Bunya

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bunya 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 and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026 the suburb of Bunya's estimated population is around 2,091. This reflects an increase of 123 people (6.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,968 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,088, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 143 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bunya's 6.2% growth since census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 51.0% 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected. The suburb of Bunya is expected to grow by 150 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Bunya, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Bunya averaged around 8 new dwelling approvals annually. Approximately 40 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling accommodated an average of 2.4 new residents per year over these five years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $510,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $2.8 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bunya has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% attached dwellings, marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 100.0% houses). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, potentially responding to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

The area has an estimated 1036 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Bunya will gain 149 residents by 2041, with current development rates expected to comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Bunya has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones are Hills Quarter Everton Hills, Everton Hills Central, Les Hughes Sporting Complex Netball Clubhouse Upgrade, and Albany Links Estate Stage 5 & 6. 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.

The labour market in Bunya shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Bunya has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.3%, lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 4%. In the year ending September 2025, employment grew by 4.3%.

As of that date, 1,309 residents are employed and the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Greater Brisbane's rate. Workforce participation in Bunya is high at 79.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. Home-based work is prevalent, with 28.2% of residents working from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance employs only 13.9% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 16.1%. Bunya has a higher than normal level of local employment opportunities, with a ratio of 0.7 workers per resident as of the Census. Over the 12 months prior to September 2025, employment in Bunya increased by 4.3% while the labour force grew by 4.9%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment rose by 3.8%, the labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bunya's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Bunya suburb had a median taxpayer income of $68,259 and an average level of $80,957. These figures are high nationally compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $75,023 (median) and $88,980 (average). Census 2021 data shows Bunya's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 86th and 99th percentiles. Income distribution indicates that 41.4% of Bunya's population falls within the $40,000+ range, contrasting with surrounding areas where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 33.3%. The area exhibits affluence with 58.4% earning over $3,000 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 90.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Bunya is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

As of the latest Census, all dwellings in Bunya were houses. This is unlike Brisbane metro, where 26.5% were other dwelling types such as apartments or semi-detached homes. Home ownership in Bunya stood at 41.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 56.9% and rented ones at 2.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Bunya was $650, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Bunya's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $650 compared to the national figure of $375.

Bunya features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 92.7% of all households, including 54.7% couples with children, 32.1% couples without children, and 5.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 7.3%, with lone person households at 5.7% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Bunya is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 36.8% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 24.9% in the SA4 region and 25.7% in Queensland. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 25.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.4% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 20.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the 2021 census. This includes 12.1% in secondary education, 9.4% in primary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bunya has four operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by two routes, offering a total of 161 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to transport is limited, with an average distance of 1718 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from this predominantly residential area. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 90% of residents, while trains account for 7%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 2.6, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 28.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 23 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bunya's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Bunya. AreaSearch's assessment indicates very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (1,239 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.4 and 6.6% of residents respectively. Seventy-two point five percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 12.3% of residents aged 65 and over (257 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Bunya is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Bunya's population was found to be predominantly born in Australia, with 84.9%, and citizens, with 95.7%. English was the language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. Christianity was the primary religion, practiced by 59.5% of people, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.4%), Australian (28.7%), and Irish (10.3%). Notably, French ancestry was higher in Bunya at 0.9%, compared to the regional average of 0.5%. South African ancestry was also higher at 1.1% versus 0.6%, as was Welsh ancestry at 0.8% versus 0.5%.

Bunya hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Bunya is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's national median of 38 years. The age group of 55-64 years has a strong representation in Bunya at 17.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 year cohort is less prevalent at 5.1%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.6% to 4.1% of Bunya's population, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 8.4% to 7.1%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes for Bunya. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 15%, reaching a population of 467 from the current 405. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.