Oonoonba

Oonoonba 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 Nov 2025, the estimated population for the Oonoonba statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,251. This reflects an increase of 201 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,050. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,242 in June 2024, based on examination of ABS's latest ERP data release and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 875 persons per square kilometer. The area's growth rate of 9.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (6.9%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 46.0%.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Australian non-metropolitan areas. The Oonoonba (SA2) is expected to expand by 514 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 22.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Oonoonba has seen around 5 new homes approved annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 28 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 10 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $297,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In FY-26, $5.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Oonoonba has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 23rd percentile of areas assessed nationally.

This suggests somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. New building activity shows 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix providing options across different price points. The estimated count of 741 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Oonoonba is expected to grow by 498 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include the Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion, Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge upgrade in Idalia, Fairfield Business Precinct, and Weststate Private Hospital. The following list specifies those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Oonoonba has been broadly consistent with national averages

Oonoonba has an unemployment rate of 4.4%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Oonoonba is at 71.3%, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and retail trade, with a notable concentration in public administration & safety, employing 3.7 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.8% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Oonoonba's labour force decreased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 1.1%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%. As of 25-Nov-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Oonoonba's employment mix indicates a potential increase of 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Oonoonba had a median taxpayer income of $59,732 and an average of $70,261. Nationally, the averages are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%, median income is estimated at $65,651 and average at $77,224. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 71st percentile ($931 weekly) and household income at the 36th percentile. In Oonoonba, 37.6% of locals (846 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to regional levels at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile.

Oonoonba is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Oonoonba, as per the latest Census evaluation, 73.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 26.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's figures of 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oonoonba stood at 17.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.6% and rented ones at 52.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Weekly rent in Oonoonba was recorded at $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Oonoonba's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Oonoonba features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 54.2% of all households, including 14.4% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 45.8%, with lone person households at 37.9% and group households comprising 7.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Oonoonba shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

In Oonoonba trail, 22.6% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.8% of residents holding them – advanced diplomas at 7.6% and certificates at 29.2%. Educational participation is high, with 28.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.6% in tertiary, 7.0% in primary, and 6.3% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in tertiary education, 7.0% in primary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Oonoonba has six active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route, offering 72 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of these stops is rated as moderate, with residents generally located 440 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 10 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Oonoonba are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Oonoonba's health indicators show below-average outcomes compared to national averages.

Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than average for older cohorts. Approximately 55% (~1,238 people) have private health cover, a rate significantly higher than the national average. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.5 and 8.0% of residents respectively. However, 68.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 67.8% reported across Rest of Qld. The population aged 65 and over is 11.4% (256 people), lower than the 14.9% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting challenges beyond those faced by the broader population.

Oonoonba ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Oonoonba had a lower cultural diversity level, with 86.9% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home by September 2016. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.3% of Oonoonba's population as of this date. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.3%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (8.4%). Other notable ethnic group representations included Korean at 0.8% (vs regional 0.2%), Australian Aboriginal at 5.6% (vs regional 5.0%), and South African at 0.6% (vs regional 0.3%).

Oonoonba hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Oonoonba's median age is 30 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Oonoonba has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (24.5%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.6%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 22.0% to 24.5%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 8.8% to 6.6% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 9.9% to 7.7%. Population forecasts for Oonoonba indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 40%, adding 219 residents to reach a total of 771. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort shows minimal growth of just 5% (7 people).