics of an active development corridor. Projections indicate Buddina is slated to welcome 832 residents through to 2041 relative to the latest AreaSearch quarterly figures. Existing construction velocity appears sufficient to absorb projected tenant and buyer demand, fostering favourable conditions that could accommodate expansion beyond baseline population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Buddina
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 10 current infrastructure and development projects inside Buddina, worth an estimated $175 million. A further 84 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $32.6 billion. 30 are already under construction and 30 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Capital investments, planning schemes, and regional infrastructure play a major role in shaping local community performance. AreaSearch has pinpointed 7 projects anticipated to influence the immediate region. Prominent developments include The Point Buddina, Lowanna Beach Resort, Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, and The Beachfront Buddina, with the key initiatives outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
The Point Buddina
Neighbourhood shopping precinct on the Sunshine Coast with exposure to Nicklin Way, anchored by national brands including IGA, Hungry Jack's and Anytime Fitness. Completed August 2017. Approx. 18.5 million cars pass annually and there are around 2,500 homes in the catchment. Opposite the Mirvac-managed Kawana Shoppingworld.
203-205 Brisbane Road Mooloolaba
New residential apartment development in central Mooloolaba location along Brisbane Road corridor. Modern apartment living with convenient access to beach, retail and dining precincts
46 Brisbane Road Mooloolaba Development
Mid-rise residential development featuring 67 residences across 8 floors with 188 car spaces. Modern apartment living along the Brisbane Road corridor with convenient access to Mooloolaba Beach and commercial areas
1 Naroo Court Mooloolaba Development
New 8-floor apartment development with 17 residences in prime Mooloolaba location. Features modern residential living with contemporary design and quality finishes in heart of Mooloolaba tourism precinct
Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project
Major foreshore revitalisation project delivering beachfront parkland, new community facilities, and coastal protection works across four stages. Stage One Northern Parkland (1 hectare of revitalised parkland with boardwalk, playground and coastal pathways) was completed and opened in June 2022. Stage Two, comprising the Central Meeting Place and Southern Parkland Seawall, commenced major construction on 14 July 2025 and is anticipated to continue through 2026 with minor works completing in early 2027. Stage Two delivers 6,500 square metres of beachfront parkland, flowing ocean viewing decks, a covered pavilion, terraced seawall replacing the existing 1960s structure, Changing Places toilet facility, beach showers, all-abilities beach access ramp, and a broad accessible coastal pathway.The project has received more than $13.3 million in combined Australian and Queensland Government funding under the SEQ Liveability Fund. Contractor SEE Civil was appointed in May 2025. Future stages covering the remainder of the Southern Parkland and Central Parkland are yet to be funded or scheduled.
XO Projects Mooloolaba Resort Apartments
New resort apartments with 160 units featuring parametric design with three wings rotating on central axis. Innovative architectural approach to resort accommodation in prime Mooloolaba beachfront location
Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade
The Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade is a staged road upgrade widening Brisbane Road and Walan Street from two to four lanes between Culbara Street and Venning Street. The project improves traffic capacity, pedestrian and cyclist facilities, intersections, landscaping and public transport access. Construction remains underway with Sunshine Coast Council continuing to publish construction updates and community notifications. Official project information was updated during July 2026.
Kawana Health Precinct Expansion
Expansion of the Kawana Health Precinct to provide additional medical services and facilities to support the growing Sunshine Coast population.
2,397 residents of Buddina are employed, from a labour force of 2,461. Unemployment sits at 2.6%, with participation at 65.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Workforce data aggregated by AreaSearch indicates that Buddina possesses a qualified labour pool with strong representation across essential services and a low unemployment rate of 2.6%. As of March 2026, 2,397 residents are employed, while local unemployment sits 1.3% below the Regional Qld benchmark of 3.9%, alongside labour force participation matching the 64.2% recorded for Regional Qld. Census records show that 17.2% of workers operated from home, though pandemic restrictions during that period should be noted. Local workers are predominantly engaged across health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food.
Buddina shows notable concentration in construction, where local representation is 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.7% employment, compared to 4.5% across the broader region. A ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident recorded at the Census demonstrates an above-average volume of local employment positions. According to SALM and ABS statistical area metrics analysed by AreaSearch, the 12 months to March 2026 saw local labour supply shrink by 1.7% and total employment drop by 2.4%, pushing unemployment up by 0.6 percentage points. Over the identical timeframe, Regional Qld saw employment rise 0.1% and the labour force expand 0.3%, alongside a 0.1 percentage point increase in joblessness. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context on future labour demand for Buddina across five and ten-year horizons. Nationally, jobs are projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying widely by sector. Aligning these industry trends with the local job profile suggests employment in Buddina could rise by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years (a basic weighted projection for comparison that excludes localized population changes).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Buddina is $1,721 a week (about $89,000 a year), with median personal income at $858 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,037 a year against an average of $79,166. The average runs 44% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to postcode-level ATO records for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch, median taxpayer income in the suburb of Buddina is $55,037, while the average stands at $79,166. These figures sit well above national benchmarks and exceed the Regional Qld median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $61,289 (median) and $88,159 (average) as of March 2026. Across personal, family, and household levels, Census earnings sit near the 54th percentile nationally. The predominant weekly earnings category is $1,500 - 2,999, capturing 29.8% of residents (1,344 people), mirroring broader regional patterns where 31.7% fall into this bracket.
