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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Gooburrum is around 1,698, reflecting an increase of 180 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 1,518 people in Gooburrum. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,698 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 51 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 61 persons per square kilometer. Gooburrum's growth rate of 11.9% since the 2021 census exceeded that of both the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for Gooburrum.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead to future population dynamics, lower quartile growth is anticipated for locations outside of capital cities. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Gooburrum is expected to grow by 36 persons to 2041, reflecting a decline of 3.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Gooburrum, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Gooburrum has recorded approximately 13 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 69 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.3 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years. However, this figure has intensified to 9.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $579,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In terms of commercial development, approximately $1.9 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Gooburrum records somewhat elevated construction levels, at 40.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This has maintained good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although building activity has slowed in recent years. All new construction has been comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 532 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Gooburrum may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Gooburrum has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Brookfield Estate, Bundaberg Solar Farm, Belle Eden Estate Extensions, and Edenbrook Estate. The following details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The exceptional employment performance in Gooburrum places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Gooburrum has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% as of September 2025, compared to the Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 10.0%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

There were 880 residents in work while workforce participation was lower at 59.8% compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. A low 7.4% of residents worked from home, according to Census responses. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Health care & social assistance is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food shows lower representation at 5.1% versus the regional average of 8.3%. The ratio of workers to residents was 0.8 as at the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 10.0% alongside labour force growth of 10.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7%. 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. Applying these industry-specific projections to Gooburrum's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Gooburrum's median income among taxpayers is $51,149, with an average of $63,204. This is below the national average and compares to Rest of Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Gooburrum would be approximately $56,218 (median) and $69,468 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 46th percentile ($1,684 weekly), while personal income sits at the 27th percentile. Income distribution shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.9% of Gooburrum's community (524 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 91.3% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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

In Gooburrum, as per the latest Census evaluation, all dwellings were houses with none being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Gooburrum stood at 53.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.1% and rented ones at 8.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Gooburrum was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Gooburrum's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,400 than 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 account for 84.4% of all households, consisting of 32.6% couples with children, 41.7% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 15.6%, with lone person households at 13.2% and group households making up 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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+ 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, with 10.0% in secondary, 7.5% in primary, and 2.5% in 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 within its boundaries. This stop is serviced by a mix of buses along one individual route, collectively providing 12 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Gooburrum is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2021 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 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 somewhat prevalent across the board but slightly higher among older age cohorts. Private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~887 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis, impacting 12.7% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 9.7%. Conversely, 58.8% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Gooburrum has 25.2% of residents aged 65 and over (427 people), higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank 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, surveyed in 2016, had low cultural diversity with 89.5% born in Australia, 93.5% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated at 62.5%, compared to 52.2% regionally. Top ancestral groups were English (29.7%), Australian (29.0%), and Scottish (9.0%).

German ancestry was notably higher at 8.4% vs regional 4.7%. Hungarian and Maltese also had higher representations, at 0.5% vs 0.2%, and 1.1% vs 0.4% respectively.

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

Gooburrum's median age at 49 years is significantly higher than Queensland's average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 55-64 are particularly prominent, making up 16.6% of the population, which is larger than both the Rest of Qld figure (12%) and the national average (11.2%). Meanwhile, the 35-44 age group comprises 9.2%, smaller than the Rest of Qld's 10%. From 2021 to present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 10.2% to 11.8%, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 11.0% to 12.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group decreased from 15.7% to 13.3%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 11.2% to 9.3%. By 2041, Gooburrum's population is projected to shift significantly. The 85+ cohort will grow by 55%, reaching 50 people from its current 32. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 54% of the total growth in population. Conversely, declines are projected for the 45-54 age group and the 5-14 age cohort.