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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Urraween's population is estimated at around 8,332 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 381 people (4.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,951 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,332, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 143 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,116 persons per square kilometer, which is 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 1.9%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area 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, as 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the suburb expected to increase by 590 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 7.1% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Urraween among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Urraween experienced approximately 42 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 211 homes. As of FY-26, 68 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated about 2.8 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of these new homes is approximately $370,000.

In the current financial year, Urraween has registered around $22.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Urraween records significantly lower building activity, with 60.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's new building activity comprises mostly detached dwellings (94.0%) and a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (6.0%), maintaining its suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

With approximately 184 people per dwelling approval, the location indicates a low-density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Urraween is projected to add around 590 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Urraween has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade, Hervey Bay Community Hub, Liven Beach Road project, and The Green Lifestyle Community development. The following list details 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Urraween well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Urraween has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.6%. As of December 2025, 3,017 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Urraween lags at 42.8% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 5.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Urraween has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.5% of Urraween's workforce compared to 4.5% in Regional Qld. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 6.6%, labour force grew by 6.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Urraween's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.4% over five years and 15.4% over ten years.

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 released for financial year 2023 shows Urraween had a median taxpayer income of $42,071 and an average of $52,894. Nationally, the averages were $53,146 and $66,593 in Regional Qld. By March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth project median income at approximately $46,850 and average at $58,903. The 2021 Census data places Urraween's household, family, and personal incomes between the 5th and 6th percentiles nationally. In Urraween, 30.9% of individuals earn between $400 - $799 (2,574 people), unlike metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 band is predominant 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

The dwelling structure in Urraween, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Urraween was 53.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.8% and rented ones at 22.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Urraween was $380, higher than Regional Qld's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Urraween's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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% that are couples with children, 39.8% that are couples without children, and 10.9% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (28.6%). A total of 23.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes that collectively facilitate 529 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 381 metres from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Urraween being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 95% of residents. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating 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

Urraween faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% (around 4,012 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (affecting 14.3%) and mental health issues (9.0%). Conversely, 53.9% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 40.4% aged 65 and over (3,366 people), compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with national rankings.

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 was above average, with 9.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.1% born overseas. Christianity dominated Urraween's religion, making up 55.1%, compared to Regional Qld's 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (26.4%), and Scottish (7.9%).

Notably, German was overrepresented at 5.5% in Urraween versus 4.7% regionally, New Zealand at 0.8% compared to 0.9%, and Dutch at 1.4% versus 1.1%.

Urraween ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Urraween's median age is 55, which is higher than Regional Qld's figure of 41 and the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Urraween has a higher concentration of residents aged 75-84 (17.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.1%). This 75-84 concentration is well above the national figure of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 16.0% to 17.8% of Urraween's population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 5.9% to 7.0%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 17.7% to 15.6%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 10.6% to 9.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Urraween's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 62% (359 people), reaching 943 from 583. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 77% of this projected growth. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.