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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Bundaberg East as of May 2026 is around 3,027. This reflects an increase of 188 people (6.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,839 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,914 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 669 persons per square kilometer. Bundaberg East's 6.6% growth since census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (9.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 57% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with Bundaberg East expected to grow by 400 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 9.5% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Bundaberg East has seen approximately 12 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 64 homes. As of FY-26, 10 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed, suggesting balanced supply and demand conditions, although this has decreased to one person per dwelling over the past two financial years. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $408,000. This financial year, there have been $5.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg East has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, while it ranks among the 86th percentile nationally for areas assessed. Recent construction comprises 73.0% detached dwellings and 27.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. With around 105 people per dwelling approval, Bundaberg East shows characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bundaberg East is expected to grow by 287 residents through to 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to impact the area. 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 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 indicates Bundaberg East maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Bundaberg East has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 4.1% as of December 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 9.0%. As of December 2025, 1,534 residents were employed. The unemployment rate was in line with Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation was similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Only 4.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance had particularly notable concentration at 1.3 times the regional average, while mining showed lower representation at 0.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Employment levels increased by 9.0% during the year to December 2025, with labour force increasing by 8.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Bundaberg East. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows that Bundaberg East's median income is $45,245 and average income is $55,908. This is lower than Regional Queensland's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from July 1, 2023 to March 2026, current estimates suggest Bundaberg East's median income will be approximately $50,385 and average income will be around $62,259 by that date. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Bundaberg East fall between the 6th and 13th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that 30.8% of residents (932 people) earn within the $400 - 799 bracket, unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bundaberg East, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

In Bundaberg East, as per the latest Census evaluation, 77.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 22.5% comprising semi-detached units, apartments, and other types. This is comparable to Regional Qld's breakdown of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg East stood at 33.3%, similar to Regional Qld, with mortgaged properties at 25.6% and rented ones at 41.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,222, lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Bundaberg East was $285, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Bundaberg East had significantly lower mortgage repayments at $1,222 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and substantially lower rents at $285 compared to the national figure of $375.

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 comprise the remaining 36.7%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households making up 2.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high, with 28.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.7% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that collectively offer 76 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 377 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 93%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

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

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Bundaberg East. AreaSearch's assessment shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 1,494 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.5% of residents) and mental health issues (9.5%). Conversely, 62.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.6% (684 people), compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly inline 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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 88.1% citizens, 86.8% born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 51.4%, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.6%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (6.9%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher at 6.1% versus 4.7% regionally, New Zealand was the same at 0.9%, and Australian Aboriginal was slightly higher at 4.3% compared to 3.9%.

Bundaberg East's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Bundaberg East was close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years in 2021, both figures being well above the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the regional average, the 75-84 age cohort was notably over-represented at 9.1% locally, while those aged 35-44 were under-represented at 10.9%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population of Bundaberg East aged 25 to 34 grew from 11.7% to 13.5%, while those aged 15 to 24 increased from 11.9% to 13.1%. Conversely, the percentage of the population aged 5 to 14 declined from 13.1% to 11.7%. Population forecasts for Bundaberg East indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 126 people (31%) from 408 to 535. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.