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 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 area expected to increase by 248 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.2% 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 derived from statistical area data, Bundaberg South has seen approximately seven new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 38 homes. As of FY26, ten approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 has resulted in a gain of 2.8 new residents per year, indicating solid demand which supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $506,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development.

This financial year, $9.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Bundaberg South records markedly lower building activity, at 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, 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 the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. Bundaberg South indicates a mature market with around 423 people per approval.

Looking ahead, Bundaberg South is expected to grow by 227 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely influencing the region. Notable ones include Oasis Estate - Burnett Heads, Bundaberg Civic and Cultural Precinct, New Bundaberg Hospital, and Bundaberg East Levee. Below is a list of those most relevant.

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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 representation across white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 9.6% as of September 2025. This is 1.5 percentage points higher than the Rest of Queensland's rate of 8.1%.

The area experienced estimated employment growth of 9.2% over the past year, based on AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, 1,753 residents are employed, with a workforce participation rate of 63.4%, slightly below the Rest of Queensland's rate of 65.7%. Only 2.5% of residents work from home, according to Census responses. Major employment industries are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade.

The area has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.5 times the regional average. However, construction employs only 6.1% of local workers, below the Rest of Queensland's rate of 10.1%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 9.2%, while labour force grew by 9.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Queensland experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bundaberg South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median income among taxpayers in Bundaberg South was $43,989 and the average income stood at $54,357 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes 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 fall between the 2nd and 11th percentiles nationally. The data shows that 29.2% of residents earn between $800 - 1,499 per week, differing from surrounding regions where earnings between $1,500 - 2,999 dominate at 31.7%. A significant portion of the community (40.5%) has incomes below $800 per week, indicating constrained household budgets. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bundaberg South, 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). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg South was at 21.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (17.8%) or rented (60.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Bundaberg South's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 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, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 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 prominent among residents aged 15+, with 37.3% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (29.3%).

Educational participation is notably 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, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by seven individual routes, collectively offering 244 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 278 metres from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; car remains 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 1,783 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 11.8% and 9.9% of residents respectively. However, 61.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Bundaberg South has 15.0% of residents aged 65 and over (549 people), lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings 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, surveyed in 2016, had above-average cultural diversity with 19.6% of its population born overseas and 13.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 45.6%. Hinduism showed significant overrepresentation at 2.7%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.7%), Australian (27.4%), and Other (8.2%). Notably, German (5.3%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Korean (0.8%) and Australian Aboriginal (5.5%) also showed higher representation than the regional averages of 0.2% and 3.9%, respectively.

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

Bundaberg South's median age is 36, lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and marginally lower than Australia's 38 years. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Bundaberg South at 19.5%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 8.3%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is well above the national figure of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1 year to 36. During this period, the 25-34 age group has grown from 16.1% to 19.5%, while the 65-74 cohort has declined from 9.6% to 8.3% and the 5-14 group has dropped from 11.4% to 10.3%. Population forecasts for Bundaberg South indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 19%, reaching 851 people from the current figure of 713. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.