Housing costs exert considerable pressure, leaving 83.3% of income uncommitted to rank at the 48th percentile, while the SEIFA income score positions the area in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Buddina had 1,563 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 69% detached houses and 14% apartments. 29% are owned with a mortgage, 33% rented and 39% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $440 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 25.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 29.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the latest Census, the housing stock in Buddina was made up of 68.7% houses alongside 31.3% other dwellings (apartments, townhouses, and alternate formats), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings across Regional Qld. Outright home ownership reached 38.6%, substantially higher than Regional Qld, while 28.6% of properties were mortgaged and 32.8% were rented. Typical monthly mortgage payments were $2,167 compared to $1,655 across Regional Qld, and median weekly rent reached $440 against $345 regionally. On a nationwide basis, Buddina mortgage commitments comfortably surpass the Australian median of $1,863, with rental costs tracking well above the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Buddina counted 1,563 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,664 today, averaging 2.5 people each. 28% are couples with children, against 29% couples without children. 26% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the majority of living arrangements at 68.3% of all households, consisting of 28.5% couples without children, 28.2% couples with children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family arrangements make up 31.7%, including 25.6% lone person households and 6.3% group households. The median household occupancy is 2.5 people, aligning with the figure for Regional Qld.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
29.6% of adults in Buddina hold a university qualification, including 21.6% with a bachelor degree and 5.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 26.4% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 737 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,053 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area is prominent, with tertiary qualifications held by 29.6% of residents aged 15+, outperforming benchmarks for Rest of Qld (20.6%) and the wider SA3 area (23.6%). Bachelor degrees represent the largest tertiary cohort at 21.6%, alongside postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Technical education is also widespread, with vocational credentials held by 38.9% of residents aged 15+, consisting of certificates (26.4%) and advanced diplomas (12.5%). Student numbers are substantial, with 29.0% of the population actively enrolled in education. Within this cohort, primary schooling accounts for 10.8%, secondary attendance comprises 8.3%, and tertiary studies represent 5.1%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Buddina means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.3% of residents in Buddina report no long-term health condition. 4.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 58.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators in Buddina remain robust based on AreaSearch analysis of illness rates and mortality statistics, with low chronic condition rates observed across both younger and older residents. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is extensive, covering approximately 59% of the total population (2,642 people), compared with 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most widely reported conditions among residents are arthritis (8.6%) and mental health issues (7.0%), while 71.3% reported no long-term medical conditions, outperforming the Regional Qld rate of 67.6%. Working-age cohorts show solid overall health with minimal chronic illness. Seniors aged 65 and over account for 22.7% of residents (1,023 people), above the 20.3% observed regionally, with senior health rankings exceeding averages and aligning with broader national trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Buddina is largely Australian-born, at 80.9% of residents, with 5.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.7%) and Australian (25.8%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics in Buddina sit below wider averages, with citizens making up 86.0% of the population, 80.9% born in Australia, and 94.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 45.9% of people in Buddina. The most distinctive religious deviation appears in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the community compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld. Looking at parental lineage, the primary ancestries in Buddina comprise English (32.7%), Australian (25.8%), and Scottish (9.8%). Notable variations also emerge among other backgrounds, with New Zealand ancestry recording 1.1% in Buddina (compared to 0.9% regionally), South Australian ancestry at 0.7% (against 0.5%), and Welsh ancestry at 0.6% (relative to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Buddina is 43. 23.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution in Buddina aligns closely with Regional Qld, with the largest divergence across the four broad cohorts reaching only 2.8 percentage points. AreaSearch places the median age at 43 as at August 2026, identical to the 2021 Census and 2 years higher than the Regional Qld Census median of 41, while the national figure stood at 38 at that same Census. The proportion of residents aged 65+ has increased from 20.8% at the Census to an estimated 22.7%. Looking to 2041, individuals aged 25 - 44 are projected to experience the greatest growth, increasing by 348 (31%) to reach 1,485.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Buddina
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Oct 2025 about a year ago all 10 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Oct 2025. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 277 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,236 at the 2021 Census → 4,511 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL30407). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.