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 Nov 2025, Wondai's population is estimated at around 2,094, reflecting an increase of 119 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,975. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 2,080 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density ratio is approximately 52 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Wondai has demonstrated a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%, outpacing its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for years post-2032.

These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, expecting an expansion to around 2,296 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 9.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Wondai when compared nationally

Wondai has averaged approximately 7 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, around 36 homes were approved, with an additional 3 so far in FY26. This results in an average of 3.2 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years.

The demand significantly exceeds the new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $422,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $3.3 million in commercial development approvals recorded, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Wondai has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns.

However, this level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists mainly of detached dwellings at 86%, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 207 people per approval, Wondai maintains a low-density population. Population forecasts indicate that Wondai will gain approximately 200 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Wondai has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% 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. The following details 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.

The labour market performance in Wondai lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Wondai's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.9% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.2%.

As of June 2025830 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.0%, surpassing Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Wondai was lower at 43.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training. Manufacturing showed particular strength with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food services were under-represented at 5.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 8.3%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 5.2% alongside labour force growth of 7.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. By contrast, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%, labour force growth of 2.0%, and an unemployment increase of 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wondai's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

Wondai's median taxpayer income was $43,486 and average income was $49,719 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimates suggest Wondai's median income will be approximately $49,570 and average income $56,675, based on a 13.99% growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data indicates that incomes in Wondai fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income cohort in Wondai is 32.5% (680 people) earning $400 - $799, unlike regional levels where the dominant category is $1,500 - $2,999 at 31.7%. After housing costs, 86.3% of income remains in Wondai, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Wondai's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 91.5% houses and 8.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wondai was at 42.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.6% and rented ones at 29.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $997, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,083. The median weekly rent figure in Wondai was recorded at $225, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $230. 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, 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 12.2%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (29.6%).

A substantial 23.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.0% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 2.1% in tertiary education. Wondai State School provides local educational services within Wondai, with an enrollment of 117 students as of a recent report (ICSEA: 884). All 1 schools offer integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey. Limited local school capacity (5.6 places per 100 residents vs 13.9 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The private health cover rate is low at approximately 47% (~982 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, impacting 12.9% and 9.9% of residents respectively. However, 53.2% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Qld's figure of 59.4%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.3% (697 people), compared to the Rest of Qld's 26.8%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's health profile, presenting some challenges.

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, 90.8% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Wondai, comprising 59.7% of people, compared to 56.4% across Rest of Qld. The top three represented ancestry groups are Australian (33.7%), English (29.7%), and German (8.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 5.5%, Welsh at 0.5%, and Filipino at 1.0%, compared to regional percentages of 6.0%, 0.3%, and 0.8% 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 the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 75-84 cohort is notably over-represented in Wondai at 14.3%, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 7.3%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the percentage of Wondai's population in the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 13.0% to 14.3%, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 4.4% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 9.6% to 7.8%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 12.0% to 10.6%. By 2041, Wondai is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group will grow by 97%, reaching 173 people from 87, leading the demographic shift. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 67% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 45 to 54 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.