Buderim

Population growth drivers in Buderim are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Buderim is around 33,742, reflecting a 7.4% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 31,430 people. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 33,434, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024), and an additional 303 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density in Buderim is approximately 1,103 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Buderim has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outpacing non-metro areas. Interstate migration contributed around 57% of overall population gains during recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

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 used, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, Buderim is expected to increase by just below the median of regional areas nationally, reaching a population of 37,879 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.2% over 17 years.

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 174 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 874 homes were approved, with an additional 24 so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built resulted in 2.7 new residents over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of new homes was $694,000, indicating a focus on quality construction. This year, $18.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to the rest of Queensland. Buderim shows moderately higher construction activity than the regional average over the past five years, preserving buyer options while sustaining property demand.

Recent construction comprises 73% detached houses and 27% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 204 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Buderim adding 4,120 residents by 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.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects expected to affect the region. Notable initiatives include UnityWater Infrastructure Program from 2023 to 2027, Power Road Buderim Residential Development, Mooloolaba to University Active Transport Corridor, and UniSC Sunshine Coast Campus Master Plan Development. The following list details those most pertinent.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Buderim significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Buderim has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.7%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 17,602 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Buderim is on par with Rest of Qld at 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, health care & social assistance has a strong presence with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.8% compared to 4.5% regionally.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.3%, with employment decreasing by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Buderim. Applying these projections to Buderim's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Buderim had a median taxpayer income of $49,353 and an average of $69,348. Nationally, the median was lower at $47,150 with an average of $67,886. In Rest of Qld, the median was $50,780 and the average was $64,844. As of September 2025, estimates suggest Buderim's median income would be approximately $56,257 and the average $79,050, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows Buderim incomes rank modestly, between the 48th to 48th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that 30.9% of individuals (10,426) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band, similar to regional levels at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Buderim, with only 84.2% of income remaining, 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, houses made up 73.4% of dwellings as per the latest Census, with other dwellings comprising 26.7%. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 74.1% houses and 25.9% 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, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $450, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $2,000 and $465 respectively. Nationally, Buderim's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, with rents substantially higher at $450 compared to the national figure of $375.

Buderim has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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+ 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 (6.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 12.8% and certificates make up 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. Buderim's three schools have a combined enrollment of 3,728 students. The area demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1125. The educational mix includes one primary school and two K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents (11.1) are lower than the regional average (20.9), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Buderim has 78 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 767 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents typically living just 345 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 109 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately nine weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Buderim is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Buderim faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~18,450 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.8 and 7.3% of residents respectively. 67.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.0% across Rest of Qld. As of September 2021, 24.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (8,334 people), which is higher than the 20.2% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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 area, as seen in its demographic breakdown: 75.2% born in Australia, 87.6% citizens, and 93.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the primary religion, accounting for 50.7%. Judaism's representation stands out at 0.1%, higher than the Rest of Qld's 0.2%.

Top ancestry groups are English (33.4%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, Scottish, New Zealand, and South African ethnicities show similar percentages to the regional averages: Scottish at 9.5%, New Zealand at 1.1%, and South African at 0.9%.

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

Buderim's median age is 46 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Buderim has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (8.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.7% to 11.6% of Buderim's population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 13.0%. By 2041, Buderim's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 80%, reaching 2,489 people from the current 1,383. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.