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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Oonoonba is around 2,194. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,050 people, marking a rise of 144 individuals (7.0%). The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch was based on examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 853 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Oonoonba has exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for Australian non-metropolitan areas like Oonoonba. By 2041, the suburb's population is projected to expand by 453 persons, reflecting a gain of 20.6% over the 16-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 in Oonoonba shows approximately 5 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 28 homes were approved, with 5 more approved by June 2026. This results in an average of 12.9 new residents per year for each home built over the past five financial years.

Demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average 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 Queensland, Oonoonba has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 23rd percentile nationally, suggesting 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 743 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Oonoonba is expected to grow by 453 residents through to 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

Four projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: Wulguru Group Stuart Facility Expansion, Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge upgrade in Idalia, Fairfield Business Precinct development, and Weststate Private Hospital construction.

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, as of December 2025, had an unemployment rate of 4.2%. It employed 1,339 residents with a participation rate of 71.8%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5% and 4.0% unemployment rate respectively. The area had a low work-from-home percentage of 4.4%.

Employment was concentrated in public administration & safety (3.7 times regional average), health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 0.8% of local workers. Labour force remained stable over the previous year while employment declined by 0.7%, increasing unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% in five years and 13.7% in 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 extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2023, Oonoonba suburb had a median taxpayer income of $59,732 and an average income of $70,261. Nationally, the averages were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for Regional Qld. By March 2026, estimates suggest median income would be approximately $66,518 and average at $78,243, based on a 11.36% growth in Wage Price Index since financial year 2023. In 2021 Census figures, personal income ranked at the 71st percentile ($931 weekly), with household income at the 36th percentile. Income distribution showed that 37.6% of locals (824 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting regional patterns where 31.7% occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were 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, 73.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 26.1% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Oonoonba stood at 17.6%, with mortgaged properties making up 29.6% and rented dwellings comprising 52.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,430, below Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Oonoonba was $320, lower than Regional Queensland's $345 and significantly below the national average of $375. Nationally, Oonoonba's mortgage repayments were substantially lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households compose 54.2 percent of all households, including 14.4 percent couples with children, 26.7 percent couples without children, and 11.7 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 45.8 percent, with lone person households at 37.9 percent and group households making up 7.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 have 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 held by 36.8% of residents aged 15 and above, with 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.

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 one route in total, offering 72 weekly passenger trips combined. The area's transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically residing 440 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outward, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 96%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 10 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 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

Health data indicates significant challenges for Oonoonba, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 55% (~1,207 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 9.5% and 8.0% of residents respectively. 68.4% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.4% (272 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general 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 was the predominant religion, comprising 47.3%. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (27.3%), Australian (27.1%), and Irish (8.4%). There were also notable divergences in ethnic group representation: Korean was overrepresented at 0.8% (vs 0.2% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 5.6% (vs 3.9%), and South Australian at 0.6% (vs 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 Regional Queensland's average of 41 and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Qld, Oonoonba has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (24.0%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.4%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.6%. From the 2021 Census to present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 22.0% to 24.0%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 6.5% to 8.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 8.8% to 6.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 9.9% to 8.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Oonoonba. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 35%, adding 186 residents to reach 713. In contrast, the 5 to 14 cohort shows minimal growth of just 8% (11 people).