We put Buderim's estimated population at 32,927 as of May 2026, up 4.8% on the 2021 Census count. Located 87 km north of the Brisbane CBD on the Sunshine Coast, Buderim is a mature, established suburb with a distinctly different profile from the fast-growing corridors to its south.
| Key figure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population (May 2026 est.) | 32,927 | Districts / ABS ERP |
| Population growth since 2021 | +4.8% | Districts / Census 2021 |
| Median age | 46 | Census 2021 |
| Median weekly rent (Census) | $450/wk | Census 2021 |
| DFFH median rent | $756/wk | DFFH Rental Report |
| DFFH rent year-on-year | +4.9% | DFFH Rental Report |
| Median monthly mortgage | $2,000 | Census 2021 |
| Detached houses | 73.4% | Census 2021 |
| Semi-detached | 16.2% | Census 2021 |
| Apartments | 10.5% | Census 2021 |
For the full data set, see the Buderim suburb profile.
Slow growth, established community
Buderim added roughly 1,500 residents between the 2021 Census and mid-2026, a 4.8% increase that is below the Queensland average. This is not a growth corridor suburb. It is an established community where the population has been building steadily for decades, and the 10-year compound annual growth rate of just 1% reflects that maturity.
Growth is driven primarily by overseas migration (43% of the growth components) and interstate migration (57%), with no natural increase. The median age of 46, well above the national median of 38, explains why: 24.6% of residents are aged 65 or over, and only 17% are children aged 0-14.
Homeownership dominated by established residents
Buderim's tenure profile is the inverse of Brisbane's growth corridors. 40.3% of residents own their home outright, 37.3% hold a mortgage, and just 22.4% rent. This is a suburb where residents have been in place long enough to pay off mortgages, a fundamentally different dynamic from Morayfield's 45.2% rental share.
The median monthly mortgage repayment of $2,000 is higher than Brisbane's average, reflecting Buderim's elevated property values. The DFFH median weekly rent of $756 is 68% above the Census figure of $450, reflecting five years of significant rent growth on the Sunshine Coast.
Education stands out
Buderim's education profile is a clear differentiator. 31.2% of residents hold a university qualification, and the ICSEA score of 1125 is well above the national average of 1,000. The education ranking places Buderim in the 93rd percentile nationally. This is an exceptionally well-educated suburb for a regional area, driven partly by the Sunshine Coast's professional class and partly by the presence of the University of the Sunshine Coast nearby.
The suburb has 3 schools with 3,728 enrolments. Combined with the high ICSEA and education scores, Buderim is one of the strongest school catchments on the Sunshine Coast.
Transport and walkability
Buderim has 77 active transit stops with an average distance of just 347 metres between stops, significantly closer than the Brisbane growth corridor average of around 900 metres. Weekly transport trips are lower at 705, reflecting the suburb's established but quieter public transport use compared to commuter corridors.
The suburb's elevated position on the Buderim mountain provides natural amenity, and its proximity to Maroochydore (5 km) and Mooloolaba (6 km) gives residents access to Sunshine Coast employment and retail centres without relying on Brisbane.
Buderim in the Sunshine Coast context
Buderim sits at the heart of the Sunshine Coast's established residential belt. To its south are the fast-growing Caloundra and Kawana corridors; to its north, Maroochydore and Noosa. Compared to those neighbours, Buderim's slower growth rate, higher homeownership, older population, and stronger education profile make it the Sunshine Coast's established family suburb rather than its growth frontier.
For Queensland growth data, see the Southport profile and the Caboolture profile.
What the data does not tell you
Districts does not hold a current median house or unit price for Buderim. The suburb profile tracks demographics and housing costs from Census data. Recent recorded sales are available on the profile page. Where a number is missing here, Districts does not estimate one. Our approach is documented in our methodology.
Buderim suburb FAQ
Is Buderim a good suburb for families?
Buderim's high ICSEA score (1125), strong school catchments, 73.4% detached-house stock, and established community character make it one of the Sunshine Coast's premium family suburbs. The median age of 46 reflects a mature demographic of families who have been in place for years.
How far is Buderim from Brisbane?
Buderim is approximately 87 km north of the Brisbane CBD. The Sunshine Coast rail line connects at Nambour and Landsborough, though Buderim itself is primarily car-accessible. The suburb sits 5 km from Maroochydore, the Sunshine Coast's main commercial centre.
Is Buderim expensive?
The median monthly mortgage repayment of $2,000 is above the Brisbane average, and the DFFH median rent of $756 per week is in the upper range for the Sunshine Coast. Buderim commands a premium for its elevated position, established trees, school catchments, and proximity to the coast.
What is the rental market like in Buderim?
The DFFH Rental Report puts the median weekly rent at $756 for new bonds, up 4.9% year on year, one of the stronger rent growth rates on the Sunshine Coast. However, only 22.4% of residents rent, reflecting the suburb's ownership-dominated character.
Compare Buderim against other Sunshine Coast suburbs on the Queensland suburbs list.