Wondunna

Wondunna lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Wondunna's population is estimated at around 3,753. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,315 people, marking a 13.2% growth since then. The current population estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and ABS ERP data released in June 2024, which indicated a resident population of 3,701 for the suburb. This level of population results in a density ratio of 558 persons per square kilometer, suggesting ample space per person and potential room for further development. Wondunna's growth since the 2021 Census exceeded both the non-metro area's (8.8%) and national averages, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth trend.

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 from 2023 are used, based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied where necessary. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for regional areas nationally. By 2041, Wondunna's population is projected to increase by 545 persons, reflecting a total increase of 10.4% over the 17-year period, based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Wondunna among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Wondunna recorded approximately 66 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. This totals an estimated 332 homes. As of FY26, 28 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 people moved to the area each year for each dwelling built during this period.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average construction cost value of new properties was $366,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. In FY26, $6.4 million in commercial development approvals were recorded, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Wondunna has 53.0% more development activity per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice, though recent periods have seen a moderation in development activity. New development consists of 79.0% detached houses and 21.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature while addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

This shows a significant change from the current housing mix of 99.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites. With around 68 people per dwelling approval, Wondunna exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Wondunna is expected to grow by 389 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Wondunna has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Astro Aero Aircraft Manufacturing Centre, Pinnacle Hervey Bay Estate, The Glades, and Wondunna Mixed-Use Development (MCU22/0103). A list detailing those most relevant follows.

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 of employment trends sees Wondunna performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Wondunna has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.9% as of June 2025, lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 7.2%. There were 1,965 residents in work while workforce participation stood at 62.6%, similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area specializes particularly in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.7% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 7.2% while labour force grew by 7.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Wondunna. These projections indicate national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local employment expected to increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.3% over ten years based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Wondunna's median income among taxpayers is $59,711, with an average of $75,072. Nationally, this is high compared to the Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. By September 2025, based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $68,065 (median) and $85,575 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 57th percentile ($1,875 weekly), while personal income is at the 41st percentile. Income distribution shows that 35.8% of locals (1,343 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to broader trends across the area at 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Wondunna is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Wondunna's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 98.6% houses and 1.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wondunna was at 37.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.1% and rented ones at 17.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure was $390, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $335. Nationally, Wondunna's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Wondunna features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 86.1% of all households, including 39.9% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 13.9%, with lone person households at 10.9% and group households making up 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

The educational profile of Wondunna exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 18.5%, which is substantially lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 30.1%. Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.1% in primary education, 11.0% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education. The area has educational provision including Fraser Coast Anglican College and Star of the Sea Catholic School, collectively serving 1,273 students. It demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1056). The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school. The area functions as an education hub with 33.9 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 14.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Wondunna is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Wondunna faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 57%, covering about 2,137 people, compared to 47.7% across the rest of Queensland.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.5% and 7.9% of residents respectively. A total of 67.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 56.7% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over, comprising 758 people, which is lower than the 31.0% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Wondunna is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Wondunna, surveyed in August 2016, exhibited low cultural diversity with 85.8% of its population born in Australia, 92.8% being citizens, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 54.3%. This figure is slightly higher than the regional average of 52.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.7%), Australian (31.4%), and Scottish (7.8%). Notable differences in ethnic group representation included German (5.1% vs regional 5.3%), Dutch (1.6% vs 1.3%), and South African (0.6% vs 0.3%).

Wondunna's median age exceeds the national pattern

Wondunna has a median age of 40, close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeding the national norm of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.6%, compared to Rest of Qld, while the 25-34 cohort is at 10.5%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 5.3% to 7.1%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 9.0% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 16.3% to 14.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Wondunna's age profile will significantly evolve. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 28%, reaching 505 from 394. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts.