Doonan

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Doonan statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,889 people. This represents an increase of 162 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,727 people. The current resident population estimate of 3,877 by AreaSearch, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and validation of additional 10 new addresses since the Census date, reflects this growth. This results in a density ratio of approximately 121 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver for population growth was interstate migration, contributing around 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for the Doonan (SA2) align with ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. Age category splits are applied proportionally according to ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using a base year of 2022. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Doonan (SA2) is expected to increase by approximately 398 persons to reach 4,287 people by 2041, reflecting a total increase of around 12.4% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Doonan shows around 8 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 43 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY-26.

This results in an average of 7.1 new residents per year for every home built during this period. However, supply is lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers target the premium market segment, with new dwellings valued at an average of $859,000. Comparatively, Doonan shows reduced construction activity, 52.0% below the regional average per person in Rest of Qld. This limited supply supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

Recent construction comprises predominantly detached houses (88.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (12.0%), maintaining Doonan's low density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 329 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Doonan will grow by 483 residents through to 2041. Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, but increasing population could lead to growing competition among buyers.

Doonan 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 identified six projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are The Doonan, Eumundi-Noosa Road Safety Improvements, Noosa Biosphere Trails Upgrade Program, and Noosa Health Precinct. Relevant projects are listed below.

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 a well-educated workforce with a notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 2,036 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's at 59.1%. The leading employment industries among Doonan residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction is particularly prominent with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the comparison between Census working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.7%, with a 2.2% decline in employment, resulting in a fall of 0.5 percentage points in the unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a rise of 0.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Doonan's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Doonan had a median taxpayer income of $51,793 and an average of $70,416 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was higher than national averages, with Rest of Qld's median being $53,146 and average income at $66,593. By September 2025, estimated incomes were approximately $56,926 (median) and $77,394 (average), based on a 9.91% increase since financial year 2023. Census data showed household income ranked at the 72nd percentile ($2,096 weekly) and personal income at the 48th percentile. In Doonan, 35.2% of individuals (1,368 people) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with regional levels at 31.7%. Notably, 30.8% earned above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retained 86.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Doonan is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Doonan, as per the latest Census evaluation, 97.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Queensland's figures of 96.1% houses and 4.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Doonan stood at 43.9%, mirroring Non-Metro Qld's rate, with mortgaged properties 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 $1,800. Weekly rent in Doonan was recorded at $470, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $415. Nationally, Doonan's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 14.6%, with lone person households at 11.7% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 28.6%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Among residents aged 15+, 38.8% hold vocational credentials, with advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 26.0%. Educational participation is high, with 27.3% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.4% in secondary education, 9.8% in primary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification, at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%).

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Doonan'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 Doonan with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (2,142 people), compared to 49.8% across Rest of Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.4 and 6.6% of residents respectively, while 72.7% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Rest of Qld. The area has 20.7% of residents aged 65 and over (805 people), which is lower than the 24.5% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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 cultural diversity aligns with the broader region, as shown by its population statistics: 73.2% born in Australia, 88.5% citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 41.7%. While Judaism's representation is similar to the rest of Queensland (0.1%), notable variations exist among other ethnic groups: French are overrepresented at 1.2%, Scottish at 9.6%, and Dutch at 1.9% compared to regional averages.

The top three ancestry groups in Doonan are English (34.6%), Australian (22.2%), and Irish (9.7%).

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

Doonan's median age in 2021 was 46 years, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Doonan had a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (17.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.6%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group grew from 10.2% to 11.6%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.3% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 14.4% to 13.4%. By 2041, Doonan's age composition is expected to change notably. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 14%, reaching 752 people from 661, while the 15-24 cohort is expected to decline by 20 people.