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, the suburb of Buddina's population is estimated at around 4,491 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 255 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,236 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,221, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 270 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,303 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Buddina's 6.0% growth since census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of the non-metro area (8.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 864 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a 14.9% increase in total over the 17 years.

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

Buddina averaged approximately 54 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 271 homes were approved, with another 6 so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.7 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built over these five years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices and potential population growth. The average construction value of new properties was approximately $1,097,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, there have been $630,000 in commercial approvals registered, reflecting Buddina's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Buddina has 15.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks at the 67th percentile nationally, showing strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist of 22.0% standalone homes and 78.0% townhouses or apartments, shifting from the current housing mix of 69.0% houses. This change reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Buddina has approximately 204 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Buddina is expected to grow by 668 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project - Stage 2, The Point Buddina, Lowanna Beach Resort, and The Beachfront Buddina.

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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In this month, 2,446 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.2 percentage points lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Buddina was similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among Buddina residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. Notably, construction employed 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 0.7% of local workers, lower than Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident, as recorded in the Census, indicated a higher level of employment opportunities compared to the norm. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Buddina's labour force decreased by 2.2% alongside a 1.8% decline in employment, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8%, the labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment increased by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggested potential future demand within Buddina. These projections estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Buddina's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Buddina's median income among taxpayers was $55,037 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $79,166 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Buddina's median income would be approximately $62,737 and average income around $90,241, based on a 13.99% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Buddina cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. The distribution shows that 29.8% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% fall into this bracket. 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

Buddina's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 68.7% houses and 31.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 70.4% houses and 29.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Buddina was at 38.6%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (28.6%) or rented (32.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Buddina was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Buddina was recorded at $440, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of $450. 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.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households at 6.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Qld.

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

The area's university qualification rates are higher than regional averages, with 29.6% of residents aged 15+ having such qualifications compared to the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. This exceeds the SA3 area rate of 23.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%).

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (26.4%). Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.8%), secondary education (8.3%), and tertiary education (5.1%). Buddina State School serves the area, enrolling 737 students as of a specific date. The school's ICSEA score is 1053, indicating above-average socio-educational conditions. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. The area has higher-than-average school capacity, with 16.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.2, suggesting it serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Buddina has two active public transport stops operating, both offering bus services. These stops are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 1529 weekly passenger trips. Transport access in Buddina is rated as limited, with residents on average being located 763 meters away from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 218 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 764 weekly trips per individual stop.

Buddina's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows Buddina residents have relatively positive health outcomes. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 59% of Buddina's total population (2,630 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.7% in the rest of Queensland. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6% and 7.0% of residents respectively. 71.3% of Buddina residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.2% in the rest of Queensland. Buddina has 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (938 people), lower than the 22.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Buddina's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.0% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (80.9%), and speaking English only at home (94.2%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Buddina, representing 45.9% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Buddina compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.1% of its population identifying as such.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (32.7%), Australian (25.8%), and Scottish (9.8%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: New Zealanders comprise 1.1% of Buddina's population compared to the regional average, South Africans make up 0.7%, and Welsh people account for 0.6%.

Buddina hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Buddina was close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years old at the time of the census, both figures being well above the Australian median of 38 years old. The 25-34 cohort was notably over-represented in Buddina with 13.5%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 5-14 year-olds were under-represented at 10.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 10.5% to 11.8%, while the 5-14 cohort declined from 11.8% to 10.2% and the 55-64 group decreased from 13.5% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for Buddina in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 241 people (40%), growing from 606 to 848 individuals. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.