Bundaberg North

Bundaberg North is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of 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 North as of Feb 2026 is around 5,843. This reflects an increase of 280 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,563. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,841 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional one validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 396 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected for Bundaberg North, with an expansion of 496 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Bundaberg North averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually between FY-21 and FY-25. A total of 41 homes were approved during this period. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26.

On average, 11 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. The average construction value of new properties was $579,000, suggesting a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $208,000, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg North had 78.0% fewer construction approvals per person between FY-21 and FY-25. This limited new supply supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 391 people, reflecting quiet development activity. Future projections indicate Bundaberg North adding 575 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Edenbrook Estate, Belle Eden Estate Extensions, Young Street Residential Subdivision, and Bundaberg Solar Farm. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Bundaberg North shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Bundaberg North has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 6.8% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 9.4% over the past year. There are 2,563 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 2.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is lower at 55.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Only 5.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Bundaberg North specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 2.4% compared to Rest of Qld's 5.1%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally; Census data shows fewer working residents than the resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 9.4%, while labour force grew by 10.0%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bundaberg North's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

The suburb of Bundaberg North had a median taxpayer income of $40,447 and an average income of $49,979 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures are below the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $44,455 (median) and $54,932 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Bundaberg North all fall between the 1st and 6th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the largest segment comprises 34.5% of residents earning $400 - $799 weekly (2,015 residents), unlike surrounding regions where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. This concentration highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Bundaberg North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Bundaberg North, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 72.9% houses and 27.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg North was at 45.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (20.9%) or rented (34.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280. Nationally, Bundaberg North's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 63.0% of all households, including 15.8% couples with children, 32.4% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.9%, 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 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (31.5%).

A substantial 24.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

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

Bundaberg North has 20 active public transport stops, all bus services. There are two routes operating, offering a total of 34 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically living 360 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, primarily by car (95%). Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 5% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Bundaberg North is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Bundaberg North faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% of the total population (around 2,746 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.9% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 10.7%). However, 55.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 30.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,782 people), compared to 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Bundaberg North is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Bundaberg North's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.2% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 52.1% of Bundaberg North's population. While Judaism was similarly represented at 0.1%, it was notably overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (8.3%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included German, which was overrepresented at 6.3% in Bundaberg North versus 4.7% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 4.2% compared to 3.9%, and Samoan at 0.2%.

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

Bundaberg North has a median age of 48, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 12.0% of its population, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 7.6%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above the national figure of 6.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, Bundaberg North's population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 11.6% to 13.6%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 8.1%. The 45-54 age group also decreased from 10.0% to 7.6%. By 2041, Bundaberg North is expected to see notable demographic shifts. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 88%, reaching 484 people from 257. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 61% of the projected population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age cohorts.