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, the estimated population of Bundaberg North as of May 2026 is around 5,880. This reflects an increase of 317 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,563. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,868 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 398 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Considering these projections, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected for Bundaberg North by 2041, with an expansion of 404 persons reflecting an increase of 6.7% over the 16 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, Bundaberg North averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually from FY-21 to FY-25. A total of 41 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 1 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 8.2 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply.

This imbalance typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties was $579,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Commercial development approvals totalled $208,000 in FY-26, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg North shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 78.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

However, recent building activity has intensified recently, although it remains under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely of 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), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated count of 387 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment. Future projections show Bundaberg North adding 392 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 may impact the region. Notable ones include Edenbrook Estate, Belle Eden Estate Extensions, Young Street Residential Subdivision, and Bundaberg Solar Farm. The following list details those likely to be most 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 employment. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 6.4%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 8.7%.

As of December 2025, 2,538 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.4% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Bundaberg North lags at 53.8%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 5.0% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment among residents are 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 Regional Qld's 5.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 8.7% while labour force increased by 8.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that 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 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) for Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $45,042 (median) and $55,657 (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% earning $400 - $799 weekly (2,028 residents), unlike surrounding regions where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. The concentration of 43.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing 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 Census conducted on 9 August 2016, consisted of 72.9% houses and 27.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Bundaberg North was recorded at 45.2%, with the remaining 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. These figures compare to Regional Qld's averages of $1,655 for monthly mortgage repayments and $345 for weekly rents. Nationally, Bundaberg North's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while its median weekly rent figure is substantially below the national average 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's university qualification rate is 9.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This discrepancy 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 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 34 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as good, with residents typically living 360 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside the area, and cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 95%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages four trips per day, 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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with a notably low private health cover rate of approximately 47% (around 2,764 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.9%) and mental health issues (10.7%), while 55.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, lower than Regional Qld's 67.6%.

Working-age individuals face substantial health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 30.8% (1,811 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings for 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 had a cultural diversity index below average, with 87.2% of its population being citizens, 86.7% born in Australia, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 52.1% of Bundaberg North's population. Judaism, however, was overrepresented, with 0.1% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.3%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.2%, and Samoan at 0.2% compared to regional averages of 4.7%, 3.9%, and 0.2% respectively.

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 Qld's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 12.4% of its population, compared to Regional Qld, while the 45-54 cohort stands at 7.7%. This concentration in the 75-84 bracket is notably higher than the national figure of 6.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, Bundaberg North's 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.6% to 13.0%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.6% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 10.0% to 7.7%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.5% to 8.6%. By 2041, Bundaberg North's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 83%, reaching 474 people from 258. This aging population trend is evident with those aged 65 and above comprising 63% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 45-54 and 5-14 age cohorts.