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 per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated within the suburb of Oonoonba, the estimated population as of February 2026 is around 2,251. This figure represents 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 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 875 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 9.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (7.1%) and the SA3 area, positioning 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends indicate an above median growth projection for national non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 522 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 22.3% 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 of ABS building approval numbers indicates Oonoonba averaged approximately five new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 28 homes. As of FY-26, five approvals have been recorded. Historically, an average of ten new residents per year has arrived per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting demand exceeds supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $297,000, below the regional average, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $5.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating Oonoonba's primarily residential nature. Comparatively, Oonoonba has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person when measured against Rest of Qld and places among the 23rd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This lower rate reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options.

The estimated population density is around 741 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Oonoonba will add approximately 501 residents by 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to influence the area: 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.

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The labour market in Oonoonba demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Oonoonba has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,327 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Oonoonba is high at 70.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 4.4% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Public administration & safety shows notable concentration with employment levels at 3.7 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.8%, compared to 4.5% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. From September 2024 to August 2025, labour force decreased by 0.6% while employment declined by 1.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Oonoonba. These projections estimate 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

The suburb of Oonoonba has a higher income level than the national average according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Oonoonba is $59,732 and the average income stands at $70,261, compared to figures for the rest of Queensland which are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,651 (median) and $77,224 (average) as of September 2025. According to Census data from 2021, personal income ranks at the 71st percentile ($931 weekly), while household income sits at the 36th percentile. The predominant income cohort in Oonoonba spans 37.6% of locals (846 people) with incomes ranging between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. 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

Dwelling structure in Oonoonba, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.9% houses and 26.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oonoonba was at 17.6%, with the rest mortgaged (29.6%) or rented (52.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,430, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655, and national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Oonoonba was $320, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $345 and 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 comprise 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

Educational qualifications in Oonoonba trail regional benchmarks with 22.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% nationally as of 2021. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement by 2025. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.7% and graduate diplomas at 2.3%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 7.6% and certificates at 29.2%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2022. 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 offering bus services. These stops are served by one route in total, facilitating 72 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically residing 440 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, outward commuting is prevalent, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 96%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages ten trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately twelve weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Oonoonba is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Oonoonba faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment, conducted on 17th October 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups.

The area has a high private health cover rate of approximately 55% (around 1,238 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland. Mental health issues and asthma were the most common medical conditions, impacting 9.5% and 8.0% of residents respectively, while 68.4% reported being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. As of October 2021, 11.5% of Oonoonba's population is aged 65 and over (258 people), lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligned with those of 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.9% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 47.3% of Oonoonba's population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Oonoonba, comprising 0.2%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (27.3%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (8.4%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Korean at 0.8% in Oonoonba versus 0.2% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 5.6% versus 3.9%, and South African at 0.6% versus 0.5%.

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 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Oonoonba has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (25.0%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.2%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 22.0% to 25.0%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 9.9% to 7.1% and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 8.8% to 6.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Oonoonba, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 36%, adding 205 residents to reach a total of 768. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort shows minimal growth of just 7% (9 people).