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 3,660 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 166 people (4.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,494 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,636, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,619 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 a base year of 2022. 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 Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 247 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Bundaberg South according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

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, 10 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.4 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, this suggests solid demand that supports property values. New homes are being built 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 of 59.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for 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 223 residents through to 2041, according to 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include Oasis Estate at Burnett Heads, Bundaberg Civic and Cultural Precinct, New Bundaberg Hospital, and Bundaberg East Levee. Below is a list of projects most relevant to the area.

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 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 jobs. The unemployment rate is 9.1%. Over the past year, there's been an estimated employment growth of 8.7%.

As of December 2025, 1,768 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.0%, higher than Regional Qld's 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Only 2.5% of residents work from home. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 3.5 times the regional average. Construction employs just 6.1%, below Regional Qld's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 8.7% while labour force grew by 8.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld had employment growth of 0.7% and a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Bundaberg South's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these projections are simple extrapolations and do not account for localised population changes.

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

The suburb of Bundaberg South had a lower than average income level nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Bundaberg South was $43,989 and the average income stood at $54,357. These figures compared to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Bundaberg South as of September 2025 would be approximately $48,348 (median) and $59,744 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Bundaberg South fell between the 2nd and 11th percentiles nationally. The income band of $800 - 1,499 captured 29.2% of the community (1,068 individuals), differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominated with 31.7%. The prevalence of lower-income residents (40.5% under $800/week) indicated constrained household budgets across much of this suburb. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 79.9% of income remaining, 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

In Bundaberg South, as per the latest Census evaluation, 58.8% of dwellings were houses while 41.2% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Regional Queensland's dwelling structure which comprised 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg South stood at 21.4%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 17.8% and rented dwellings making up 60.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, significantly lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Similarly, the median weekly rent figure in Bundaberg South was recorded at $250, substantially below Regional Queensland's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Bundaberg South's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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 account for 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualifications, at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ 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, including 10.3% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing 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 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 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 49% (1,783 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are most common, impacting 11.8% and 9.9% respectively, while 61.4% report no medical ailments, lower than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (552 people), lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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's population showed higher than average cultural diversity, with 19.6% born overseas and 13.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.6%. Hinduism was overrepresented at 2.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.7%), Australian (27.4%), and Other (8.2%). Notable differences included German (5.3% vs regional 4.7%), Korean (0.8% vs 0.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (5.5% vs 3.9%) representation.

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 Qld figure of 41 and marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Bundaberg South at 19.3%, compared to the Regional Qld average. Conversely, those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 8.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 16.1% to 19.3% of the population. During this period, the 65-74 cohort declined from 9.6% to 8.4%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.3%. Demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Bundaberg South's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 131 people (19%), growing from 706 to 838. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.