Urban Centre · Area profile
Bundaberg
104 km²
A typical weekly household income of $1,134 marks Bundaberg as a community where residents earn well below the national figure. It is a notably older area, with a quarter of the population now aged 65 or over. This shift towards a senior population is reflected in the health of the community, where a high number of people need help with daily activities. Despite these challenges, the town is highly walkable, with most homes located close to parks and shops.
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The population is noticeably older than the state and national average, with the typical resident aged 42. The number of seniors has jumped 13 points since 2011, while the total population shrank by 29% in the same period.
Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has far fewer overseas-born people than the rest of the country. English and Australian ancestries are the most common, accounting for about 82% of the population.
English is the main language for nearly 88% of residents. While this is far below the national average for language diversity, the proportion of people who speak little or no English is actually higher than in most similar areas.
Religious affiliation has shifted significantly, with the number of people reporting no religion rising 21 points since 2011. This group now makes up 40.7% of the community, which is about the same as the state figure.
Educational qualifications are far below the national average, with only 10.9% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Around 40% of residents completed Year 12, which is also much lower than the state figure.
Incomes are well below the national average across the board. Typical weekly family income is $1,440, and the proportion of households earning $3,000 or more a week has fallen since 2011.
Health challenges are common here, with 37.5% of people living with a long-term condition. The number of people needing help with daily activities is well above the national figure and rose 6.5 points since 2011.
A fair number of residents provide unpaid care, which is a little above the national figure. However, the proportion of people who volunteer is much lower than in most similar areas.
Family structures are quite varied, with a much higher proportion of one-parent families than the national average. There has also been a rise in people living alone, who now make up 31% of households.
Separate houses are common, and 34.6% of homes are owned outright. Renting is more common here than in most similar areas, though typical weekly rent of $280 is well below the state average.
Reliance on cars is very high, with only 0.6% of people commuting by public transport. Very few people work from home, at just 3.7%, which is far below the national figure.
The area has seen a lot of movement, with 40.2% of people moving in the last five years. Recent arrivals from overseas are also well above the national average, though this figure fell since 2011.
The unemployment rate is 7.5%, which is a little above the national figure. Many residents work in health care and social assistance, while the overall number of adults working or looking for work has fallen since 2011.
Bundaberg is quite walkable, with 81.1% of homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport. Most residents can also reach parks, schools and groceries within a 15-minute walk.