Bellara (Qld)

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According to ABS population releases for the wider region and address checks conducted by Districts after the Census, the suburb of Bellara has an estimated population of 3,632 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 354 residents (10.8%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,278 individuals. The estimate of 3,632 residents was calculated by Districts using the ABS ERP dataset from June 2025 alongside post-Census address verification. The suburb's density stands at 1,713 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical density of locations evaluated nationwide by Districts. With a 10.8% expansion rate since the 2021 census, the suburb outperformed the SA3 region (8.3%) as well as the national benchmark, making it a frontrunner for growth locally. The main contributor to these population gains was movement from other states, which accounted for approximately 79.0% of the growth in recent times.

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Bellara displays a mix of white and blue collar jobs across various sectors, with an unemployment rate of 6.0% and an estimated employment growth of 4.2% over the last year, according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,264 residents are employed, and the local unemployment rate stands at 1.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.3%, while workforce participation is considerably lower at 39.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.4%. Census data indicates that only 11.3% of residents worked from home, a figure that may reflect the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns.

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Aggregated tax data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year shows that taxpayers in the suburb of Bellara recorded a median income of $38,820 and an average income of $53,055. These figures are below the national averages and compare to Brisbane metro benchmarks of $58,236 and $72,799. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimated values would be approximately $43,230 for the median and $59,082 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Bellara sit within the bottom 1st to 4th percentiles across the country. Weekly earnings between $400 - 799 represent the largest group, accounting for 36.2% of taxpayers (1,314 people), whereas the metropolitan area is led by the - bracket at . A high proportion of residents, , fall into weekly income brackets below highlighting financial pressure in the area. Households experience severe mortgage and rent stress, with only of income left after housing costs, ranking in the lowest rd percentile.

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According to the last Census, the housing distribution in the suburb of Bellara was 67.5% detached houses and 32.4% alternative dwellings like apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to 73.5% standalone homes and 26.5% other options across metropolitan Brisbane. The home ownership rate was notably high at 45.9%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with a mortgage (20.8%) or renters (33.3%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,394, which is lower than the metropolitan Brisbane average of $1,863, while the median weekly rent was $320, compared to the city average of $380. On a national level, mortgage costs are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent payments are below the country-wide figure of $375.

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Families make up 56.8% of local households, consisting of 11.8% couples who have children, 30.9% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.2% of the total, with single occupants representing 38.9% and group living situations representing 4.3%. The median household size of 2.0 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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Educational outcomes in the area show that university graduation rates are quite low at 11.2%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted local learning programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 8.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.0%. Trade and vocational qualifications are highly common, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 31.4%.

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Analysis of local transit options shows 20 active transport stops within the suburb of Bellara, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 4 distinct routes, which accommodate 283 weekly passenger trips. Transport convenience is rated highly, with homes typically positioned 146 meters from the nearest stop. Due to the residential nature of the suburb, most working residents travel out of the area, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 90%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.0 car per home, which is lower than the metropolitan Brisbane average. A relatively low 11.3% of workers carry out their roles from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era workplace conditions.

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Significant health concerns exist in the suburb of Bellara, as indicated by Districts analysis of local death rates and the frequency of ongoing illnesses affecting residents of all ages. Additionally, the proportion of residents with private health insurance is low at roughly 48% of the community (~1,751 people), compared to 55.8% across the Greater Brisbane area and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Bellara has lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with 79.0% of residents born in Australia, 88.4% holding citizenship, and 96.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 55.6% of residents, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

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With a median age of 60, the suburb of Bellara has an older population profile than Greater Brisbane's median of 36 and the national standard of 38. The suburb has a high concentration of residents aged 75 - 84 (20.5%) compared to the metropolitan area, but fewer young adults aged 25 - 34 (4.5%). This local concentration of 75 - 84 year olds is higher than the national figure of 6.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the median age has risen by 1.2 years from 59 to 60, indicating an aging demographic. The proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 increased from 13.8% to 20.5%, and the 85+ cohort grew from to . Conversely, the to group decreased from to , and the to cohort fell from to . Projections suggest this demographic pattern will continue to shift through to with the + group expected to grow by people () from to . Residents aged and over represent of the projected growth, while both the to and to age categories are expected to contract.

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Bellara currently has an estimated 76 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 38 children aged 0-2 and 26 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 6% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 41% by 2041 (to approximately 45 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 163. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 3.5 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.