Bulimba

Bulimba lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bulimba is around 8,333, reflecting a 9.3% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,623 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,125 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio of 3,912 persons per square kilometer places Bulimba within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Bulimba's growth rate since the census is close to the national average of 9.9%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the suburb. 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Demographic trends project an above median population growth nationally, with Bulimba expected to increase by 1,351 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 13.7% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Bulimba when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Bulimba averaged around 26 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 134 homes. So far in FY-2025/26, 28 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.4 new residents arrived per year per dwelling constructed between FY-2020/21 and FY-2024/25, indicating supply lagging demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $976,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This year, $9.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bulimba shows approximately 67% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 45th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This lower activity reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 36.0% standalone homes and 64.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 375 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Future projections show Bulimba adding 1,138 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Bulimba 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 35 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Oxford & Princess - Bulimba Mixed-Use Development, QParks Group - 5 Riding Road Mixed-Use Development, Bulimba State School Infrastructure Upgrade, and Bulimba Memorial Park and Community Centre Upgrade. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Bulimba positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Bulimba has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.5%. As of September 2025, there are 5,112 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%.

Workforce participation is high at 76.2% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 34.0% of residents work from home. Key industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Bulimba specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level but is under-represented in health care & social assistance at 13.1% compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.1%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5% and labour force by 0.7%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a drop in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly by industry sector. Applying these projections to Bulimba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The suburb of Bulimba has a median taxpayer income of $76,144 and an average income of $132,060, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is notably high compared to Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $83,690 and the average income around $145,147, based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census figures indicate that Bulimba's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 95th and 96th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $4000+ bracket dominates with 35.6% of residents (2,966 people), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 33.3%. Bulimba exhibits considerable affluence, with 47.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.7% of income, while strong earnings place residents within the 94th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Bulimba displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Bulimba, as per the latest Census, comprised 45.8% houses and 54.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bulimba was 27.9%, similar to Brisbane metro, with the rest being mortgaged (34.7%) or rented (37.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bulimba was $2,800, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Bulimba was $500, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Bulimba's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 70.7% of all households, including 31.3% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 25.9% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Bulimba shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Bulimba's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 50.4% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationwide. This educational advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 33.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.9%).

Vocational pathways account for 23.3% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 13.3%. Educational participation is notably high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 7.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bulimba has 40 active public transport stops, including both ferry and bus services. These stops are served by nine different routes that facilitate a total of 2700 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest transport stop is 152 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 69% of residents, with bus usage at 10%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 34% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 385 trips per day, equating to approximately 67 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bulimba's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Bulimba's health outcomes show remarkable results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 80% of Bulimba's total population (6,626 people) have private health cover, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.7% and 6.6% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 74.7%, report being completely free of medical ailments compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have notably low chronic condition prevalence. Bulimba has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.5% (1,458 people) compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Bulimba was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bulimba had cultural diversity above the average, with 12.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.8% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 50.5%. Judaism's representation was notable at 0.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.6%), Australian (22.0%), and Irish (10.5%). Welsh, Scottish, and French ethnicities showed notable divergences: Welsh at 0.9% (regional average 0.5%), Scottish at 9.7% (7.4%), and French at 0.8% (0.5%).

Bulimba's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Bulimba has a median age of 41, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 age group is over-represented in Bulimba at 15.1%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group has grown from 12.8% to 15.1%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.9% to 6.1%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group declined from 16.3% to 14.2%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 15.9% to 14.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Bulimba's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 374 people (74%), from 508 to 883. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 66% of total population growth. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.