Urban Centre · Area profile
Boonah
9 km²
A typical resident in Boonah is now 50 years old, making the area far older than most of the state. This community has seen a major shift since 2011, with the number of seniors rising by 30 points and the total population shrinking by 44%. It is a place where most people own their homes outright and many have long-term health needs, creating a quiet, aging atmosphere in the Scenic Rim.
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The area is far older than the national figure, with 32.1% of people aged 65 and over. This senior presence helps explain why the number of children under 15 is well below the Queensland average at 14.6%.
Most residents were born in Australia, though 13.3% were born overseas, which is higher than in similar areas. English, Australian, and German are the most common ancestries.
English is the main language for 89.2% of people. About 5.4% use another language at home, which is higher than in similar areas but far below the national figure.
More than half of the community identifies as Christian. Those with no religion make up 37.4%, a figure that has risen by 13 points since 2011.
Education levels are lower than the state average, with 43.1% of people completing Year 12. Around 12.8% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher.
Incomes have fallen significantly since 2011, with the typical household now earning $1,067 a week, far below the national figure of $1,746. Only 3.5% of people earn $2,000 or more weekly.
Health challenges are common here, with 38.3% of people living with a long-term health condition. This is far above the national figure, and 9.2% of residents need help with daily activities.
Volunteering is more common here than in most areas, with 19.2% of people pitching in. This is alongside a higher rate of unpaid housework compared to the state average.
Living arrangements are shifting, with 31.3% of people now living alone. One-parent families make up 17.3% of homes, which is higher than in most similar areas.
The area is dominated by separate houses, and 45.2% of homes are owned outright, far above the national figure. Rent is generally lower than average, with a typical weekly rent of $300.
Cars are essential for most, as public transport use is very low at 0.3%. Only 5.7% of homes do not have a motor vehicle.
The community has seen significant movement, with 41.8% of people moving in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals make up 26.4% of the population, far above the national average.
Fewer people are working or looking for work compared to the state average, at 45.3%. Local jobs are mostly found in health care, agriculture, and education.
Boonah is somewhat walkable, with many homes within a short walk of schools and health services. However, no homes are within a 10-minute walk of public transport.