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 since the Census, Bunya's population is estimated at around 2,096 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 128 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,968 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,090, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 144 persons per square kilometer. Bunya's 6.5% growth since census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of the national average (9.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the suburb expected to increase by 135 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.2% in total over the 16 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Bunya has recorded around 8 residential properties granted approval per year over the past 5 financial years. This totals an estimated 40 homes. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. Over these past 5 financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), there's been an average of 2.1 new residents per year for each dwelling, indicating healthy demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $510,000, showing developers focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year (FY-26), $2.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Bunya shows comparable construction activity per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 100.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

The estimated count of 1034 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Bunya adding 129 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include 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 likely 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 performance in Bunya exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Bunya's workforce is highly educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of December 2025, 1,293 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation at 77.8% compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%.

According to Census responses, 28.2% of residents worked from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction, with a particular specialization in construction at 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance had lower representation at 13.9%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7 as of the Census, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.2% while labour force increased by 1.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.2%, labour force expand by 3.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from 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 this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Bunya suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $68,259 and an average income of $80,957. Nationally, these figures are extremely high. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Bunya's median income would be approximately $76,013 and the average would be around $90,154 as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Bunya rank highly nationally, between the 86th and 99th percentiles. The distribution data shows that 41.4% of residents (867 people) fall into the $4000+ bracket, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is dominant at 33.3%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence in Bunya, with 58.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 90.0% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. 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

The dwelling structure in Bunya, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with 0.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or 'other' dwellings, contrasting with Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bunya stood at 41.0%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (56.9%) or rented (2.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bunya was $2,500, exceeding Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Bunya was recorded at $650, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Bunya's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher than Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above 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 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

Bunya's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications at 36.8%, compared to the SA4 region (24.9%) and Queensland (25.7%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.3% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (20.6%). Educational participation is high, with 31.2% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes secondary education (12.1%), primary education (9.4%), and tertiary education (5.6%).

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

Bunya has four active public transport stops, all serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by two different routes, together offering 161 weekly passenger trips. Transport access in Bunya is limited, with residents usually located 1718 meters away from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outwards. Cars remain the primary mode at 90%, with trains used by 7%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 2.6, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 28.2% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 23 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 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 indicates strong performance across Bunya, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Very low prevalence of common health conditions was observed across all age groups.

The rate of private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (1,242 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues were the most common medical condition in the area, impacting 7.4% of residents, followed by asthma at 6.6%. A total of 72.5% of residents declared 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 12.1% of residents aged 65 and over (253 people), which is lower than the 15.1% 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 showed low cultural diversity, with 84.9% born in Australia and 95.7% being citizens. Most residents spoke English only at home (95.2%). Christianity was the prevalent religion in Bunya, practiced by 59.5%, compared to 47.8% regionally.

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

Bunya hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Bunya is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's national median of 38 years. The 45-54 age group comprises 19.6% of Bunya's population, compared to Greater Brisbane's percentage and well above the national figure of 12.0%. The 25-34 age cohort makes up 5.3% of Bunya's population, lower than both Greater Brisbane's and Australia's percentages. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.6% to 4.0%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 8.4% to 7.1%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes in Bunya. Notably, the 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 13 people, reaching 464 from 410. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.