Gooburrum

An assessment of population growth drivers in Gooburrum reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Gooburrum is around 1,704, reflecting a growth of 186 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,518. This increase represents a 12.3% change from the previous census figure. The population estimate was inferred from AreaSearch's validation of resident population data, based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 53 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 61 persons per square kilometer. Gooburrum's growth rate exceeds that of its SA3 area (9.1%) and the Rest of Qld, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth outside capital cities, with the area expected to expand by 24 persons to reach a total population of 1,728 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 1.1% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Gooburrum according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Gooburrum had approximately 13 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 69 homes were approved, with 3 more in FY-26 as of current figures. On average, each dwelling constructed brought about 3 new residents over the past 5 financial years.

This supply lagged demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes were built at an average expected construction cost value of $579,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties. In FY-26, there have been $1.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting minimal commercial development activity compared to previous years.

Against the Rest of Qld average over the past 5 years, Gooburrum had slightly more development per person (41.0% above), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, construction activity has recently eased. All new constructions were detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 557 people. AreaSearch projects Gooburrum to grow by 19 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to impact this region. Major initiatives include Brookfield Estate, Bundaberg Solar Farm, Belle Eden Estate Extensions, and Edenbrook Estate, with the following projects being particularly relevant.

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Employment conditions in Gooburrum rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Gooburrum's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 10.0%. As of December 2025927 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.2% lower than Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation was similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 7.4% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Health care & social assistance had a strong specialization with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while accommodation & food showed lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 8.3%.

The ratio of 0.8 workers per resident indicated substantial local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 10.0% and labour force grew by 9.9%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. By comparison, Regional Qld had employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Gooburrum. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Gooburrum's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Gooburrum at $51,149 and average income at $63,204. This is below Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $56,960 (median) and $70,384 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 46th percentile ($1,684 weekly), with personal income at the 27th percentile. The dominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, with 30.9% of residents (526 people). This aligns with broader metropolitan trends showing 31.7% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 91.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Gooburrum, as per the latest Census, was entirely houses at 100.0% with no other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gooburrum stood at 53.9%, higher than Regional Qld, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.1% and rented ones at 8.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Gooburrum was $300, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Gooburrum's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,400 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 84.4% of all households, including 32.6% couples with children, 41.7% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 15.6%, with lone person households at 13.2% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Gooburrum fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (30.6%). A total of 23.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 10.0% in secondary education, 7.5% in primary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

A substantial 23.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.0% in secondary education, 7.5% in primary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Gooburrum has one active public transport stop operating, offering a mix of bus services. This stop is served by one route, collectively providing 12 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is limited, with residents typically located 2021 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 7.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Gooburrum is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Gooburrum faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is slightly higher than average at approximately 52% of the total population (~890 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.7%) and mental health issues (9.7%). However, 58.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.5% (417 people), compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Gooburrum is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Gooburrum's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.5% of its population born in Australia and 93.5% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 96.3%. Christianity was the dominant religion at 62.5%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.7%), Australian (29.0%), and Scottish (9.0%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 8.4% compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Hungarian ancestry also stood out at 0.5%, higher than the regional average of 0.2%, as did Maltese ancestry at 1.1% versus 0.4%.

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

Gooburrum has a median age of 48, which is higher than Regional Qld's figure of 41 and significantly above the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 16.0% of Gooburrum's population, compared to Regional Qld, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15-24 age group grew from 11.0% to 12.5%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 8.3% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 15.7% to 13.1%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 11.2% to 9.8%. By 2041, Gooburrum is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 group will grow by 13% (24 people), reaching 215 from 190. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 54% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts.