Thabeban

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, Thabeban's estimated population is 3,039 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a 68 person increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,971 people, indicating a growth rate of 2.3%. AreaSearch estimated this through examining latest ERP data released by ABS in June 2024 and validating an additional 21 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 403 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for Thabeban.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, Thabeban is expected to increase by approximately 222 persons to reach a total population of around 3,261 by 2041, reflecting an overall growth rate of about 6.5% over the 17-year period.

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. An estimated 21 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 29 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.7 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years. However, this figure has increased to 9.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting Thabeban's growing popularity and potential supply constraints.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $355,000. This year, there have been $7.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Thabeban has significantly less development activity, 78.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Similarly, this activity is under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity in Thabeban shows 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% medium and high-density housing.

This mix includes townhouses and apartments, providing options across different price points from family homes to more affordable compact living. This is a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 87.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 1002 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Thabeban adding 197 residents by 2041, based on 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified three projects likely affecting this region: 432-434 Goodwood Road Land Lease Community Site, St Vincent de Paul Social Housing Walkervale Bundaberg (2018), New Bundaberg Hospital (2020), and Millbank Wastewater Treatment Plant - Inlet Works (2021).

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Thabeban's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.9% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 10.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. In September 2025, 1,403 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was lower at 60.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census data showed that only 2.9% of residents worked from home. The leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had notable concentration with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average, while accommodation & food services showed lower representation at 6.0%.

Employment opportunities exist locally, but many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 10.1% and labour force grew by 9.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth at 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.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Thabeban's median income among taxpayers is $42,071. The average income in this suburb is $51,986. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Thabeban's median income would be approximately $46,240 by September 2025. The average income in Thabeban is estimated to reach around $57,138 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Thabeban fall between the 8th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 28.3% of Thabeban's population, equating to 860 individuals, have incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. This pattern is also seen in the broader area where 31.7% of residents fall into this income bracket. After accounting for housing costs, 84.9% of income remains in Thabeban, which ranks at only the 13th percentile nationally.

Thabeban is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

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 compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Thabeban stood at 40.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (24.8%) or rented (34.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,257, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Thabeban was $298, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345 and the national figure of $375.

Thabeban features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical 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 account for the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Qld.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, 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 primary education (11.3%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (2.7%).

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 43 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 267 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Thabeban's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 96%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 2.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are six trips per day across all routes, equating to 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of Thabeban's total population (~1,452 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health issues (10.0%). Conversely, 58.2% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (22.3%, or 677 people), compared to the rest of Queensland at 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for the overall population.

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

Thabeban had low cultural diversity, with 89.6% citizens, 88.6% born in Australia, and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 51.0%, slightly lower than Rest of Qld's 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.0%), English (29.8%), and Irish (7.1%).

Notably, German (6.5%) and Australian Aboriginal (4.7%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.7% and 3.9%, respectively. Korean representation was also higher at 0.4%.

Thabeban's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Thabeban has a median age of 40, which is close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 15.2% of Thabeban's population compared to Rest of Qld, while the 45-54 cohort comprises 8.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.0% to 15.2%, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 9.4% to 8.1%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 13.8% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Thabeban's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 23%, reaching 568 people from 461. Meanwhile, population declines are expected for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.