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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch's validation, the estimated population of Dundowran Beach as of May 2026 is around 2,548. This reflects a growth of 249 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,299. The current resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 2,504, following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2025 and validation of nine new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 292 persons per square kilometer. Dundowran Beach's growth rate of 10.8% since 2021 exceeded Rest of Qld's 9.2%, indicating significant population increase. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors also positive.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. 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 used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for age cohorts. Future population dynamics forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of national non-metropolitan areas, with Dundowran Beach expected to gain 593 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 21.6% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Dundowran Beach shows an average of approximately 8 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 40 homes were approved, with a further 29 approved so far in FY26. This results in an estimated 10.9 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

This demand outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties is $488,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In FY26, $173,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, Dundowran Beach shows substantially reduced construction activity when measured against the Rest of Qld, with 75.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. Nationally, the level is likewise lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development in Dundowran Beach has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 209 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, population forecasts indicate Dundowran Beach will gain 549 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Two infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road upgrade (commencing 2018) and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection upgrade (commenced July 2021). Other notable projects include BayWest City Centre, The Green Lifestyle Community, and Hervey Bay Airport Redevelopment.

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Employment performance in Dundowran Beach ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Dundowran Beach has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, lower than Regional Qld's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 7.9%.

As of December 2025, 1,230 residents are in work and the unemployment rate remains at 2.0%. Workforce participation lags behind Regional Qld, at 58.6% compared to 64.5%. A low 12.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 0.9% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 7.9%, labour force grew by 8.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Dundowran Beach. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with differing growth rates between industry sectors. 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.

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

The median taxpayer income in Dundowran Beach is $54,325, with an average of $68,301 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ending June 2023. This is comparable to national averages, contrasting with Regional Queensland's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $60,496 (median) and $76,060 (average). Census data indicates 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 (772 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader regional trends showing 31.7% in the same category. 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 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 latest Census (2016), comprised 100.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dundowran Beach was 53.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.6% and rented ones at 7.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,764, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Dundowran Beach was $418, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Dundowran Beach's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,764 versus Australia's 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 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 Regional Queensland 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 university qualification rate is 23.1%, exceeding the SA4 region average of 13.3% and the SA3 area's 15.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.5% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (30.0%).

A total of 24.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 10.3% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, 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 shows seven active transport stops operating within Dundowran Beach. These stops are served by one route, providing a total of 23 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 444 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode 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 indicates robust performance across Dundowran Beach, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence among both young and older age groups.

Both cohorts exhibited low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover was found to be relatively high at approximately 54% of the total population (~1,382 people). The most prevalent medical conditions in the area were arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (7.3%), while 64.6% of residents reported being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally consistent with broader trends. As of July 2021, the area had 29.6% of residents aged 65 and over (754 people), which is higher than the 20.4% reported in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors were notably strong, aligning with national rankings for 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 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, exhibited low cultural diversity with 78.5% of residents born in Australia. Citizenship was high at 89.9%, and English-only speakers at home comprised 95.2%. Christianity dominated religious affiliation at 55.6%, slightly higher than Regional Qld's average of 52.2%.

Ancestral origins revealed English as the majority group at 34.9% (higher than regional average of 29.6%), followed by Australian at 26.7% and Scottish at 8.0%. Notable differences included South Australian ancestry at 1.0%, German at 5.1%, and Dutch at 1.6%, all higher than respective regional averages.

Dundowran Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Dundowran Beach has a median age of 51, which is higher than the Regional Queensland figure of 41 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Dundowran Beach at 18%, compared to the Regional Queensland average of approximately 9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 5.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 7.3% to 9.4%, while the 85+ cohort has increased from 1.3% to 2.6%. However, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.8% to 12.5%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Dundowran Beach's age structure. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to grow by 117 people (26%), from 458 to 576. Residents aged 65 and above will drive approximately 52% of population growth, reflecting the trend towards demographic aging. Meanwhile, numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to decrease.