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 Bundaberg South statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 3,653 as of Nov 2025. 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 3,636, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024, and an additional 16 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. 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 Bundaberg South (SA2) expected to increase by 246 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.3% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Bundaberg South shows approximately 7 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 38 homes. In FY-26 so far, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 has resulted in about 2.8 new residents per year, indicating solid demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of new homes is around $506,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year has seen approximately $9.5 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bundaberg South records markedly lower building activity, with 67.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 59.0% houses. This skew offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. At around 423 people per approval, Bundaberg South indicates a mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bundaberg South is expected to grow by approximately 230 residents through to 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Bundaberg South has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that are expected to impact the area. Among these key projects are Oasis Estate - Burnett Heads, Bundaberg Civic and Cultural Precinct, New Bundaberg Hospital, and Bundaberg East Levee. The following list details those projects likely to be most 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 both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 9.6% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 9.2%. The area's unemployment rate is 5.5 percentage points higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Bundaberg South lags behind Rest of Qld, with a participation rate of 52.4% compared to 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has notably high concentration in the area, with employment levels at 3.5 times the regional average. Conversely, construction employs only 6.1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 10.1%. The predominantly residential area seems to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 9.2%, while labour force increased by 9.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data from November 25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Bundaberg South. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bundaberg South's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 compared to national averages, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Bundaberg South is $43,989, with an average income of $54,357. These figures contrast with those for Rest of Qld, which are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $48,348 (median) and $59,744 (average). Data from the 2021 Census shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Bundaberg South fall between the 2nd and 11th percentiles nationally. The earnings band of $800 - 1,499 captures 29.2% of the community (1,066 individuals), differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates at 31.7%. A significant proportion of residents earn less than $800 per week (40.5%), indicating constrained household budgets across much of the suburb. 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

Dwelling structure in Bundaberg South, as evaluated at the latest Census conducted on 9 August 2016, comprised 58.8% houses and 41.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Queensland's structure of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Bundaberg South was at 21.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged at 17.8% or rented at 60.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the latest data available, was $1,083, which is below the Non-Metro Queensland average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure for Bundaberg South was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro Queensland's $285. Nationally, Bundaberg South's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 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 Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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 a challenge and an opportunity 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 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. 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

Transport analysis indicates eight active stops operating within Bundaberg South, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by seven individual routes, facilitating 244 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 278 meters from the nearest stop.

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 well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Bundaberg South. Both younger and older age groups experience high prevalence of common health conditions.

Only approximately 49% of residents have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 11.8% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.9%. About 61.4% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 59.1% in rest of Queensland. The area has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (558 people), lower than the 26.3% in rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges similar to those faced by 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 has a cultural diversity above average, with 19.6% of its population born overseas and 13.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Bundaberg South, comprising 45.6% of its population. Hinduism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, making up 2.7% of Bundaberg South's population versus 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.7%), Australian (27.4%), and Other (8.2%). Notably, German (5.3%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 6.4%, Korean (0.8%) has a higher representation than the regional average of 0.2%, and Australian Aboriginal (5.5%) is also overrepresented compared to the regional average of 3.4%.

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

Bundaberg South has a median age of 36, which is lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 years. It is also marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Bundaberg South has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort (18.8% locally) and an under-representation of the 65-74 year-olds (8.3%). Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 16.1% to 18.8%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 9.6% to 8.3%. By 2041, Bundaberg South's age profile is projected to evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to expand by 170 people (25%), growing from 686 to 857. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.