Walkervale

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Walkervale is around 3,018, reflecting an increase of 37 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 1.2% change from the previous population count of 2,981. AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ABS ERP data release (June 2024) and additional validated addresses indicates this figure. The resulting population density is approximately 1,754 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a median increase just below national regional areas' average. By 2041, Walkervale's population is expected to grow by 224 persons, reflecting an 8.8% total increase 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. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, about 33 homes were approved, with none yet in FY-26. Each year, around 1.5 new residents per dwelling have been recorded over the past five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this has increased to 53 people per dwelling over the last two financial years, suggesting growing demand and tightening supply.

New homes are approved at an average expected construction cost of $355,000, below the regional average, offering more affordable housing options. This year, $41,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of Qld, Walkervale has significantly less development activity, at 66.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

With around 6102 people per dwelling approval, Walkervale reflects a highly mature market. By 2041, Walkervale is projected to grow by 265 residents according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Walkervale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely impacting the region. Key projects are New Bundaberg Hospital, St Vincent de Paul Social Housing Walkervale Bundaberg, Walkervale Social Housing Development, and Bundaberg East Levee. The following details those most relevant.

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Employment performance in Walkervale has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Walkervale has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 7.2% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.4%. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 1,519 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Walkervale was somewhat below standard at 56.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%.

Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Health care & social assistance has particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence with only 2.8% of employment compared to the regional average of 5.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.4%, labour force grew by 7.2%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8%, labour force grow by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Walkervale. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Walkervale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Walkervale's median income among taxpayers was $45,318 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $55,999 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld's of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,658 (median) and $63,833 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Walkervale all fall between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 30.1% of locals (908 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to 2,999. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% fall within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Walkervale, with only 84.8% of income remaining after housing costs, 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, consisted of 92.6% houses and 7.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Walkervale stood at 33.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 33.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below 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 than the Australian 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 comprise the remaining 35.6%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households making up 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 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, including advanced diplomas (7.5%) and certificates (35.6%).

Educational participation is high at 29.6%, comprising 11.5% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education. Walkervale State School serves the area with an enrollment of 372 students, offering primary education (ICSEA: 894), while secondary options are available nearby.

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

The analysis of public transport in Walkervale shows that there are 18 active transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 4 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes offer 177 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 25 trips per day across all routes, which 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

Critical health challenges are evident across Walkervale. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,490 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 11.4% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.1%. Approximately 59.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the Rest of Qld's figure at 59.1%. The area has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (543 people), lower than the Rest of Qld's figure of 26.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 below average cultural diversity, with 89.7% of its population being citizens, born in Australia (90.7%), and speaking English only at home (95.8%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Walkervale, comprising 48.3% of people. The most significant overrepresentation was found in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.7% of the population compared to 0.4% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (32.5%), English (31.3%), and Irish (7.3%). Notably, German ancestry was 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 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Walkervale has a notably over-represented cohort of 25-34 year-olds at 15.3%, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 8.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the percentage of residents aged 25 to 34 has grown from 13.7% to 15.3%, whereas the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has declined from 14.1% to 13.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that Walkervale's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 30%, adding 140 residents to reach a total of 602. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.