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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Population growth drivers in Bungalow are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
According to calculations using ABS demographic statistics for the surrounding region alongside newly identified locations verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Bungalow has a projected occupancy of roughly 2,448 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 90 people (3.8%) relative to the 2,358 people documented during the 2021 Census. This adjustment stems from an AreaSearch projection of 2,445 residents, formulated by studying the June 2025 release of ERP details by the ABS and factoring in 14 validated new addresses added following the Census date. Such occupancy levels yield a density of 1,128 persons per square kilometer, a figure that aligns closely with standard results observed by AreaSearch across comparable locations. Throughout the previous ten years, the suburb of Bungalow has shown steady growth trends, maintaining a 0.9% compound annual growth rate that exceeded the SA3 region. Demographic expansion within this zone was predominantly generated by arrivals from overseas, which functioned as the single primary source of population increases in recent times.
Projections generated by the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 zones, published in 2024 with a baseline year of 2022, are utilized by AreaSearch. For SA2 sectors omitted from those records, and for any periods after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 and utilizing 2021 data are substituted. Note that these state-level projections omit demographic breakdowns by age; consequently, AreaSearch distributes growth using proportional weights derived from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (using 2022 baseline statistics) for each age category. Looking at future demographic shifts, a growth rate exceeding the median of national regional territories is anticipated, with aggregated SA2 calculations forecasting an increase of 516 persons by 2041, representing a total rise of 21.0% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Bungalow according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
The suburb of Bungalow exhibits very quiet home construction, with fewer than 1 dwelling approvals recorded each year, amounting to 4 dwellings during the entire five-year timeframe. Minimal activity levels of this nature are standard in countryside locations where housing requirements remain small and building rates are naturally restricted by community requirements and local utility capacities. Given the tiny volume of overall approvals, singular building ventures can heavily alter annual growth statistics and comparisons.
Residential building volumes in the suburb of Bungalow are notably weaker than in the Rest of Qld. The construction rate also sits far below national averages. Additionally, all recent building works consisted of separate houses, preserving the country atmosphere of the location with its emphasis on spaciousness. Interestingly, building firms are focusing on traditional houses to a higher degree than the current housing ratio (42.0% at Census) would suggest, pointing to a sustained appetite for detached family properties despite pressures toward higher density. The area registers roughly 4901 people per dwelling approval, showing a mature marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Bungalow
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Bungalow has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
Local infrastructure projects, major construction, and regional planning initiatives are key drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 37 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Principal developments include the Barlow Park Redevelopment, Barlow Park Upgrade, 396 Severin Street Social Housing Apartments, and the Westcourt Walking Network Plan, with the primary developments of interest detailed in the listing below.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Cairns Smart Green Economy Initiative
A multi-stage strategic initiative by Cairns Regional Council to position Cairns and Far North Queensland as a leader in the Smart Green Economy. The three core pillars are Net Zero Energy Systems, Circular Economy, and Biodiversity and Carbon Markets. The flagship sub-project, the $472 million Cairns Water Security Stage 1 (CWSS1), reached 50 percent construction completion in September 2025 and is on track for mid-2026 delivery. Jointly funded by the Australian Government ($195 million), Queensland Government ($195 million) and Council, CWSS1 is being constructed by John Holland Queensland and will deliver 60 megalitres of treated water per day. Other active initiatives include renewable energy transitions for council facilities, EV charging infrastructure, circular economy activations, and carbon and biodiversity market development across the FNQ region.
Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility
Ports North is leading delivery of the Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility at Cook Street and Fearnley Street, Portsmith. The project will expand the precinct as a northern Australia maritime maintenance, repair and overhaul hub with a 5000-tonne shiplift for vessels up to 120 metres, three hardstand areas, two all-weather climate-controlled blast and paint sheds, vessel transfer capability, wet berth capacity and related dredging, wharf, service and landside works. It is jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian governments and is planned to be operational by the end of 2028.
Barlow Park Upgrade
A $91 million transformation of Cairns' premier multi-sports facility into a world-class stadium for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy. In March 2026, official designs by Architectus and HKS were unveiled, featuring a new shaded grandstand that increases permanent seating from 1,700 to 5,000. The project includes upgraded broadcast facilities, improved accessibility, and modernized athlete amenities. Early works are scheduled to begin after the 2026 football season, with the venue intended to serve as a high-performance training hub and host Olympic football preliminaries.
