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

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of Bundaberg East as of February 2026 is around 3128. This figure represents an increase of 289 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2839. The change is inferred from a resident population estimate of 2953 by AreaSearch following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 692 persons per square kilometer, roughly inline with 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, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 57% of 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth for the suburb of Bundaberg East, with an expected increase of 429 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 8.1% 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 shows Bundaberg East averaged around 12 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 64 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved in FY-26 to date. This averages out to approximately 1.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years, suggesting a stable market supply-demand balance. However, this has moderated to 0.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating an improving supply-demand balance.

The average construction value of development projects is $408,000. This 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 68% of the building activity per person, and it ranks among the 86th percentile nationally for development activity.

Recent construction comprises 73.0% detached dwellings and 27.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The location has approximately 104 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Bundaberg East will gain 254 residents through to 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest 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 may influence the area significantly due to their potential impact on local infrastructure. These key projects are The Gateway Marina at Burnett Heads, Kalkie Heights Residential Estate, Bundaberg East Levee, and Telegraph Road Over-50s Lifestyle Community.

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

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

Bundaberg East maintains a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 8.8% over the past year.

There were 1,536 residents employed by December 2025, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, slightly higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4%. Workforce participation was similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Only 4.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Leading employment industries among Bundaberg East residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area has a 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% compared to the regional average of 3.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 8.8%, and labour force grew by 8.5%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bundaberg East's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections 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 than average national income level in financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $45,245 and the average income stood at $55,908. These figures compared to Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,729 (median) and $61,448 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. Census data showed household, family and personal incomes in Bundaberg East fell between the 6th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income distribution revealed that 30.8% of locals (963 people) earned between $400 - $799, contrasting with Regional Qld where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket led at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Bundaberg East, with only 82.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 7th percentile.

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

Bundaberg East's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.5% houses and 22.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg East stood at 33.3%, similar to Regional Qld, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 41.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,222, below the Regional Qld average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $285, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Bundaberg East's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 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 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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, 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

The Bundaberg East area has eight operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two distinct routes, offering a total of 76 weekly passenger trips combined. The accessibility to these transport services is considered good, with residents generally residing 377 meters away from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most inhabitants commute outwards, primarily using cars at a rate of 93%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census data, only 4.2% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages ten trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 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 chronic conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 1,543 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the 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 being free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.9% (685 people), compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.1% of its population being citizens, 86.8% born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bundaberg East, comprising 51.4%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (30.6%), Australian (30.4%), and Irish (6.9%).

Notably, German representation is higher at 6.1% in Bundaberg East than regionally at 4.7%, New Zealand representation remains similar at 0.9%, and Australian Aboriginal representation is slightly higher at 4.3%.

Bundaberg East's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Bundaberg East is 42 years, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years, but higher than Australia's median of 38 years. Comparing with Regional Queensland's averages, the 25-34 age group is notably over-represented at 14.1% locally, while the 35-44 year-olds are under-represented at 10.8%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.7% to 14.1%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 11.9% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 13.1% to 11.3%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 11.5% to 10.4%. Population forecasts for Bundaberg East indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 129 people (29%) from 441 to 571, while the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.