Buderim

Population growth drivers in Buderim are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the Census, the suburb of Buderim had an estimated population of around 32,927 as of May 2026. This figure represents a rise of 1,497 individuals (4.8%) compared to the 2021 Census count of 31,430 residents. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 32,880, derived from examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 375 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,076 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages observed across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for population growth in the suburb was interstate migration, contributing nearly 57% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, it is noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings consistent with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated for the suburb. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to grow by 3,389 persons to reach approximately 36,316 residents by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of around 10.2% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Buderim among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Buderim had around 170 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 853 homes. As of FY-26, 40 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling brought in about 2.1 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25. New homes were built at an average construction cost value of $697,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

This year, commercial approvals totalled $35.6 million. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Buderim had 11.0% more development per person over the past five years. New development consisted of 72.0% detached dwellings and 28.0% townhouses or apartments.

With around 209 people per dwelling approval, Buderim is considered a low density area. By 2041, Buderim's population is forecasted to increase by 3,342 residents. Current development rates should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified a total of 41 projects likely to impact the area, significantly influencing its performance. Notable projects include Unitywater Infrastructure Program from 2023 to 2027, Power Road Buderim Residential Development, Mooloolaba to University Active Transport Corridor, and Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre. 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 Buderim well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Buderim has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 16,649 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is lower at 62.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 19.2% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.8%.

Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.8% and employment by 3.7%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimate that Buderim's employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on its industry mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Buderim had a median income among taxpayers of $49,353 and an average income of $69,348 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are slightly above national averages for Regional Qld, which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By March 2026, estimates suggest these incomes will have increased to approximately $54,960 (median) and $77,226 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census figures show that household, family, and personal incomes in Buderim rank modestly, between the 48th and 49th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 30.9% of residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (10,174 residents), which aligns with the broader area where this cohort also represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Buderim, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Buderim is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Buderim, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 73.4% houses and 26.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Buderim stood at 40.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 22.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Buderim was recorded at $450, compared to Regional Qld's $375. Nationally, Buderim's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Buderim has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 73.0% of all households, including 29.9% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 23.9% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Regional Queensland average.

Educational achievement in Buderim places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Buderim is notable with 31.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing the broader benchmarks of 20.6% in Rest of Qld and 24.9% in SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 23.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.4% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 5.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Buderim has 77 active public transport stops, all providing bus services. These are served by six different routes that together facilitate 705 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 347 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, with car being the dominant mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 19.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 100 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately nine weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Buderim is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Buderim shows superior health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 55% (~18,004 people) have private health cover, higher than Regional Qld's 52.5%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.8%) and mental health issues (7.3%), with 67.6% reporting no medical ailments, similar to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.6% (8,100 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Buderim records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Buderim's cultural diversity aligns with the broader region, with 75.2% of residents born in Australia, 87.6% being citizens, and 93.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 50.7%. While Judaism's representation is similar to the regional average (0.1%), Scottish ancestry is notably higher at 9.5%, compared to 7.8% regionally.

New Zealand and South Australian ancestries also show slight increases, at 1.1% and 0.9% respectively, versus 0.9% and 0.5%.

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

Buderim's median age is 46 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Queensland's 41 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Buderim has a higher proportion of residents aged 85 and above (4.4%) but fewer residents aged 25 to 34 (9.8%). Between the censuses of 2021 and 2026, the population aged 35 to 44 grew from 11.4% to 12.2%, while the population aged 65 to 74 declined from 12.6% to 11.3%. By 2041, Buderim's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85 and above group is projected to grow by 70%, increasing from 1,448 people in 2026 to 2,469 people in 2041. Conversely, the populations aged 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 are expected to decline.