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

As of November 2025, Bundaberg West's population is estimated at around 2,742, reflecting an increase of 146 people since the 2021 Census. This increase corresponds to a growth rate of approximately 5.6%. The ABS ERP estimate for the surrounding areas applied to Bundaberg West by AreaSearch in June 2024 indicated a resident population of 2,734, with an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. This results in a population density ratio of 1,054 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are utilized. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, Bundaberg West is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to increase by 212 persons, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 8.0% over the 17-year period, based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bundaberg West recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval per year over the past 5 financial years ending FY25, totalling an estimated 24 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY26. Over these years, an average of 3.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. Commercial approvals registered this financial year totalled $11.4 million.

Compared to Rest of Qld, Bundaberg West has markedly lower building activity, being 72.0% below regional average per person. New construction consists of 25.0% detached houses and 75.0% medium and high-density housing. Population forecasts indicate Bundaberg West will gain 219 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth.

Population forecasts indicate Bundaberg West will gain 219 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Bundaberg West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile 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. Details on these projects can be found below.

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The labour market performance in Bundaberg West lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Bundaberg West has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 10.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.8%.

As of June 2025, 1,294 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 6.0%, higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lags at 50.3% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.4% versus the regional average of 10.1%. There is one worker for every resident, indicating an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 5.8% alongside labour force increasing by 8.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.0 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, and an unemployment increase of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bundaberg West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Bundaberg West's median income among taxpayers was $45,023 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $55,634 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of Qld, which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $51,322 and average income will be around $63,417. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Bundaberg West fall between the 2nd and 13th percentiles nationally. The majority of residents (31.2%, or 855 people) earn between $400 and $799 weekly. This is lower than regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. A significant portion of the community faces economic challenges, with 43.2% earning below $800 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bundaberg West, 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

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Bundaberg West consisted of 45.1% houses and 54.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bundaberg West was at 20.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.0% and rented ones at 64.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,181, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Bundaberg West was $245, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,181 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 account for 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, which is 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 show 21.6% of residents aged 15 and over hold university degrees, compared to the Australian 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 and over, 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. The area has two schools serving students: St Patrick's Catholic Primary School and Bundaberg West State School, with a total of 735 students. Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. The area functions as an education hub, offering 26.8 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 13.9.

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

Transport analysis shows 21 active transport stops operating in Bundaberg West, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three individual routes, collectively providing 127 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 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

Bundaberg West faces significant health challenges, with various conditions impacting both younger and older residents. Approximately 49% (~1,350 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 11.9% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.9%. Around 59.9% report no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The area has 19.9% (545 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Qld's 26.3%. Seniors' health outcomes present challenges broadly in line with the general population's profile.

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

Bundaberg West had a cultural diversity index above average, with 23.7% of its population born overseas and 15.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bundaberg West, accounting for 46.5% of the population. Notably, Buddhism was overrepresented compared to the rest of Queensland, with 2.7% of Bundaberg West's population identifying as Buddhist, while the regional average was 1.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.0%), Australian (26.1%), and Other (7.4%). There were significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German was overrepresented at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 6.4%, Filipino at 2.4% versus 0.8%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.4% compared to 3.4%.

Bundaberg West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Bundaberg West is 38 years, slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but matching Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 18.4% of the population in Bundaberg West, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort makes up only 8.5%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 15.5% to 18.4%, while the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 10.1% to 8.5%. Additionally, the 65-74 group has fallen from 11.5% to 10.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Bundaberg West. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 24%, reaching 627 people from its current total of 504. Conversely, the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.