Doonan

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Doonan's estimated population was 3,889 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a growth from the 2021 Census figure of 3,727 people, an increase of 162 individuals (4.3%). The resident population estimate of 3,877 by AreaSearch in June 2024 contributed to this change, along with seven validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 121 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration (72.0% of gains), but all factors including overseas migration and natural growth were positive.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. Future population projections indicate an increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Doonan expected to gain 410 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.5% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Doonan when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Doonan shows approximately 8 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 43 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26.

This results in an average of 7.1 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years. Supply is lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers target the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at an average of $859,000. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Doonan has significantly less development activity, being 52.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

Recent construction comprises 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 329 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Doonan is expected to grow by 486 residents through to 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, although growing competition among buyers is anticipated as population increases.

Doonan 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 six projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are The Doonan, Eumundi-Noosa Road Safety Improvements, Noosa Biosphere Trails Upgrade Program, and Noosa Health Precinct, with details below listing 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 Doonan demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Doonan has an educated workforce with a notable presence in construction. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% as of AreaSearch's statistical aggregation. As of September 2025, 2,041 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, below Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Qld at 65.7%. Census responses showed 25.7% worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading industries include construction, healthcare & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction is particularly strong with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.5%, compared to 4.5% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by working population vs resident population counts. Between September 2024 and 2025, labour force decreased by 2.7% while employment declined by 2.1%, reducing unemployment by 0.5%. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and unemployment increase by 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Doonan's industry mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Doonan is $51,793, with an average of $70,416 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, which contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $56,926 (median) and $77,394 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 72nd percentile ($2,096 weekly), while personal income sits at the 48th percentile. In Doonan, 35.2% of the population earns between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, mirroring the surrounding region where 31.7% fall within this bracket. The suburb demonstrates affluence with 30.8% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Doonan's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 97.4% houses and 2.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Doonan stood at 43.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.1% and rented ones at 9.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Doonan was $470, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Doonan's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 85.4% of all households, including 40.6% couples with children, 36.2% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 14.6%, with lone person households at 11.7% and group households at 3.0%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Doonan shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 28.6% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and that of SA3 area at 23.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 26.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.4% in secondary education, 9.8% in primary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Doonan's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

AreaSearch's assessment of Doonan's health outcomes shows excellent results. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover is high, at approximately 55% of the total population (around 2,142 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.4% and 6.6% of residents respectively. 72.7% of residents report being completely free of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. Doonan has 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (812 people). Seniors' health outcomes are strong, aligning with national rankings similar to the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Doonan records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Doonan's population was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average regarding cultural diversity, with 73.2% born in Australia, 88.5% being citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 41.7% of Doonan's population. Judaism was found to be slightly overrepresented compared to the Rest of Qld average, with 0.1% in Doonan versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.6%), Australian (22.2%), and Irish (9.7%). Notably, French ancestry was overrepresented at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Scottish at 9.6% versus 7.8%, and Dutch at 1.9% versus 1.1%.

Doonan hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Doonan's median age was 46 years in the latest data, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and well above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Doonan had a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (16.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.6%). Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, the proportion of Doonan's population aged 15-24 increased from 10.2% to 11.7%, while the proportion aged 75-84 rose from 5.3% to 6.7%. Conversely, the proportion aged 5-14 decreased from 14.4% to 13.2%, and the proportion aged 45-54 fell from 17.6% to 16.5%. By 2041, Doonan's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow by 17 people, reaching 753 from 641. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is projected to decline by 25 people.