Doonan

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Doonan is around 3,895. This figure represents a growth of 168 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,727. AreaSearch validated this estimate based on resident population data from June 2025 and new addresses identified subsequently. The current density ratio is 121 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72% to the recent population growth, with other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied where necessary. By 2041, the suburb of Doonan is projected to increase its population by 356 persons, reflecting an 8.8% total increase over the 16-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Doonan recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Doonan has seen approximately 8 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 43 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26.

On average, about 4.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period. This indicates substantial lag between supply and demand, typically leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is around $859,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Doonan has significantly less development activity, 51.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, though it remains under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Doonan's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 322 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Doonan is expected to grow by 341 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to impact the region. Notable projects are The Doonan, Eumundi-Noosa Road Safety Improvements, Noosa Biosphere Trails Upgrade Program, and Noosa Health Precinct. Below is a list of projects most relevant to the area.

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 notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,915 residents are employed at a rate of 1.5% below Regional Qld's rate of 4%.

Workforce participation is lower than the regional average (60.7% vs 64.5%). A high proportion of residents work from home (25.7%), potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries are construction, healthcare & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction stands out with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.5% compared to 4.5% regionally.

The area appears to have limited local job opportunities based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 4.3%, employment declined by 4.1%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points, contrasting with Regional Qld's employment growth of 0.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Doonan's employment mix suggests 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 only.

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 latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was higher than Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $57,677 (median) and $78,415 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranked at the 72nd percentile ($2,096 weekly), while personal income was at the 48th percentile. In Doonan, 35.2% of individuals earned between $1,500 and 2,999 per week, similar to the surrounding region's 31.7%. Notably, 30.8% of residents earned over $3,000 weekly, supporting premium retail and service offerings. After housing costs, residents retained 86.8% of their income, indicating 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Doonan's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.4% houses and 2.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Doonan was at 43.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.1% and rented ones at 9.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Doonan was recorded at $470, compared to Regional Qld's $345. 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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is larger than the Regional Queensland 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 university qualification rate is 28.6%, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 area average of 23.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.8% of residents aged 15+, 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.

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

Doonan's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions have very low prevalence across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 55% of Doonan's total population (around 2,146 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.4 and 6.6% of residents respectively. Notably, 72.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, higher than the 67.6% across Regional Qld. Under-65 population health outcomes are better than average. Doonan has 21.8% of residents aged 65 and over (849 people), which is higher than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings, mirroring the general population's trends.

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 is culturally diverse, with 73.2% born in Australia, 88.5% being citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 41.7%. Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to Regional Qld, at 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.6%), Australian (22.2%), and Irish (9.7%). Notably, French (1.2%) Scottish (9.6%), and Dutch (1.9%) are overrepresented in Doonan compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 7.8%, and 1.1% respectively.

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

Doonan's median age of 46 years is significantly higher than Regional Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Qld, Doonan has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (16.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.3% to 7.2%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 10.2% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 14.4% to 13.1%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 17.6% to 16.3%. By 2041, Doonan's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 12 people (from 634 to 714), while the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to decline by 34 people.