Buderim

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Buderim is around 33,704, reflecting an increase of 2,274 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 7.2% growth from the previous population count of 31,430. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 33,256, based on examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 373 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,102 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Buderim has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming the Rest of Qld. Interstate migration contributed approximately 57% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected for Buderim by 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 4,142 persons over these 17 years, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 12.3%.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Buderim averaged around 170 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 851 homes were approved, with a further 31 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, each dwelling built resulted in an average of 2.8 new residents per year, indicating healthy demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $697,000, reflecting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year has seen $35.6 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Comparing Buderim's construction activity per person to the rest of Queensland shows comparable levels, supporting market stability inline with regional patterns.

Recent construction comprises 72.0% detached houses and 28.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited for buyers seeking space. With approximately 213 people per dwelling approval, there is room for growth in the location. Future projections estimate Buderim will add 4,154 residents by 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 43 projects likely to affect the area. Key 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 reveals Buderim significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Buderim has a highly educated workforce with essential services well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.9%. The area's unemployment rate is 2.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, with similar workforce participation rates at 65.7%.

According to Census responses, 19.2% of residents work from home. Leading industries include 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, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.8%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.7%, employment fell by 2.2%, causing unemployment to drop by 0.5 percentage points.

National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 14.6% over ten years for Buderim, based on industry-specific projections applied to its employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, the suburb of Buderim's median income among taxpayers is $49,353, with an average of $69,348. This is slightly above national averages, which are not specified in the text. Compared to Rest of Qld, Buderim's median income is higher at $53,146 and average is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,244 (median) and $76,220 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Buderim rank modestly, between the 48th and 48th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 30.9% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 band (10,414 individuals), which is similar to regional levels where 31.7% fall into this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Buderim, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile. The area'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

In Buderim, as per the latest Census evaluation, 73.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 26.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 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 in the area was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Buderim was recorded as $450, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Buderim's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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, aligning with the average for the Rest of Queensland.

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

Buderim's educational attainment is notably high, with 31.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 24.9% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.6%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.5% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (23.7%). Educational participation is 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 705 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically residing 347 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most Buderim residents commute outward, predominantly using cars (94%). On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, 19.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

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

Approximately 55% (~18,429 people) of Buderim's total population has private health cover, compared to the Rest of Qld's 52.5%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.8% of residents) and mental health issues (7.3%), while 67.6% report being completely free from medical ailments, matching the Rest of Qld figure. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. Buderim has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.9% (8,392 people), compared to the Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes in Buderim are above average, generally aligning with national rankings for the overall 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 is comparable to the wider region, with 75.2% of its population born in Australia, 87.6% being citizens, and 93.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 50.7% of Buderim's population. While Judaism makes up 0.1% of both Buderim and Rest of Qld populations, indicating no significant overrepresentation in Buderim.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.4%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (9.5%). Notable divergences include Scottish, which is overrepresented at 9.5% in Buderim compared to 7.8% regionally, New Zealand at 1.1% versus 0.9%, and South African at 0.9% versus 0.5%.

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

Buderim's median age is 45, which is higher than Queensland's figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 make up a significant portion (9.1%), while those aged 25-34 are comparatively smaller at 10.3% compared to the rest of Queensland. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of people aged 25-34 has increased from 9.3% to 10.3%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 13.9% to 12.6%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Buderim's age structure. Notably, the number of people aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 75%, reaching 2,484 from 1,415. Conversely, numbers in the 15-24 age range are projected to fall by 279.