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 population of Bundaberg North is estimated at around 5,843 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 280 people (5.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,563 people. 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, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for Bundaberg North was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 64.0% 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, released in 2023 and 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected, with Bundaberg North expected to expand by 495 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 8.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Bundaberg North averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually from statistical area data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 41 homes were approved, with none recorded so far in FY-26. Over these five years, around 10.9 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built.

This significant demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and intensifying competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties was $579,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $208,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg North has significantly lower construction activity (78.0% below average per person). This limited supply supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, although recent construction activity has increased.

However, it remains below national averages, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All current building activity comprises detached dwellings, maintaining Bundaberg North's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (73.0% at Census), reflecting ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 392 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. Future projections indicate Bundaberg North adding approximately 493 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Edenbrook Estate, Belle Eden Estate Extensions, Young Street Residential Subdivision, and Bundaberg Solar Farm. 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.

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

Bundaberg North has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 6.3%. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 9.1%.

As of December 2025, there are 2,579 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.3% compared to Regional Qld's 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 54.4% versus Regional Qld's 65.4%. Only 5.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may affect this figure. The key industries for employment in Bundaberg North are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

The area has a significant specialization 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 Regional Qld's 5.1%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 9.1% while labour force grew by 8.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a slight rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Bundaberg North's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average of $53,146 for median income and $66,593 for average income, which were reported for Regional Qld during the same period. By September 2025, based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $44,455 (median) and $54,932 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Bundaberg North all fall within the 1st to 6th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 34.5% of residents earn between $400 and $799 weekly (2,015 individuals), contrasting with surrounding regions where 31.7% earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. This concentration highlights economic challenges, with 43.2% of residents earning less than $800 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bundaberg North, 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

The dwelling structure in Bundaberg North, as per the latest Census, comprised 72.9% houses and 27.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Queensland had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg North was 45.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.9% and rented ones at 34.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $280, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Bundaberg North's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 9.9%, which is 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, with 7.7% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.3% and graduate diplomas at 0.9%. Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15 and above possessing vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 31.5%.

A notable 24.9% of the population is currently engaged in formal education, including 9.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 34 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 360 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 95% of residents. The 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 may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 4 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 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 through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 47% of the total population (around 2,746 people), lower than Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.9% and 10.7% of residents respectively, while 55.6% report no medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%.

Working-age individuals in the area face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The region has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.0% (1,811 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally 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 is relatively low, with 87.2% of its residents being citizens and 86.7% born in Australia. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5%. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 52.1%.

Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented compared to regional Queensland, with 0.1% of Bundaberg North's population identifying as such. The top three ancestry groups are English (32.7%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notably, German ancestry is more prevalent in Bundaberg North at 6.3%, compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal ancestry is slightly higher at 4.2% versus 3.9%, and Samoan ancestry remains consistent 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 Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and significantly greater than the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 12.2% of Bundaberg North's population compared to Regional Queensland, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 7.6%. This concentration in the 75-84 group is notably higher than the national figure of 6.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.6% to 13.7%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 8.6% to 9.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 10.5% to 8.1%, and the 45 to 54 group has fallen from 10.0% to 7.6%. By 2041, Bundaberg North's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 85%, reaching 486 people from the current 262. This growth is led by those aged 65 and above, who are expected to comprise 62% of the population increase. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups.