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

Dundowran Beach's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at approximately 2686 people. This figure reflects an increase of 387 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2299 people in Dundowran Beach statistical area (Lv2). The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2666 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of nine new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 308 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. The Dundowran Beach (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 16.8% between the 2021 Census and November 2025, surpassing both the non-metro area's 8.8% growth and the national average during this period. The primary driver for population growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains.

For future projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For years post-2032 and areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are utilized. However, these state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied. By 2041, the Dundowran Beach (SA2) is forecasted to experience a significant population increase of 668 persons, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 20.0% over the 17-year period from 2025.

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 approximately 9 new homes approved annually in Dundowran Beach. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 45 homes were approved, with an additional 27 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed has accommodated about 8.3 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

This supply lagging demand suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new properties being constructed at an average expected cost of $488,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $173,000, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Dundowran Beach has seen significantly reduced construction, with 72% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though recent periods have shown increased development activity.

All new construction has been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With approximately 187 people per approval, Dundowran Beach reflects a developing area. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates an increase of 536 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

AreaSearch has identified two projects that may impact the area: Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade. Other key projects include BayWest City Centre, The Green Lifestyle Community, and Hervey Bay Airport Redevelopment.

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's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.2% in September 2025, showing a 10.0% employment growth over the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of that date, 1,277 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Dundowran Beach lagged at 51.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents was concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction, with a particularly strong specialization in the former at 1.2 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence, at 0.9% employment compared to 4.5% regionally.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparison of working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 10.0% and labour force increased by 10.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points in Dundowran Beach. In contrast, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 indicate an expected growth of 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 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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Dundowran Beach had a median taxpayer income of $54,325 and an average income of $68,301. Nationally, the averages were $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,709 (median) and $75,070 (average), based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census ranks Dundowran Beach's household income at the 44th percentile ($1,651 weekly) and personal income at the 27th percentile. Income brackets indicate 813 individuals (30.3% of population) fall within $1,500-$2,999 range. Housing costs allow for 88.4% retention, but 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 per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses (100.0%) with no other dwellings such as semi-detached units or apartments present. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld where 83.9% of dwellings were houses and 16.1% were other types. Home ownership in Dundowran Beach stood at 53.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (39.6%) or rented (7.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,764, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Dundowran Beach was recorded at $418, lower than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $335. Nationally, Dundowran Beach's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 2.3.

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 of 23.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 13.3% and the SA3 area rate of 15.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 12.5% and certificates make up 30.0%.

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

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

Transport analysis shows seven active stops operating within Dundowran Beach. These stops offer mixed bus services, with one route serving all of them collectively providing 23 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is 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% of its total population (~1,457 people) has private health cover, compared to 47.8% across the rest of Queensland.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.7 and 7.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 56.7% across the rest of Queensland. As of June 2021, 27.5% of Dundowran Beach's residents are aged 65 and over (738 people), which is lower than the 31.0% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors in Dundowran Beach are particularly strong, performing even 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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 78.5% of its residents born in Australia, 89.9% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 55.6% of Dundowran Beach's population, compared to 52.7% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.9%), Australian (26.7%), and Scottish (8.0%).

Notably, South African ancestry was overrepresented at 1.0%, compared to 0.3% regionally, while German (5.1%) and Dutch (1.6%) ancestry were also present in higher proportions than the regional averages of 5.3% and 1.3%, respectively.

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 median age of 38. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Dundowran Beach at 18.6%, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 5.9%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 7.3% to 8.9%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 13.3% and the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 12.5% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Dundowran Beach's age structure. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to grow by 119 people (26%) from 456 to 576. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 56% of the population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the number of individuals in the 15 to 24 age range is expected to decrease.