Walkervale

Walkervale has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the Walkervale statistical area (Lv2) as of November 2025 is around 3,032. This reflects an increase of 51 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,981. The change was inferred from the resident population estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and one validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,762 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected. The Walkervale (SA2) is expected to grow by 227 persons to reach an estimated total population of 3,259 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 8.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Walkervale averaged approximately 6 new dwelling approvals per year, with 31 homes approved between financial years FY21-FY25, and 20 so far in FY26. This averages to about 1.6 new residents per dwelling annually over the past five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand. However, this has recently accelerated to 7.6 people per dwelling over the last two financial years, suggesting increasing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $355,000. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Walkervale has significantly lower building activity, at 68.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 872 people per dwelling approval, Walkervale reflects a highly mature market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Walkervale is expected to grow by 254 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Walkervale 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. Notable projects include New Bundaberg Hospital, St Vincent de Paul Social Housing Walkervale Bundaberg, and Bundaberg East Levee. The following list details those likely to be 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 reveals Walkervale recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Walkervale 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 6.5% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 9.9% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,550 residents were employed in Walkervale. The unemployment rate was 2.4% higher than that of the Rest of Qld, which stood at 4.1%.

Workforce participation was somewhat lower, at 56.5%, compared to the Rest of Qld's rate of 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Walkervale showed a particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share that was 1.4 times higher than the regional level. However, professional & technical services had limited presence, with only 2.8% of employment compared to the regional average of 5.1%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment in Walkervale increased by 9.9%, while the labour force grew by 9.5%. This resulted in a decrease in the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, the Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, with the labour force growing by 2.1%, and an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Providing broader context, state-level data up to 25-Nov showed that Queensland's employment had contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Walkervale. These projections suggested that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Walkervale's employment mix indicated that local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and.

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 Walkervale's median income among taxpayers is $45,318. The average income in the suburb is $55,999. This is lower than national averages. 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, estimated incomes for Walkervale as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,809 (median) and $61,549 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Walkervale fall between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 30.1% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999, reflecting regional patterns where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Walkervale, with only 84.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally.

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

Walkervale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Walkervale was at 33.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 33.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Walkervale was $275, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Walkervale's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Walkervale features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.4% of all households, including 23.8% couples with children, 22.4% couples without children, and 16.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.6%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Qld.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.2%, 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 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 7.5% and certificates for 35.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Walkervale has 18 active public transport stops. These are served by buses only. There are 4 different bus routes operating in total.

Each week, these routes provide a combined total of 177 passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 163 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 25 bus trips per day across all routes. This equates to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Walkervale faces notable health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 49% (~1,497 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 11.4 and 10.1% of residents respectively. Around 59.2% reported no medical ailments, similar to the 59.1% in Rest of Qld. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.9% (542 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 26.3%. Health outcomes among seniors align with those of the general population.

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

Walkervale was found to have a below average level of cultural diversity, with 89.7% of its population being citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Walkervale is Christianity, accounting for 48.3% of the population. However, there was a notable overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, which comprises 0.7% of the population compared to 0.4% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (32.5%), English (31.3%), and Irish (7.3%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German is overrepresented at 5.9%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.7%, and New Zealand at 0.6%.

Walkervale's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Walkervale's median age is 37, which is significantly below the Rest of Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Walkervale at 15.3%, compared to the Rest of Qld average. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 8.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.7% to 15.3%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 13.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Walkervale's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 30%, adding 137 residents to reach 601. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.