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, the Bundaberg East statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 3,053 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 214 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,839 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 2,953 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 675 persons per square kilometer. Bundaberg East's 7.5% growth since census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (8.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area 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, 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 based on 2021 data. 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of national regional areas is projected for Bundaberg East (SA2), with the area expected to grow by 434 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 10.1% 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 for Bundaberg East shows an average of 14 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 70 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved in FY26 to date. This results in about 1.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years, indicating stable market conditions. However, this figure has moderated to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting an improved supply-demand balance.

The average construction value of development projects is $408,000. This financial year, $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 places among the 87th 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 with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 96 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Bundaberg East will gain 309 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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

Eight projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. Key projects include The Gateway Marina at Burnett Heads, Kalkie Heights Residential Estate, Bundaberg East Levee, and Telegraph Road Over-50s Lifestyle Community. Relevant details are provided below.

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. The unemployment rate was 4.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 9.8%.

As of September 2025, 1,535 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 54.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Major employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance has a notable concentration with levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 0.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the past year, employment increased by 9.8% alongside labour force growth of 9.7%, keeping unemployment flat. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment rose slightly. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with variations among 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

The suburb of Bundaberg East had a median income among taxpayers of $45,245 and an average income of $55,908 in the financial year 2023. These figures were lower than those for Rest of Qld's, which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91%, the median income was estimated to be approximately $49,729 and the average income around $61,448. According to census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Bundaberg East all fell between the 6th and 13th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Bundaberg East comprised 30.8% of locals (940 people) earning between $400 and $799 per week, contrasting with the regional leading bracket of $1,500 to $2,999 at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures in Bundaberg East were severe, 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). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg East was at 33.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.6%) or rented (41.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,222, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $285, matching Non-Metro Qld's figure. Nationally, Bundaberg East's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, 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's university qualification rate is 12.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high at 28.0%, with 10.7% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing 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 different routes that collectively facilitate 76 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 377 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 10 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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

Bundaberg East faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 49% (~1,506 people) of Bundaberg East residents have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.5% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 9.5%). Only 62.1% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 59.1% in the rest of Queensland. Bundaberg East has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.9% (668 people), compared to 26.3% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely mirroring those of the general population's health profile.

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, surveyed in 2016, had a culturally diverse population that was below average. It comprised 88.1% 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 residents, compared to 54.0% in 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's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Bundaberg East is 42 years, close to Rest of Queensland's average of 41 years but higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. In comparison with the Rest of Queensland average, the 15-24 age cohort is notably over-represented at 13.4% in Bundaberg East, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 10.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.7% to 13.4%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.9% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 13.1% to 11.6%. Population forecasts for Bundaberg East indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 154 people (38%), growing from 409 to 564 individuals. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to experience population declines.