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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Wondai is around 2,144. This figure reflects an increase of 169 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,975. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,101 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 53 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 8.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.3%, positioning Wondai as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. According to demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected for the suburb of Wondai, with an anticipated expansion of 212 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects an overall increase of 7.4% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 8 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 42 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an estimated 2.7 new residents per year for each dwelling over these years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $422,000. In terms of commercial development, $3.9 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Wondai exhibits moderately higher building activity, with 27.0% above the regional average per person over the past 5 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%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 244 people per approval, Wondai reflects a transitioning market. Future projections estimate an addition of 159 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction levels 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a single project that is anticipated to impact this particular area: Wondai Haly Street Retail Development, South Burnett Renewable Energy Hub, Borumba Pumped Hydro Transmission Connections, and Queensland Supergrid South are key projects, with the following list focusing on 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.

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

Wondai has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented. The unemployment rate was 7.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 9.2%.

As of September 2025852 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Qld's by 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 52.0%. Census data shows that only 5.6% work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training.

Manufacturing has a strong presence with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level, while accommodation & food services have limited presence at 5.0%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 9.2% while labour force grew by 10.0%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wondai's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 6.3% in five years and 13.6% in ten years.

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 for financial year ended June 2023, the suburb of Wondai had a median income among taxpayers of $43,486 and an average income of $49,719. These figures are below the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Wondai would be approximately $47,795 and average income $54,646 as of that date. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Wondai all fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 32.5% of locals (696 people) have incomes in the $400 - $799 category, which is different from the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. After housing costs, 86.3% of income remains, ranking at only the 4th percentile nationally.

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

In Wondai, as per the latest Census evaluation, 91.5% of dwellings were houses while 8.5% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wondai stood at 42.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 28.6% and rented ones accounting for 29.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $997, which is lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Similarly, the median weekly rent figure in Wondai was recorded at $225 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Wondai's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 37.7%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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 the most common at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.2% and certificates for 29.6%.

A substantial 23.4% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.0% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, 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

Wondai faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover in Wondai is low at approximately 47% (around 1,005 people), compared to 52.5% across the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 12.9% and 9.9% of residents respectively. However, 53.2% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. The working-age population in Wondai faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 33.8% of residents aged 65 and over (724 people), compared to 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.7% of its population being citizens and 90.8% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 97.9% of the population. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 59.7% of Wondai's residents, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.7%), English (29.7%), and German (8.1%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 5.5%, compared to the regional average of 3.9%. Welsh and Filipino also showed notable representation, with 0.5% each, compared to regionally similar percentages of 0.5% and 0.9% respectively.

Wondai ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wondai's median age at 53 years is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Wondai has a notably over-represented cohort aged 75-84 (14.4% locally), while those aged 35-44 are under-represented (7.4%). This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 0 to 4 age group has grown from 4.4% to 6.2%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 9.6% to 7.1%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 12.0% to 9.9%. By 2041, Wondai's age composition is expected to shift notably. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 74% (from 96 to 168 people). The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 67% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.