Urraween

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Urraween is around 8,470, reflecting an increase of 519 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,951. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,374 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 131 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 1,135 persons per square kilometer, relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Urraween has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing 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 a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 917 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.0% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Urraween has experienced around 42 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 214 homes between FY-21 and FY-25. So far in FY-26, 49 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.5 new residents are associated with each home built annually during this period.

The demand for housing significantly exceeds the supply of new properties, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $370,000. This financial year has seen $22.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development compared to other areas in Queensland. Urraween records markedly lower building activity than the regional average per person, which is 60.0% higher.

This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New building activity shows 94.0% detached dwellings and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 183 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections show Urraween adding 1,185 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

AreaSearch has identified ten projects that may impact the area, with key ones being Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade, Hervey Bay Community Hub, Liven Beach Road, and The Green Lifestyle Community. Below is a list detailing those most 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 Urraween shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Urraween has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 9.8%. As of September 2025, 3,290 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 48.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Only 5.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 0.5% of Urraween's workforce compared to 4.5% in Rest of Qld. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work, based on Census data. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 9.8% and labour force increased by 10.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld, where employment rose by 1.7%, the labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Urraween's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 15.4% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Urraween had a median taxpayer income of $42,071 and an average income of $52,894. These figures are lower than the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 in Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $46,240 (median) and $58,136 (average). The 2021 Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Urraween fall between the 5th and 6th percentiles nationally. In Urraween, 30.9% of individuals earn between $400 - $799, unlike metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Urraween, with only 84.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Urraween's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Urraween stood at 53.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.8% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in Urraween was $380, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Urraween's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 against the national figure of $375.

Urraween has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.1% of all households, including 19.8% couples with children, 39.8% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.9%, consisting of 26.0% lone person households and 2.7% group households. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Urraween fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (28.6%). A total of 23.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, comprising 8.9% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Urraween has 19 operational public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 529 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 381 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Urraween residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (95%). The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 5.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are 75 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Urraween is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

AreaSearch's health assessment for Urraween indicates significant health challenges. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Only 48% of residents have private health cover, compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (14.3%) and mental health issues (9%). Conversely, 53.9% report no medical ailments, lower than the 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Urraween has a higher proportion of seniors (38.5%, or 3,260 people) compared to the rest of Queensland (20.4%). Senior health outcomes align with national rankings but present specific challenges.

In terms of cultural diversity, Urraween records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Urraween's cultural diversity is above average, with 9.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Urraween, comprising 55.1%, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups are English (33.7%), Australian (26.4%), and Scottish (7.9%).

Notably, German (5.5%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Similarly, New Zealand (0.8%) and Dutch (1.4%) also have higher representations than their respective regional averages of 0.9% and 1.1%.

Urraween ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Urraween's median age is 55, significantly higher than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Urraween has a higher concentration of 75-84 year-olds (16.2%) but fewer 35-44 year-olds (9.1%). This 75-84 concentration is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 7.9% to 8.8% of Urraween's population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 17.7% to 15.9%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 10.6% to 9.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Urraween's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 71% (384 people), reaching 927 from 542. This aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 61% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 age group is projected to decrease by 63 residents.