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, Buderim's population is estimated at around 33,704, reflecting an increase of 2,274 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.2% increase from the previous population count of 31,430. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 33,256 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 373 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,102 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Buderim's 7.2% growth positions it competitively within 0.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.7%), demonstrating strong growth fundamentals. Interstate migration primarily drove population growth for the suburb during recent periods, contributing approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains.

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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to expand by 4,009 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 10.6% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, derived from statistical area data, indicates Buderim averaged around 170 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 853 homes were approved, with a further 34 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, an average of 2.8 new residents was gained per dwelling built over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $697,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market. This fiscal year has seen $35.6 million in commercial development approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Buderim exhibits moderately higher construction activity, around 10.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

Recent construction comprises 72.0% detached houses and 28.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. The location has approximately 212 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. Future projections estimate Buderim will add 3,561 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable 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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 43 such projects that could impact this region. 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 projects likely to be 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's workforce is well-educated with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of December 2025 was 2.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 17,085 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 63.1%, compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%. A moderate 19.2% of residents worked from home, based on Census responses. Leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area showed strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.8% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.2%, with employment decreasing by 3.1%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Buderim. These projections estimate national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Buderim's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Buderim's median income among taxpayers is $49,353. The average income in the suburb is $69,348. Nationally, the median income is $51,732 and the average is $71,467. In Regional Queensland, the median income is $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Buderim would be approximately $54,244 (median) and $76,220 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Buderim rank modestly, between the 48th and 49th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 30.9% of individuals in Buderim earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range (10,414 individuals), similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this earnings band. 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

Buderim's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.4% houses and 26.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Buderim stood at 40.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (37.3%) or rented (22.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, surpassing Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Buderim was recorded at $450, compared to Regional Qld's $375. Nationally, Buderim's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than 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 make up 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 matches 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 notably high, with 31.2% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications as of the latest data. This figure exceeds both the Rest of Qld's 20.6% and the SA4 region's 24.9%. University graduates make up the majority at 21.2%, followed by postgraduate degree holders at 6.4% and graduate diploma holders at 3.6%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.8% while certificates make up 23.7%.

Educational participation is notably high in Buderim, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as per the latest figures. 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 on average located 347 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Buderim residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 94% of residents. 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. Across all routes, service frequency averages 100 trips per day, resulting in 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 better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 55% (~18,429 people) have private health cover, higher than the 52.5% average in Regional Qld. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.8%) and mental health issues (7.3%), with 67.6% of residents reporting no medical ailments, similar to the 67.6% across Regional Qld. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (24.4%, or 8,223 people) compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors 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 comprises 0.1%, it's slightly higher than Regional Qld's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.4%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (9.5%). Notable differences exist in Scottish representation at 9.5% compared to regional 7.8%, New Zealand at 1.1% versus 0.9%, and South Australian at 0.9% against regional 0.5%.

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

Buderim's median age is 45, which is higher than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 85 and above are notably prominent at 4.3%, while those aged 25 to 34 are comparatively smaller at 10.4% compared to Regional Queensland. According to the 2021 Census, the population of Buderim aged 25 to 34 has increased from 9.3% to 10.4%. Conversely, the population aged 65 to 74 has decreased from 12.6% to 11.3%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 13.9% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Buderim's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 72%, reaching 2,486 people from the current figure of 1,449. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.