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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Wondai is around 2,108 people. This figure represents an increase of 133 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,975 people. The current population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 2,106 residents following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 52 persons per square kilometer. Wondai's growth rate of 6.7% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area at 6.6%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth.

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 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 using 2022 data as the base year. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas by 2041. Aggregated SA2-level projections indicate an expected expansion of 192 persons to reach a total of 2,287 people by that year, reflecting an overall increase of 9.0% over the 16-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, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Wondai averaged around 8 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 44 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved in FY-26 to date. Each dwelling has attracted an average of 2.8 new residents over the past five financial years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $422,000. This year, $3.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Wondai shows moderately higher building activity, with 33.0% more dwelling approvals per person over the past five years.

This has maintained good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. All recent developments have been detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location currently has approximately 231 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential for growth. Future projections estimate Wondai to add 190 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. With 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the 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 detailing 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 reveals Wondai recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Wondai's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.5% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 9.2%. As of December 2025874 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.5% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Wondai lagged at 51.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Only 5.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training, with a strong specialization in manufacturing (2.1 times the regional level). However, accommodation & food services were under-represented, at 5.0% compared to Regional Qld's 8.3%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 9.2%, while labour force also grew by 9.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7% and a rise in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Wondai. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wondai's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Wondai had a median taxpayer income of $43,486 and an average income of $49,719 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $48,426 (median) and $55,367 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Wondai all fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. The predominant cohort spans 32.5% of locals (685 people) with incomes in the $400 - $799 category, differing from patterns across regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category dominates with 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

The dwelling structure in Wondai, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.5% houses and 8.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wondai stood at 42.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.6% and rented ones at 29.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $997, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Wondai was $225, compared to Regional 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 account for the remaining 37.7%, with lone person households at 35.4% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. 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+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (29.6%). A total of 23.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 9.0% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.4% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing 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. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, with approximately 47% of Wondai's total population (~988 people) having it, compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.9%) and mental health issues (9.9%). Conversely, 53.2% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. Wondai has a larger senior population, with 34.9% aged 65 and over (735 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes align broadly with national rankings.

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 born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wondai, comprising 59.7% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland. The top three ancestry groups in Wondai are Australian (33.7%), English (29.7%), and German (8.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 5.5% in Wondai than regionally at 3.9%, while Welsh and Filipino representations are slightly higher at 0.5% and 1.0% respectively.

Wondai ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wondai's median age at 53 years is significantly higher than the Regional Queensland average of 41 years and also considerably older than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, the age group of 75-84 years is notably over-represented in Wondai, making up 15.3% of the local population compared to the national figure of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the percentage of the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 13.0% to 15.3%, while the percentage of those aged 0 to 4 has increased from 4.4% to 6.2%. Conversely, the percentages of those aged 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 have declined, from 9.6% to 7.3% and from 12.0% to 10.2%, respectively. By 2041, Wondai is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group projected to grow by 78% (adding 74 people), reaching a total of 169 from the current figure of 94. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 66% of the projected growth in population. Conversely, both the age groups of 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 are expected to see reduced numbers.