Bells Creek (Qld)

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The suburb of Bells Creek has an estimated population of 6,909 as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census. Compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 343 people, this represents an addition of 6,566 people (1914.3%). This shift is calculated from the resident population of 6,909, estimated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release and 3,845 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level means a density ratio of 277 persons per square kilometer, indicating plenty of space per resident and room for future expansion. The 1914.3% growth rate of the suburb of Bells Creek since the 2021 census was higher than the Rest of Qld (9.2%) and the national average, making it a regional leader in growth. Population increases in the area were mostly driven by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 82.0% of the total population gains recently, though all contributors, including natural increase and overseas migration, remained positive.

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Bells Creek possesses a skilled workforce with strong representation in essential service industries, an unemployment rate of 4.6%, and an estimated job growth rate of 21.3% over the prior year, based on Districts statistical area aggregations. In March 2026, 5,580 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 0.7% higher than the Regional Qld rate of 3.9%, and labor force participation was exceptionally high at 103.2% compared to 64.3% in Regional Qld. Census data indicates that a modest 13.2% of residents worked from home, although this should be viewed in light of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

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Postcode-level ATO data compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year shows Bells Creek residents have a median taxpayer income of $65,331 and an average of $83,411. This is exceptionally high by national standards, contrasting with a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current figures would be roughly $72,753 for the median and $92,886 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census shows that family, household, and individual incomes in Bells Creek sit around the 69th percentile nationally. Looking at income brackets, the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings cohort accounts for 52.7% of the population (3,641 people), compared to in the same cohort regionally. High housing costs absorb of incomes, but solid earnings keep disposable income at the th percentile, and the SEIFA index places the area in the th decile for income.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Bells Creek consisted of 100.0% houses and no other dwelling types like semi-detached homes, apartments, or alternative structures, whereas Regional Qld comprised 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options. The rate of home ownership in Bells Creek was lower than the Regional Qld average, standing at 12.8%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (74.4%) or renters (12.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 was higher than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent of $560 exceeded the regional figure of $345. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Bells Creek are below the Australian average of $1,863, but rental costs are significantly higher than the national median of $375.

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Family households make up 76.3% of the community, consisting of couples with children at 20.6%, couples without children at 38.2%, and single parent families at 17.6%. The remaining 23.7% consists of non-family households, with single person households accounting for 19.1% and group households making up 3.7%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is below the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The educational profile of the area is distinct within the region, with university graduation rates representing 25.6% of residents aged 15 and over, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and highlighting the local focus on higher education. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 19.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 4.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational and technical qualifications are also common, with 44.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (30.7%).

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Analysis of local transit indicates there are 5 active public transport stops in Bells Creek, which consist of bus services. These stops are served by 2 distinct routes, which provide 206 passenger trips each week. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 394 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a residential suburb, most residents travel elsewhere for work, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel at 93% and walking accounting for 5%. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles. A relatively low proportion of residents (13.2%) worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 settings.

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Analysis of health data indicates strong outcomes throughout Bells Creek, based on Districts assessments of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses. The rate of common health issues is low among the general population, though it exceeds the national average in older, vulnerable cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, encompassing approximately 60% of the population (4,162 people) compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

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Bells Creek shows similar levels of cultural diversity to the wider region, with citizenship at 83.7%, Australian-born residents at 76.3%, and 92.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 37.3% of the population. The most visible overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 1.8% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

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The median age in Bells Creek is 31 years, which is younger than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national average of 38. The 25 - 34 cohort represents 23.8% of the population, compared to a smaller presence for the 75 - 84 group at 2.1%. This concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is well above the national share of 14.6%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 10.9% to 15.9% of the population, and the 65 to 74 group rose from 6.2% to 7.8%. In contrast, the 55 to group fell from to , and the to cohort declined from to . Population projections for suggest major demographic shifts, with the to age group expected to expand by people (), growing from to .

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Bells Creek currently has an estimated 366 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 326 children aged 0-2 and 218 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2053% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 340% by 2041 (to approximately 1,610 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 820. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 20.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally.