Bundaberg West

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

The Bundaberg West statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 2,755 as of November 2025, reflecting a growth of 159 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 6.1% rise from the previous population count of 2,596. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,743 as of June 2024, coupled with the validation of 15 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,059 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other areas assessed by AreaSearch. The Bundaberg West's growth rate of 6.1% since the census places it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 8.7%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied when utilised. Considering projected demographic shifts, the Bundaberg West is expected to increase by just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with an anticipated population growth of 212 persons to reach approximately 2,967 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.5% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bundaberg West has averaged around 5 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 29 homes. In FY-26 so far, 6 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 3 new residents gained per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating healthy demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of new homes is $506,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments.

In this financial year, $7.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating Bundaberg West's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Bundaberg West records markedly lower building activity, with 66.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, which is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity comprises 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Bundaberg West indicates a mature market with around 453 people per approval. Population forecasts estimate Bundaberg West will gain 206 residents through to 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential competition among buyers as the population grows.

Population forecasts indicate Bundaberg West will gain 206 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the local area significantly. These include Bundaberg Civic and Cultural Precinct, South Beach Precinct, New Bundaberg Hospital, and St Vincent de Paul Social Housing Walkervale Bundaberg. The following details those considered most relevant.

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Employment performance in Bundaberg West has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Bundaberg West has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.6% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 10.1%. Compared to Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, Bundaberg West's unemployment rate is 4.5% higher, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Bundaberg West lags behind Rest of Qld, with a rate of 50.3% compared to 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food.

Health care & social assistance is particularly concentrated, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Construction, however, is under-represented, with only 5.4% of Bundaberg West's workforce compared to 10.1% in Rest of Qld. As of the Census, there are 1.1 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 10.1% while labour force increased by 10.7%, resulting in a rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows that Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that employment should increase locally by 6.8% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not accounting for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Bundaberg West had a median taxpayer income of $45,023 and an average of $55,634. Nationally, these figures are lower than the average. In Rest of Qld, the median was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Bundaberg West as of September 2025 are approximately $49,485 (median) and $61,147 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Bundaberg West fall between the 2nd and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 31.2% of individuals earn between $400 - $799 weekly, differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 31.7%. A significant portion, 43.2%, falls into sub-$800 weekly brackets, highlighting economic challenges. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Bundaberg West, as evaluated at the Census conducted on 9 August 2016, comprised 45.1% houses and 54.9% other dwellings including semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Queensland's structure of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg West stood at 20.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.0% and rented dwellings at 64.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,181, lower than Non-Metro Queensland's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Bundaberg West was $245, compared to Non-Metro Queensland's $285. Nationally, Bundaberg West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,181 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 46.7% of all households, including 13.1% couples with children, 18.9% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 53.3%, with lone person households at 47.3% and group households comprising 5.6%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Bundaberg West fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational qualifications in Bundaberg West trail regional benchmarks, with 21.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 7.1% and certificates at 28.1%. Educational participation is high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.2% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Bundaberg West shows 21 active public transport stops operating. These are a mix of bus stops serviced by three individual routes. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes total 127.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents located an average of 184 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately six weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Bundaberg West. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,356 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.9% and 10.9% of residents respectively. 59.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 59.1% across Rest of Qld. The area has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (548 people), which is lower than the 26.3% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Bundaberg West was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bundaberg West had a cultural diversity above average, with 23.7% of its population born overseas and 15.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Bundaberg West, comprising 46.5% of the population. Buddhism showed an overrepresentation at 2.7%, compared to 1.1% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.0%), Australian (26.1%), and Other (7.4%). Notably, German was overrepresented at 5.2% in Bundaberg West versus 6.4% regionally, Filipino at 2.4% versus 0.8%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.4% versus 3.4%.

Bundaberg West's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Bundaberg West is 38 years, slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but in line with Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 18.4% of the population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.5% to 18.4%, and the 5-14 cohort has declined from 10.1% to 8.5%. The 65-74 age group also dropped, from 11.5% to 10.1%. Population forecasts for Bundaberg West indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 23%, reaching 626 people from 506. Conversely, the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to decrease in population.