Wondai

Wondai is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Wondai statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,134. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 1,975 people, marking an 8.1% growth in population. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date, is 2,101. This results in a density ratio of approximately 53 persons per square kilometer. Wondai's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (6.2%), positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed significantly to this population increase, accounting for about 89% of overall gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Wondai (SA2) is expected to expand by 203 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of approximately 7.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Wondai recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Wondai shows an average of approximately 8 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, there were about 42 homes approved, with a further 4 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to around 2.7 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $422,000. In FY-26, there have been $3.9 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential. When compared to the rest of Queensland, Wondai has shown moderately higher building activity, with 27.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The majority of new building activity consists of detached dwellings at 89.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 11.0%. This reflects Wondai's traditional low-density character, focusing on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 244 people per approval, Wondai reflects a transitioning market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wondai is projected to add approximately 161 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Wondai 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 one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects are Wondai Haly Street Retail Development, South Burnett Renewable Energy Hub, Borumba Pumped Hydro Transmission Connections, and Queensland Supergrid South. Relevant details for these projects are listed below.

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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.

Wondai shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Wondai has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 7.8%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 9.5%. As of September 2025857 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 3.7%, which is 0.6 percentage points higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Wondai lags behind Rest of Qld at 43.1% compared to 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training.

Manufacturing is particularly strong with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. Accommodation & food services have limited presence with 5.0% employment compared to 8.3% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 9.5%, labour force grew by 10.1%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01%. The state's unemployment rate is 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wondai's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, the suburb of Wondai had a median income among taxpayers of $43,486 with the average level standing at $49,719. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $47,795 (median) and $54,646 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Wondai fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. Family incomes also fall within this range. Personal incomes in Wondai are at the 3rd percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 32.5% of locals (693 people) with incomes ranging from $400 to $799 per week, diverging from the regional norm where the $1,500 to $2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. After housing costs, 86.3% of income remains in Wondai, though this ranks at only the 4th percentile nationally.

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

In Wondai, as per the latest Census evaluation, 91.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wondai stood at 42.5%, with mortgaged properties at 28.6% and rented dwellings at 29.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $997, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,083. The median weekly rent in Wondai was $225, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $230. Nationally, Wondai's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wondai features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.3% of all households, including 18.4% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.7%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.2%, 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 9.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 9.2%, while certificates make up 29.6%. A substantial 23.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Health challenges are prominent across Wondai, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 47%, covering around 1001 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.9% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 9.9%). Conversely, 53.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 59.4% in the rest of Queensland. Wondai has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 33.5% or approximately 714 people, than the state average of 26.8%. The health outcomes among seniors are largely comparable to those of the general population.

The latest Census data sees Wondai placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wondai, surveyed in June 2016, had low cultural diversity with 90.7% citizens, 90.8% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 59.7%, compared to 56.4% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australian (33.7%), English (29.7%), and German (8.1%) were top groups.

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (5.5%) and Filipino (1.0%) were relatively higher than the regional averages of 6.0% and 0.8%, respectively. Welsh, at 0.5%, was slightly above the regional average of 0.3%.

Wondai ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wondai's median age is 53 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Wondai has a notably over-represented 75-84 cohort at 14.4%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 7.3%. This 75-84 concentration is well above the national average of 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 13.0% to 14.4%, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 4.4% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.6% to 7.8%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.6%. By 2041, Wondai is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 89% (81 people), reaching 173 from 91. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 67% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 age groups will see reduced numbers.