Dundowran Beach

Dundowran Beach lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Dundowran Beach is around 2,718. This reflects an increase of 419 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,299. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,666 in Jun 2024, along with validation of nine new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 312 persons per square kilometer. Dundowran Beach's growth rate of 18.2% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, indicating significant growth in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Proportional growth weightings align with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort when state projections lack age category splits. By 2041, the suburb of Dundowran Beach is forecast to increase by 661 persons, reflecting a total gain of 18.3% over 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Dundowran Beach among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Dundowran Beach averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals annually between FY-21 and FY-26. Around 45 homes were approved over the past five financial years, with an additional 27 approved in FY-26 so far. This averages out to around 8.3 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

The demand for housing significantly outweighs supply, which typically drives up prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $488,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction. In FY-26, there have been $173,000 in commercial approvals registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Dundowran Beach shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 72.0% below the regional average per person.

This scarcity of new dwellings can strengthen demand and prices for existing properties. Recent periods have seen an increase in development activity. All new construction has been standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. With around 187 people per dwelling approval, Dundowran Beach exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Future projections estimate Dundowran Beach to add approximately 498 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Dundowran Beach has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects expected to affect the area: Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade, BayWest City Centre, The Green Lifestyle Community, and Hervey Bay Airport Redevelopment are key projects. Relevant details are listed below.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Dundowran Beach significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Dundowran Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 9.9%. As of September 2025, 1,271 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation lags at 57.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 12.2% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 9.9% while labour force grew by 10.5%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%. 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 Dundowran Beach's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Dundowran Beach had a median taxpayer income of $54,325 and an average of $68,301 in the financial year 2023. This is comparable to national averages, differing from 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 the financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,709 (median) and $75,070 (average). According to census data, household income ranks at the 44th percentile ($1,651 weekly), while personal income is at the 27th percentile. The predominant income cohort spans 30.3% of locals (823 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to broader regional trends of 31.7%. Housing costs allow for 88.4% retention, though disposable income is below average at the 50th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Dundowran Beach, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 100.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dundowran Beach was 53.1%, with the remainder either mortgaged (39.6%) or rented (7.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,764, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Dundowran Beach was $418, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Dundowran Beach's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,764 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $418 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 86.8% of all households, including 29.4% couples with children, 49.1% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 13.2%, with lone person households at 9.9% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Dundowran Beach 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 at 23.1%, exceeding the SA4 region average of 13.3% and the SA3 area average of 15.6%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 30.0%.

A significant 24.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 10.3% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.4% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals seven active transport stops operating within Dundowran Beach. These stops are serviced by one individual route, collectively providing 23 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 444 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 98%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 12.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Dundowran Beach's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Dundowran Beach, based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 54% of the total population (~1,475 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis (impacting 10.7% of residents) and mental health issues (7.3%). A majority of residents (64.6%) declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.9% (758 people) compared to Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Dundowran Beach ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Dundowran Beach, as per the census conducted on 29 August 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 78.5% of its residents born in Australia and 89.9% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 95.2% of the population. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 55.6% of the people, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.2%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (34.9%), Australian (26.7%), and Scottish (8.0%). Notable differences existed in the representation of South African (1.0%, compared to regional 0.5%), German (5.1% vs regional 4.7%), and Dutch (1.6% vs regional 1.1%) ancestry groups.

Dundowran Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Dundowran Beach has a median age of 51, which is higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 17.3% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.0%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 7.3% to 9.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 14.8% to 12.7%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.5% to 10.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Dundowran Beach's age structure. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to grow by 103 people (22%) from 470 to 574. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 53% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. In contrast, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 7.