Bungalow

Population growth drivers in Bungalow are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, as of 1st November 2025, the Bungalow statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of approximately 2,566 people. This reflects a growth of 208 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,358 people, marking an increase of 8.8%. AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,513 is based on examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and validation of 11 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,182 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Bungalow's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (8.0%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind this population growth.

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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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) for each age cohort are applied where necessary. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for regional areas nationally, with the Bungalow expected to increase by approximately 574 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 19.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Bungalow had minimal residential development activity with one dwelling approval annually over the past five years (totaling five dwellings). This low level of development is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and limited construction activity influenced by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Notably, the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics on an individual project basis.

Compared to the Rest of Qld and national averages, Bungalow has much lower development activity. All new constructions in the area have been detached dwellings, maintaining its rural character with emphasis on space. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than suggested by the current mix at Census (42.0%), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 4916 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bungalow is projected to grow by 494 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Bungalow 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 29 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Barlow Park Upgrade, Cairns Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs Residential Treatment Services, Mulgrave Rd in Westcourt, and Far North Private Hospital. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Bungalow face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Bungalow has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 8.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,319 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Bungalow is somewhat below standard at 56.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Notably, accommodation & food employs 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training employs only 5.2% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 9.1%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.6 workers for every resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6% while employment declined by 5.2%, resulting in a 3.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD 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 May-25 suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bungalow's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Bungalow suburb is $53,920 and average income is $67,060. This is similar to national averages but higher than Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,263 (median) and $73,706 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 8th percentile while personal income is at the 30th percentile. Income brackets show that 31.7% of individuals earn between $800 and $1,499 annually, which differs from broader area patterns where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate with another 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bungalow, with only 79.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 6th percentile.

Bungalow features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Bungalow, as per the latest Census, consisted of 42.0% houses and 58.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bungalow was at 18.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (20.9%) or rented (60.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,371, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270. Nationally, Bungalow's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 46.4% of all households, composed of 13.5% couples with children, 18.1% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 53.6%, with lone person households at 44.5% and group households comprising 8.7%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

Bungalow demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Bungalow Trail show that 21.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 45.0% of residents holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 13.0% and certificates for 32.0%. Educational participation is high, with 32.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis shows nine active transport stops operating within Bungalow, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by nine different routes, collectively offering 777 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 205 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 111 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 86 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Bungalow are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators show below-average outcomes in Bungalow. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~1,379 people), leading the average SA2 area's rate of 50.9% across Rest of Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues (8.2%) and arthritis (7.6%). A total of 69.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.7% across Rest of Qld. Bungalow has 12.7% of residents aged 65 and over (325 people), which is lower than the 15.7% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Bungalow's population showed high diversity with 29.8% born overseas and 23.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 42.6%. The 'Other' religious category was overrepresented in Bungalow at 2.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 1.5%.

Top ancestry groups were English (22.9%), Australian (17.8%), and Other (17.7%). Notable ethnic group representations included Australian Aboriginal at 7.6% (vs regional 6.7%), Korean at 1.1% (vs 0.4%), and Filipino at 2.6% (vs 1.8%).

Bungalow's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Bungalow is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 21.9% of Bungalow's population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage and significantly above the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 20.4% to 21.9%, while the 35-44 cohort has risen from 15.8% to 16.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 7.8% to 6.2%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 13.7% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Bungalow. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 30%, reaching 732 people from the current 561. Conversely, the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.