Pialba

Population growth drivers in Pialba are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Pialba as of Nov 2025 is around 4,647. This reflects an increase of 496 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,151 people in the suburb. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,500, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 118 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 938 persons per square kilometer in Pialba. The suburb's 11.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area average (8.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for Pialba was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected in Pialba, with the suburb expected to increase by 342 persons to reach 5,017 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Pialba among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Pialba has seen around 44 new homes approved per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 222 homes were approved, with a further 30 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling over these years accommodates about 2.1 new residents annually, indicating healthy demand which supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is around $370,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. This financial year has seen $11.8 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity in the area. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Pialba has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, while it ranks among the 88th percentile nationally based on areas assessed.

New building activity predominantly consists of standalone homes (96.0%) with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 4.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. This trend favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (64.0% at Census), demonstrating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With around 90 people per dwelling approval, Pialba exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Pialba is projected to add 237 residents by 2041 based on current development patterns. Given the current new housing supply meeting demand, this offers good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitates population growth beyond current projections.

Pialba has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Hervey Bay Community Hub, The Green Lifestyle Community, Liven Beach Road project, and upgrades to Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection.

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 labour market performance in Pialba lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Pialba has a balanced workforce consisting of white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area.

The unemployment rate was 8.7% as of June 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 1,682 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.8%, which was higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Pialba lagged significantly at 41.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food sectors. The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 0.5% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of workers to residents at the Census indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1% and labour force increased by 6.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.0 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by only 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide insight into potential future demand within Pialba. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Pialba's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.8% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's data from June 2022 shows Pialba's median income was $41,290 and average income was $51,913. This is lower than the national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average) for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income in Pialba will be approximately $47,066 and average income will be around $59,176, based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since June 2022. Census data indicates incomes in Pialba fall within the lowest national percentiles: 1st to 5th for household, family, and personal incomes. The dominant income bracket is $400-$799, with 33.9% of residents (1,575 people), unlike regional trends where 31.7% fall within the $1,500-$2,999 range. This concentration, along with severe housing affordability pressures (only 79.6% of income remaining), highlights economic challenges in Pialba.

Pialba displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Pialba, as evaluated at the Census held in August 2016, comprised 64.0% houses and 36.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's dwelling structure of 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Pialba was 38.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged at 18.6% or rented at 43.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as recorded in 2016, was $1,300, which is below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure for Pialba in 2016 was $310, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $335. Nationally, Pialba's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as recorded in 2016, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375 for the same year.

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

Family households constitute 58.5% of all households, including 14.3% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.5%, with lone person households at 36.9% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Pialba faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.4%, substantially below Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (30.3%). Educational participation is high at 25.0%, including 9.7% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Pialba State School and Hervey Bay State High School serve a total of 1,716 students. The area's ICSEA score is 934, indicating varied educational conditions. There is one primary and one secondary institution providing education in the area. The area functions as an education hub with 36.9 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Pialba has 22 operating public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are covered by eight different routes that together facilitate 347 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these routes is considered good, with residents on average being located 355 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 49 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Pialba is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Pialba faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 48% (~2,220 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Common medical conditions include arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (11.1%), while 55.1% report no medical ailments compared to 56.7% in Rest of Qld. The area has 29.3% (1,361 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 31.0% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Pialba, as per the findings, had a cultural diversity score below average. Its population composition was 87.1% citizens, 79.8% born in Australia, and 93.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Pialba, accounting for 51.9% of its residents.

Notably, Judaism, at 0.2%, was overrepresented compared to the Rest of Qld's 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (31.8%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (8.4%). There were also notable differences in the representation of New Zealanders (1.0% vs regional 0.7%), Germans (5.1% vs 5.3%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.5%).

Pialba ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Pialba's median age is 50 years, which is significantly older than Rest of Qld's median age of 41 and the Australian median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 65-74 year-old group makes up 15.1% of Pialba's population, which is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Conversely, the 35-44 year-old group comprises only 9.3%, compared to a larger percentage in Rest of Qld. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.7% to 10.6% of Pialba's population, while the 65-74 year-old cohort has declined from 17.0% to 15.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Pialba's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 101 people (20%) from 501 to 603. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 50% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends in the area. Meanwhile, both the 55-64 year-old and 45-54 year-old age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.