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 November 2025, the estimated population of the Thabeban statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,037. This figure represents an increase of 66 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,971 in the area. AreaSearch validated this estimate using the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and additional 20 new addresses identified since the Census date. The current population density is approximately 402 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed about 56% of overall population gains in recent periods for the Thabeban (SA2).

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 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 adopted, applying proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. By 2041, the Thabeban (SA2) is projected to increase by around 219 persons, reflecting a total gain of approximately 6.6% 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

Thabeban has seen approximately 4 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 21 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a further 29 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years. However, this figure has increased to 9.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential supply constraints.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $355,000. This year alone, there have been $7.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Thabeban's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, 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. The area's development activity is also under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations. Currently, 67.0% of new building activity consists of detached dwellings, with the remaining 33.0% being medium and high-density housing.

This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 87.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1002 people in Thabeban, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections suggest that Thabeban will add approximately 200 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Thabeban has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may affect this region: 432-434 Goodwood Road Land Lease Community Site, St Vincent de Paul Social Housing Walkervale Bundaberg (2016), New Bundaberg Hospital (2018), and Millbank Wastewater Treatment Plant - Inlet Works (2015).

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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 5.0% as of September 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 10.1% over the past year. As of September 2025, 1,411 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.0%, which is 0.9% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Thabeban was at 51.3%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area has a notably high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food services show lower representation at 6.0% compared to the regional average of 8.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 10.1%, while labour force increased by 10.0%, resulting in a slight decrease in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% over the same period, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-2025 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate that national employment is expected 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does 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 2023 shows Thabeban had a median income of $42,071 and an average of $51,986. This is below the national average. Rest of Qld's median was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $46,240 (median) and $57,138 (average). The 2021 Census data shows Thabeban's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 8th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 28.3% of Thabeban residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, reflecting broader area patterns where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains, ranking at 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, was 87.3% houses and 12.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Thabeban stood at 40.4%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (24.8%) or rented (34.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,257, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Thabeban was $298, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Thabeban's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,257 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in Thabeban were substantially below 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 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 is 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%. 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (33.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Thabeban shows that there are nine active transport stops currently operating. These stops service a mix of bus routes, with one individual route providing all the services. Collectively, these stops offer 43 weekly passenger trips to residents.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 267 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are six trips per day across all routes, which equates 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48%, covering about 1,451 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.3% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 10.0%). Around 58.2% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 59.1% in Rest of Qld. Approximately 22.1%, or 671 people, are aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 26.3% in Rest of Qld. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's health profile but present some challenges.

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

Thabeban, as per the data provided, had a cultural diversity index below the average. Its population composition was predominantly citizens at 89.6%, with 88.6% born in Australia and 94.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Thabeban, accounting for 51.0% of its population, compared to 54.0% across the Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (32.0%), English (29.8%), and Irish (7.1%). Notably, certain ethnic groups showed significant variations: German was slightly overrepresented at 6.5% in Thabeban compared to 6.4% regionally, Australian Aboriginal was higher at 4.7% versus the regional average of 3.4%, and Korean was present at 0.4% compared to the regional 0.2%.

Thabeban's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Thabeban's median age is 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 14.8%, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage. The 45-54 cohort makes up 8.5%. Post-2021 Census, the 25-34 group grew from 13.0% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort decreased from 13.8% to 12.8%. By 2041, Thabeban's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 group will grow by 27%, reaching 571 from 449. Population declines are forecast for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.