Bargara - Burnett Heads

Bargara - Burnett Heads lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

AreaSearch's analysis indicates Bargara-Burnett Heads' population is approximately 22,028 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 3,020 people (15.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,008. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 21,697 in June 2025 and an additional 1,124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 152 persons per square kilometer, offering significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bargara-Burnett Heads' population growth of 15.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (9.1%) and the Rest of Qld regions, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 77.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilized. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest above median population growth for national regional areas, with the area projected to expand by 3,778 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 15.7% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Bargara - Burnett Heads was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Bargara-Burnett Heads recorded approximately 283 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,418 homes. As of FY26491 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 attracted 2.1 new residents per year, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes was $369,000.

In FY26, $41.5 million in commercial approvals were registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bargara-Burnett Heads had 123.0% more development activity per person as of FY26, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting high developer interest in the area. Ninety-one percent of new building activity involved standalone homes, while nine percent consisted of medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With around 75 people per dwelling approval, Bargara-Burnett Heads exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 3,447 residents by 2041.

Current construction levels suggest that housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Bargara - Burnett Heads has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Bargara Emerging Communities Infrastructure Planning, MIRA Living, Club Bargara Resort Development, and Bargara Headlands Estate. The following list details those projects most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Bargara - Burnett Heads demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Bargara-Burnett Heads has a skilled labour force with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.5% as of December 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 9.0% in the past year. As of December 2025, there were 10,478 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.5% lower than Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 57.5%, compared to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. According to Census responses in 2021, only 8.2% of residents worked from home. The leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Health care & social assistance had an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while transport, postal & warehousing showed lower representation at 2.5%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 9.0%, labour force grew by 8.8%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Queensland saw employment rise by 0.7% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to Bargara-Burnett Heads' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations based on industry-specific growth rates.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Bargara - Burnett Heads SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $49,137 and an average income of $61,568. Both figures are below the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for Regional Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of March 2026 is approximately $54,719, with average income at $68,562. Census figures from 2021 indicate household, family, and personal incomes in Bargara - Burnett Heads fall between the 18th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 27.9% of residents earn $1,500-$2,999 weekly (6,145 residents), similar to the broader area's pattern at 31.7%. After housing expenses, 86.2% of income remains, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Bargara - Burnett Heads is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Bargara-Burnett Heads, as per the latest Census data, 87.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 12.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Regional Queensland's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bargara-Burnett Heads stood at 46.1%, with mortgaged properties at 30.3% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in the area was $320, lower than Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, Bargara-Burnett Heads' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bargara - Burnett Heads has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.0% of all households, including 22.9% couples with children, 40.2% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 24.2% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Bargara - Burnett Heads fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational qualifications in Bargara - Burnett Heads trail regional benchmarks, with 20.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (28.2%). A substantial 23.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.9% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis shows 89 active transport stops operating within Bargara - Burnett Heads. These stops are served by a mix of buses on three individual routes, collectively providing 137 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 334 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 19 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Bargara - Burnett Heads is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bargara-Burnett Heads faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among both younger and older age cohorts, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~10,969 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.4% of residents) and mental health issues (8.7%), while 59.6% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 32.6% of residents aged 65 and over (7,178 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld and national rankings.

Bargara - Burnett Heads ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bargara-Burnett Heads, surveyed in June 2016, had a culturally diverse population with 82.9% born in Australia, 90.2% being citizens, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 56.3%, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (27.8%), and Scottish (9.0%).

Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented at 6.3% (vs regional 4.7%), Dutch at 1.5% (vs 1.1%), and New Zealand at 0.8% (vs 0.9%).

Bargara - Burnett Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Bargara-Burnett Heads has a median age of 51, which is higher than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up 17.8% of the local population, compared to the Regional Queensland average of 12.9%, indicating an over-representation of this cohort in Bargara-Burnett Heads. Conversely, individuals aged 25-34 years are under-represented locally at 8.5%. Nationally, the 65-74 age group comprises 9.4% of the population. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of people aged 75 to 84 has increased from 9.9% to 11.4%, while the percentage of individuals aged 5 to 14 years has decreased from 11.6% to 9.6%. The 45-54 age group has also seen a decline, dropping from 12.3% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the number of people aged 85 and above will more than double in Bargara-Burnett Heads, growing from 729 to 1,613 individuals, an increase of 883 people (121%). This expansion is projected to be driven primarily by senior residents aged 65 and older, who are expected to contribute to 62% of the population growth in the region. In contrast, population declines are anticipated for both the 5-14 and 15-24 age cohorts.