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 Bundaberg North, the estimated population as of Nov 2025 is around 5,827. This reflects an increase of 264 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,563. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 5,829 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 395 persons per square kilometer. Population growth in 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 as 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. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected for Bundaberg North, with an expansion by 490 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 10.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bundaberg North recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Bundaberg North averaged around 8 new dwelling approvals annually between FY-21 and FY-25. Approximately 40 homes were approved over these five financial years, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26.

On average, 11.2 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built during this period, indicating significant demand outpacing supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $579,000. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bundaberg North has notably lower building activity, 78.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although building activity has increased in recent years. The area's established nature is suggested by its level being under the national average, potentially indicating planning limitations.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving Bundaberg North's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers despite increasing density pressures. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, with an estimated 587 residents added by 2041. This could potentially heighten buyer competition and support price increases.

Bundaberg North has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile 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.

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Employment performance in Bundaberg North has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Bundaberg North has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area.

The unemployment rate was 7.7% as of June 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.2%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 2,484 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 3.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 43.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among Bundaberg North residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area has a particular specialisation in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 2.4% of Bundaberg North's workforce compared to 5.1% in Rest of Qld. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.2%, and labour force increased by 7.4%. This resulted in an unemployment rise of 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8%, labour force grow by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Bundaberg North. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bundaberg North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.1% over ten years. It is important to note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Bundaberg North had a median taxpayer income of $40,447 and an average income of $49,979. Nationally, the median was $50,780 and the average was $64,844. By September 2025, estimated incomes in Bundaberg North would be approximately $46,106 (median) and $56,971 (average), based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data reveals that income levels in Bundaberg North fall between the 1st and 6th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. In Bundaberg North, 34.5% of individuals earn between $400 and $799, unlike surrounding regions where 31.7% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Economic pressures are evident, with 43.2% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability is severe, with only 84.3% of income remaining, 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 held on 28 August 2016, consisted of 72.9% houses and 27.1% 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 North was at 45.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.9% and rented dwellings at 34.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $1,300 and $285 respectively. Nationally, Bundaberg North's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported on 1 January 2021, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 for the same period.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 9.9%, 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 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, 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. Bundaberg North's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 973 students as of the latest data, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 955) indicating balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (16.7 places per 100 residents vs 13.9 regionally), suggesting the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis indicates 20 active stops operating within Bundaberg North, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two individual routes, collectively providing 34 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 360 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (around 2,739 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.9%) and mental health issues (10.7%). About 55.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 30.1% (1,753 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 26.3%. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader 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 below average, with 87.2% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 52.1%. Notably, Judaism, comprising 0.1%, is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland where it is not present.

The top three ancestry groups are English (32.7%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (8.3%). There are significant differences in the representation of German (6.3% vs 6.4%), Australian Aboriginal (4.2% vs 3.4%), and Samoan (0.2% vs 0.1%) ethnic groups compared to regional averages.

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

Bundaberg North has a median age of 48, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group shows strong representation at 11.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 45-54 cohort is less prevalent at 8.1%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.6% to 13.3%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.5% to 8.6% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 10.0% to 8.1%. By 2041, Bundaberg North is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group will grow by 88%, reaching 482 people from a previous total of 256. This growth is part of an overall aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 59% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 cohorts.