Resource Recovery 2040
A major roadmap and infrastructure program to overhaul Cairns waste management. The project addresses the 2026 closure of the Bedminster Advanced Resource Recovery Facility and aims to reach Queensland Government recovery targets of 90% by 2040. Key initiatives include the introduction of a 3-bin system for food and garden organics (FOGO) starting in 2026, the development of new in-vessel composting facilities, and upgrades to existing materials recovery and transfer station assets.
Barlow Park Redevelopment
Major 91 million AUD transformation of Barlow Park Stadium ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The upgrade features a new western grandstand designed by Architectus and HKS, increasing seating capacity from 1,700 to 5,000. Key improvements include a climate-responsive elevated seating bowl, upgraded player and official facilities, enhanced accessibility, and expanded food and beverage precincts. The project serves as the center for Far North Queensland athletics and various football codes.
Smart water meter program 2023-2026
Cairns Regional Council is replacing existing mechanical water meters with over 50,000 smart water meters across the region. This initiative, part of the Water Demand Management Strategy, aims to improve water security, enable early leak detection, and provide residents with real-time usage data via a new customer portal. The rollout is scheduled for completion by July 2026.
Stan Williams Park Upgrades
An $18 million multi-stage redevelopment of Stan Williams Park into a premier sports and community hub. Stage 1 ($12M), completed in mid-2025, delivered a dual-level grandstand with over 500 seats, modern change rooms, a gym, and 2,500 sqm of undercover spectator space. Stage 2 ($6M), funded by the Queensland Government, includes the installation of an electronic scoreboard, field lighting upgrades, additional terraced seating, and enhanced junior facilities to support state-level rugby league and community events.
Cairns Reservoirs Remediation Package 2
Remediation works are underway across nine Cairns Regional Council reservoirs at eight sites: Mayer Street, Panguna, Bayview Large, Barron View, Runnymede, Brinsmead, Dempsey Street A and B, and Crest Close. The program includes concrete rehabilitation and strengthening, internal protective coatings, steel roof replacements at two reservoirs, access upgrades, minor civil works, access road repairs and temporary water supply works to improve water quality, reliability and security. Council reported in October 2025 that safety assessments, geotechnical surveys and structural testing had been completed, with repair and cleaning works progressing.
Employment
Employment conditions in Bungalow face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
The suburb of Bungalow features a capable labor force, with travel and food service businesses representing key sectors, and registers an unemployment rate of 9.3% based on aggregated local data compiled by AreaSearch. As of March 2026, 1,289 residents are actively working, while the unemployment rate is 5.4% higher than the Regional Qld level of 3.9%, highlighting potential for labor market improvements. Workforce engagement levels closely match the Regional Qld average of 64.3%. Census details indicate a modest 11.7% of working locals operated from their residences, although COVID-19 lockdown measures should be kept in mind.
The primary employment sectors for working residents are medical services & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The local area displays a notable specialization in accommodation & food, employing staff at 1.9 times the regional average rate. By comparison, education & training accounts for only 5.2% of the local workforce, trailing the Regional Qld figure of 9.1%. Registering 1.6 workers for every resident at the time of the Census, the locality operates as an employment center, containing more positions than resident workers and drawing in commuters from adjacent areas.
