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 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Bundaberg East as of November 2025 is around 3,039. This reflects an increase of 200 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,839. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,943 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workforce (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 672 persons per square kilometer. Bundaberg East's growth rate of 7.0% since the census positions it within 1.6 percentage points of the SA3 area, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. 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 released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of national regional areas is projected, with Bundaberg East expected to grow by 433 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 10.6% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bundaberg East when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Bundaberg East shows an average of 11 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 59 homes were approved, with another 8 approved so far in FY-26.

Each dwelling built over these years has resulted in an average of 2 new residents per year. The average construction cost value for new homes is $408,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. Relative to the Rest of Qld, Bundaberg East records around 63% of building activity per person, placing it among the 85th percentile nationally.

Recent construction comprises 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character. There are approximately 108 people per dwelling approval in Bundaberg East, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts estimate that Bundaberg East will gain 322 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Bundaberg East has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified eight such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are The Gateway Marina at Burnett Heads, Kalkie Heights Residential Estate, Bundaberg East Levee, and Telegraph Road Over-50s Lifestyle Community. The following list provides details on those considered 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.

Bundaberg East has seen below average employment performance when compared to 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 5.0% as of June 2024. There was an estimated employment growth of 6.5% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, there were 1,510 residents in work while the unemployment rate stood at 4.0%, which is 1.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 54.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 0.9% versus the regional average of 3.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on the count of Census working population to local population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 6.5% alongside labour force increasing by 7.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8%, the labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific 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 constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Bundaberg East's median income among taxpayers was $45,245 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $55,908 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median and average incomes were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes for Bundaberg East as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,575 and $63,730. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Bundaberg East fall between the 6th and 13th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 30.8% of locals (936 people) with incomes ranging from $400 to $799, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket leads 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

Dwelling structure in Bundaberg East, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 77.5% houses and 22.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg East was at 33.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 41.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,222, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent was recorded at $285, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Bundaberg East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 12.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This 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 them - advanced diplomas account for 8.8% and certificates for 31.0%.

Educational participation is high at 28.0%, including 10.7% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education. Bundaberg East State School serves Bundaberg East with an enrollment of 300 students as of the given date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents are 9.9, below the regional average of 13.9, 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

The Bundaberg East area has eight active public transport stops in operation. These are served by a mix of buses operating along two routes, offering a total of 76 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located 377 meters from the nearest stop.

The service frequency stands at an average of 10 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~1500 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health problems (9.5%). Around 62.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 59.1% in the rest of Queensland. About 21.9% (~665 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 26.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes for seniors generally align with those of the wider 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 88.1% of its population being citizens, 86.8% born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.4% of Bundaberg East's population, compared to 54.0% 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%, New Zealand at 0.9%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.3%.

Bundaberg East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Bundaberg East was close to 42 years, similar to Queensland's average of 41 but higher than Australia's median of 38 as at the time of the census. Comparing with Queensland's average, those aged 15-24 were notably over-represented in Bundaberg East at 13.4%, while those aged 35-44 were under-represented at 10.5%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 25 to 34 grew from 11.7% to 13.4%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 13.1% to 11.6%. Population forecasts for Bundaberg East indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 156 people (38%), from 407 to 564. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.