Bundaberg East

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bundaberg East reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of the suburb of Bundaberg East is around 3,128 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 289 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,839 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 2,953 in Jun 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 692 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bundaberg East's growth rate of 10.2% since the 2021 census exceeded that of Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% to overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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 adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort where state projections lack age category splits. Future population dynamics anticipate above median growth for national regional areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 434 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 7.3% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bundaberg East averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 70 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved in FY-26 so far. Each year, an average of 1.7 new residents was associated with each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting balanced supply and demand. However, this has moderated to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating improved balance.

The average construction value for development projects in Bundaberg East is $408,000. In FY-26, $5.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg East records about three-quarters the building activity per person, while it ranks among the 87th percentile nationally regarding development activity.

Recent construction comprises 71% detached dwellings and 29% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. There are approximately 96 people per dwelling approval in Bundaberg East, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts estimate Bundaberg East will gain 227 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Bundaberg East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact the local area's performance. Key projects include The Gateway Marina at Burnett Heads, Kalkie Heights Residential Estate, Bundaberg East Levee, and Telegraph Road Over-50s Lifestyle Community. The following list details those 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.

Employment performance in Bundaberg East has been broadly consistent with national averages

Bundaberg East has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 4.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 10.1%. As of September 2025, 1,539 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld at 65.7%. Census data shows only 4.2% work from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care has notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while mining is lower at 0.9%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the past year, employment increased by 10.1% alongside labour force growth of 9.8%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's slower employment and labour force growth, and increasing unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bundaberg East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming population projections remain constant for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Bundaberg East had a lower income level than average nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $45,245 and the average income stood at $55,908. In comparison, Rest of Qld's figures were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,729 (median) and $61,448 (average). Census data revealed that household, family and personal incomes in Bundaberg East fell between the 6th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 30.8% of locals (963 people) were in the $400 - $799 category, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket led at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

Bundaberg East is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Bundaberg East, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 9 August 2016, comprised 77.5% houses and 22.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Bundaberg East was 33.3%, similar to that of Non-Metro Qld. The remainder of dwellings were either mortgaged at 25.6% or rented at 41.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,222, lower than the Non-Metro Qld average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $285, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Bundaberg East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported on 1 January 2021. Rents in Bundaberg East were substantially below the national figure of $375, also reported on 1 January 2021.

Bundaberg East features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.3% of all households, including 21.4% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.7%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Bundaberg East faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 8.8% and certificates for 31.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bundaberg East has eight active public transport stops, all providing bus services. These stops are served by two routes, offering a total of 76 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 377 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode of transportation at 93%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages ten trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately nine weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Bundaberg East is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Bundaberg East faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,543 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (9.5%). However, 62.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 21.9% of residents aged 65 and over (685 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

Bundaberg East ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bundaberg East, as per data from the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of below average. It reported that 88.1% of its population were citizens, with 86.8% born in Australia and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 51.4% of the population, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.6%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (6.9%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.1%, compared to 4.7% regionally, while New Zealand ancestry remained similar at 0.9%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also slightly higher than the regional average, at 4.3% versus 3.9%.

Bundaberg East's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Bundaberg East is 42 years, closely matching Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but higher than Australia's median age of 38. Comparing with the Rest of Qld average, Bundaberg East has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 25-34 (14.0%) and a lower proportion of those aged 35-44 (10.7%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the age group 25 to 34 has grown from 11.7% to 14.0%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.1% to 11.3%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.5% to 10.4%. By 2041, Bundaberg East's population is forecasted to undergo significant demographic changes. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 125 people (29%), growing from 437 to 563 individuals. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.