Based on AreaSearch calculations using SALM and ABS statistics combined from broader regional zones, the local workforce shrank by 2.1% during the 12 months leading to March 2026, while total employment fell by 5.9%, leading to a rise in the unemployment rate of 3.7 percentage points. This trend deviates from Regional Qld, which recorded a 0.1% rise in employment, a 0.3% increase in the labor force, and a 0.1 percentage point lift in unemployment. National labor market expectations published by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context on future hiring needs. These estimates, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local workforce structure to predict hiring trends. While countrywide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, anticipated growth rates vary widely by industry. Projecting these industry-level forecasts onto the local employment composition suggests local job numbers could rise by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (note that this is a direct weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for the financial year 2023 indicate that incomes in the suburb of Bungalow are comparable to national averages, with a median of $53,920 and an average of $67,060. These figures compare to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the financial year 2023, current estimates would translate to approximately $60,045 for the median and $74,678 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places local household incomes at the 8th percentile, whereas individual earnings rank higher at the 30th percentile. An analysis of income brackets shows that the $800 - 1,499 range comprises 31.7% of local earners (776 individuals), contrasting with the wider region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is most common at 31.7%. Affordability pressures are intense, leaving residents with only 79.4% of their income, which ranks in the 6th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Bungalow features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
According to the latest Census, the composition of residential properties in the suburb of Bungalow stood at 42.0% detached houses and 58.1% alternative dwellings (townhouses, flats, and other housing structures), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% alternative dwellings in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Bungalow lagged behind the Regional Qld average, sitting at 18.1%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with mortgages (20.9%) or tenants (60.9%). Typical monthly mortgage costs in the area were recorded at $1,371, while typical weekly rent was $270, compared to Regional Qld averages of $1,655 and $345. Across the country, mortgage costs in the suburb of Bungalow are notably lower than the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are likewise well below the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Bungalow features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Families represent the majority of local households at 46.4%, consisting of couples with children at 13.5%, couples without children at 18.1%, and single parent households at 13.2%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 53.6%, with people living alone making up 44.5% and group households representing 8.7% of the total. The typical household size of 2.0 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Bungalow demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics
Attained qualifications in the suburb of Bungalow sit below regional standards, with 21.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% nationwide. This difference suggests opportunities for future academic development and skills building. Bachelor degrees are the most frequent credential at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 45.0% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.0%) and certificates (32.0%).
School and university enrollment is notably high, with 32.1% of residents presently participating in formal studies. This total includes 8.7% in primary school, 7.8% in high school, and 6.0% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Public transit assessment indicates 9 active transport stops are located within the suburb of Bungalow, operating with a selection of buses. These boarding points are connected to 9 distinct routes, which combine to offer 777 passenger journeys weekly. Transit access is classified as good, with residents living an average of 205 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the area's residential character, most working residents travel out of the area, with driving remaining the primary transit choice at 80%, while 10% walk and 5% cycle. Private vehicle ownership stands at an average of 0.9 per household, sitting below the regional average. A relatively low proportion of 11.7% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census statistics that may reflect COVID-19 restrictions.
Transit service frequency averages 111 journeys per day across all local routes, which translates to roughly 86 weekly journeys per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Bungalow is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts
The suburb of Bungalow faces notable health difficulties, according to AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, with typical medical concerns appearing relatively common among both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance coverage marginally leads the average SA2 area, standing at approximately 54% of the population (~1,316 people).
The most frequent health concerns recorded locally were mental health challenges and arthritis, affecting 8.2% and 7.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 69.2% of residents reported having no ongoing medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age individuals experience chronic illnesses at rates exceeding the average. Residents aged 65 and over make up 13.1% of the local population (320 people), which is lower than the 20.4% share recorded in Regional Qld. Senior citizens in the area enjoy above-average health profiles, with national rankings that outshine those of the general local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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
The suburb of Bungalow displays greater cultural diversity than the vast majority of local property markets, with 29.8% of residents born outside Australia and 23.2% communicating in a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 42.6% of the population. The most visible statistical variance is in the Other category, which represents 2.1% of the local population compared to only 0.8% across Regional Qld.
Regarding heritage based on parental birthplace, the three largest groups in the suburb of Bungalow are English ancestry at 22.9% of the population (notably below the regional average of 29.6%), Australian ancestry at 17.8% (notably below the regional average of 26.5%), and Other at 17.7% (well above the regional average of 6.9%). Significant differences are also visible among other ethnic groups, with Australian Aboriginal ancestry highly represented at 7.6% of the population (compared to 3.9% regionally), Korean at 1.1% (compared to 0.2% regionally), and Filipino at 2.6% (compared to 0.9% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Bungalow's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms
The median age of 38 years in the suburb of Bungalow is slightly lower than the Regional Qld average of 41 years, while matching the national average of 38 years. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented at 21.3% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 group is less common at 6.0%. This high proportion of 25 - 34 year olds is well above the national level of 14.6%. Data collected after the 2021 Census indicates that the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 15.8% to 17.8% of the population. In contrast, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 7.8% to 6.0%. Population projections for 2041 point to significant changes in local demographics. Driven by this shift, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 31% (160 people), rising to 682 from 521. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to see minimal growth of just 1% (1 people).