Bundaberg South

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bundaberg South reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Bundaberg South is around 3,653 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 159 people (4.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,494 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,639, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,616 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.0% 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the suburb of Bundaberg South expected to increase by 223 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.7% in total over the 16 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Bundaberg South has seen around 8 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 42 homes. So far in FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3.5 people moving to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average value of $506,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

Additionally, $9.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bundaberg South records markedly lower building activity, 63.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 30.0% standalone homes and 70.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 59.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 360 people per approval, Bundaberg South indicates a mature market.

Looking ahead, Bundaberg South is expected to grow by 209 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Bundaberg South 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 ten projects expected to impact the region. Notable ones are Oasis Estate at Burnett Heads, Bundaberg Civic and Cultural Arts Precinct, New Bundaberg Hospital, and Bundaberg East Levee. The following list highlights 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 South shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Bundaberg South has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar employment. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 9.1% as of December 2025.

Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 8.3%. As of December 2025, 1,729 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 5.1% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Bundaberg South is 62.3%, lower than Regional Qld's 64.5%. Only 2.5% of residents work from home, according to Census responses.

Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 3.5 times the regional average. Construction employs just 6.1% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 10.1%. The area offers limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 8.3% while labour force increased by 7.9%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Bundaberg South. These projections suggest national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bundaberg South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, considering current job market trends.

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

The suburb of Bundaberg South has a lower income level than the national average, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Bundaberg South is $43,989, and the average income stands at $54,357. In comparison, Regional Queensland's figures are $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Based on a 11.36% growth in wages since financial year 2023, current estimates for Bundaberg South would be approximately $48,986 (median) and $60,532 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census figures indicate that household, family, and personal incomes in Bundaberg South fall between the 2nd and 11th percentiles nationally. In this suburb, 29.2% of individuals earn between $800 and $1,499 per week, differing from the surrounding region where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 31.7%. The prevalence of lower-income residents (40.5% earning less than $800/week) suggests constrained household budgets across much of Bundaberg South. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Bundaberg South displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Bundaberg South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.8% houses and 41.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's composition of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg South stood at 21.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (17.8%) or rented (60.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Qld's figure of $345. Nationally, Bundaberg South's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 55.3% of all households, including 14.7% couples with children, 20.8% couples without children, and 17.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 44.7%, with lone person households at 39.5% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (29.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.3% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows eight active transport stops operating within Bundaberg South. These stops are served by seven individual bus routes, collectively providing 244 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 278 meters from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward, with car remaining the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages one per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 2.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 34 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Bundaberg South faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions that affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 49% of the total population, around 1,780 people, compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.8% and 9.9% of residents respectively. However, 61.4% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Bundaberg South has 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Bundaberg South records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bundaberg South had a higher cultural diversity than average, with 19.6% of its population born overseas and 13.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bundaberg South, accounting for 45.6% of the population. Hinduism was notably overrepresented, comprising 2.7% compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.7%), Australian (27.4%), and Other (8.2%). There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German at 5.3% (regional: 4.7%), Korean at 0.8% (regional: 0.2%), and Australian Aboriginal at 5.5% (regional: 3.9%).

Bundaberg South's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Bundaberg South has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Regional Queensland figure of 41 and marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort in Bundaberg South is notably over-represented at 19.7%, compared to the Regional Queensland average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.8%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national figure of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 16.1% to 19.7% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 10.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Bundaberg South's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 130 people (18%) from 719 to 850, while both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.