Oonoonba

Oonoonba lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Oonoonba is around 2,239. This reflects an increase of 189 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,050. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,228 based on the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 871 persons per square kilometer. Oonoonba's growth rate of 9.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (6.9%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 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 adopted. Considering projected demographic shifts, above median population growth is expected for Australian non-metropolitan areas like Oonoonba, with an estimated expansion of 515 persons to reach a total population of around 2,754 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 22.8% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Oonoonba had approximately 5 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 28 homes were approved, with another 4 approved in FY-26. Each home built over these years is estimated to have brought an average of 10 new residents.

This demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value of new properties was $297,000, lower than regional norms. In FY-26, $10.3 million in commercial development approvals were recorded. Compared to Rest of Qld, Oonoonba has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 15th percentile nationally for buyer options, indicating limited choices while demand for established homes strengthens.

Recent development consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining Oonoonba's low-density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population density is 1112 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Oonoonba will grow by 511 residents. 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Area's performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area. Key projects include Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion, Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia) Upgrade, Fairfield Business Precinct, and North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK). The following list details those most relevant:.

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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 employment landscape in Oonoonba shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Oonoonba has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,349 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5% compared to Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Oonoonba is higher at 71.3%, against Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Public administration & safety shows strong specialization with an employment share 3.7 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.8% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area may offer limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Oonoonba's labour force decreased by 2.3%, alongside a 3.7% employment decline, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force increase by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Oonoonba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Oonoonba's median income among taxpayers was $59,732 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $70,261 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $68,089 (median) and $80,091 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 71st percentile with a weekly income of $931, while household income sits at the 36th percentile. Distribution data shows that 37.6% of residents (841 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Oonoonba, with only 82.4% of income remaining after housing costs, 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. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 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. The median weekly rent in Oonoonba was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Oonoonba's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,430 versus 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, which is 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

Educational qualifications in Oonoonba trail regional benchmarks. 22.6% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 7.6% and certificates at 29.2%.

Educational participation is 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. Educational facilities appear to be located outside immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Oonoonba has five active public transport stops, all of which operate buses. These stops are served by one route collectively providing 72 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 444 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 10 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 14 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 results with common health conditions prevalent at levels similar to national averages but higher among older residents.

Approximately 55% (~1,232 people) have private health cover, which is very high. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 9.5 and 8.0% of residents respectively. Around 68.4% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in Rest of Qld. The area has 11.5% (257 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 14.9% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for 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, as per the findings, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. Its population comprised 86.9% citizens, with 86.9% born in Australia, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was found to be the dominant religion, accounting for 47.3% of Oonoonba's population.

Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Oonoonba compared to the rest of Queensland, with 0.2% versus 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English at 27.3%, Australian at 27.1%, and Irish at 8.4%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Korean was overrepresented at 0.8% compared to the regional average of 0.2%, Australian Aboriginal at 5.6% versus 5.0%, and South African at 0.6% against a regional average of 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 and Australia's 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 concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of Oonoonba's population in the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 22.0% to 24.5%, while the proportions for the 5 to 14 cohort have declined from 8.8% to 6.6% and the 45 to 54 group have dropped from 9.9% to 7.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Oonoonba, with the strongest projected growth in the 25 to 34 age cohort (40%), adding 221 residents to reach a total of 770. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort shows minimal growth of just 6%, adding only 8 people.