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 November 2025, the estimated population of Dundowran Beach is around 2,544. This figure reflects a growth of 245 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,299. AreaSearch's analysis of latest ERP data from ABS (released June 2024) and validation of new addresses estimate the resident population at 2,535. This results in a density ratio of 292 persons per square kilometer. Dundowran Beach's growth rate since 2021, at 10.7%, exceeds both non-metro areas (8.8%) and national averages, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83% to recent population gains, with all factors including overseas migration and natural growth being positive influences.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas released in 2024 based on 2022 data, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 using 2021 data for years post-2032. Future trends forecast a significant population increase by 2041, with Dundowran Beach expected to grow by 667 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 26.6%.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Dundowran Beach when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Dundowran Beach had approximately 6 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 30 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved in FY-26. This results in about 12.5 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

However, supply is lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average value of $488,000, aligning with broader regional development. In FY-26, there have been $213,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Dundowran Beach has substantially reduced construction, which is 81.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. Nationally, Dundowran Beach's construction levels are also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 220 people per approval, Dundowran Beach reflects a transitioning market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Dundowran Beach is projected to add 677 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Dundowran Beach has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact the region: Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road upgrade. Other notable projects include Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection improvement, The Green Lifestyle Community development, Hervey Bay Airport redevelopment, and Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

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Dundowran Beach ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Dundowran Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 2.4%.

There was an estimated employment growth of 7.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 1,231 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 1.5% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 51.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Health care & social assistance employed 1.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 0.9% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 7.0% and labour force increased by 7.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest national employment should 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that median income in Dundowran Beach is $54,325 with an average of $68,301. This compares to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2022 to September 2025 (an estimated increase of 13.99%), current estimates for Dundowran Beach would be approximately $61,925 median and $77,856 average as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household income ranks at the 44th percentile ($1,651 weekly) while personal income is at the 27th percentile. Income analysis shows that the predominant cohort consists of 30.3% (770 people) with incomes between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to regional trends where 31.7% fall into this category. Housing costs allow for retention of 88.4% of income, but disposable income is below average at the 50th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth 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 Census conducted in 2016, comprised 100.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership within Dundowran Beach was at 53.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.6%) or rented (7.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,764, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $418. Nationally, Dundowran Beach's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 13.2%, with lone person households at 9.9% and group households making up 3.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Dundowran Beach 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 23.1% among residents aged 15+, exceeding both 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 held by 42.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas comprising 12.5% and certificates making up 30.0%.

A total of 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. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Analysis shows seven active transport stops operating within Dundowran Beach, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by one route, collectively offering 23 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated moderate, with residents typically located 444 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Dundowran Beach is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Dundowran Beach faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 54% (~1,380 people) have private health cover, compared to 47.7% across Rest of Qld.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (7.3%). About 64.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 56.7% in Rest of Qld. There are 27.5% (699 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 31.0% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 28 June 2016, showed a low level of cultural diversity with 78.5% of its residents born in Australia. This is higher than the regional average of 71.2%. A majority, 89.9%, were Australian citizens, compared to 83.4% regionally.

English was spoken exclusively at home by 95.2% of Dundowran Beach's population, whereas this figure stood at 86.0% across the rest of Queensland. Christianity was the predominant religion in Dundowran Beach, practised by 55.6%, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.7%. The ancestry of residents showed English heritage as the most prevalent (34.9%), followed by Australian (26.7%) and Scottish (8.0%). Notably, South African ancestry was more represented in Dundowran Beach at 1.0%, compared to 0.3% regionally. German ancestry stood at 5.1%, slightly higher than the regional average of 5.3%. Dutch ancestry was also slightly higher at 1.6%, compared to 1.3% regionally.

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 national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group is notably over-represented in Dundowran Beach at 18.6%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 5.9%. This concentration of the 55-64 cohort is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 7.3% to 8.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 14.8% to 13.3%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.2%. Looking ahead to the year 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Dundowran Beach's age structure. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to grow by 144 people, increasing from 432 to 577, a rise of 33%. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 51% of the population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to grow by a modest 4%, an increase of 9 people.