Thabeban

An assessment of population growth drivers in Thabeban reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Thabeban's population is estimated at around 3,021 people. This reflects an increase of 50 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,971. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,025 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with validation of 20 new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 400 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected for Thabeban. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 218 persons, reflecting a gain of 7.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Thabeban, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Thabeban has seen around 4 new homes approved annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 21 homes were approved, with no approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 1.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these 5 years. However, this number increased to 5.6 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential supply constraints.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $355,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. This year, $37,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating Thabeban's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Thabeban has significantly less development activity, at 78.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. When measured against the national average, Thabeban also shows lower development activity, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations. In terms of housing types, 67.0% are detached dwellings, with the remaining 33.0% being medium and high-density housing.

This mix includes townhouses and apartments, providing options across different price points. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently dominated by houses (87.0%). The estimated population per dwelling approval in Thabeban is 601 people. Future projections show the area adding 215 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Thabeban has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that could influence this region. Notable projects include New Bundaberg Hospital, 432-434 Goodwood Road Land Lease Community Site, St Vincent de Paul Social Housing Walkervale Bundaberg, and Millbank Wastewater Treatment Plant - Inlet Works. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Thabeban has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area.

The unemployment rate was 5.6% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 6.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 1,387 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Thabeban lags behind at 51.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows notable concentration with employment levels at twice the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food services have a lower representation at 6.0% compared to the regional average of 8.3%. Many Thabeban residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparisons between working population and local population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.9%, labour force grew by 7.6%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 indicate that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Thabeban's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Thabeban's median income among taxpayers is $42,071. The average income in Thabeban during this period was $51,986. Both figures are below the national averages. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Thabeban's median and average incomes are approximately $47,957 and $59,259 respectively by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Thabeban all fall between the 8th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 28.3% of Thabeban's population (854 individuals) have incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 31.7% similarly occupy this income range. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains in Thabeban, ranking at only the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Thabeban's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.3% houses and 12.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Thabeban was at 40.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (24.8%) or rented (34.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Thabeban was $1,257, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Thabeban was $298, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Thabeban's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,257 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower at $298 compared to the national figure of $375.

Thabeban features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.4% of all households, including 23.2% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 15.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households making up 4.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (33.2%). Educational participation is high at 27.2%, comprising 11.3% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

Thabeban State School and St Mary's Catholic Primary School serve 553 students collectively. These two schools focus on primary education only, with secondary options available nearby. The area has a higher school capacity than typical residential needs (18.3 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 13.9), indicating it serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Thabeban has nine active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes, with one route providing service to all stops. The total number of weekly passenger trips across these stops is 43.

Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 267 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages six trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Thabeban faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 48%, covering around 1,444 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 11.3% of residents) and mental health issues (affecting 10.0%). Conversely, 58.2% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 59.1% reported in the Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of younger residents, with only 22.1% aged 65 and over (667 people), compared to 26.3% in the Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general population.

Thabeban is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Thabeban's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.6% of its population being citizens, 88.6% born in Australia, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Thabeban is Christianity, comprising 51.0% of the population, compared to 54.0% across Rest of Qld. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (32.0%), English (29.8%), and Irish (7.1%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented at 6.5% in Thabeban versus 6.4% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal is at 4.7% compared to 3.4%, and Korean is at 0.4% versus 0.2%.

Thabeban's median age exceeds the national pattern

Thabeban's median age is 40, closely matching Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but slightly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.7%, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 8.4%. As per the 2021 Census, Thabeban's 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.0% to 14.7%, and the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 9.4% to 8.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Thabeban's age profile. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 570 people from the current 444. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts.