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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bargara-Burnett Heads' population is around 21987 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2979 people (15.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19008 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 21242 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1012 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 152 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Bargara-Burnett Heads' 15.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.6%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 83.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national regional areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 4085 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 15.2% in total over the 17 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 has recorded approximately 283 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,418 homes. As of FY-26274 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 2.1 new residents is gained per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value for new homes is $369,000.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalling $41.5 million have been registered. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bargara-Burnett Heads records 126.0% more development activity per person. The area shows a traditional low-density character with 91.0% standalone homes and 9.0% medium and high-density housing. With around 75 people per dwelling approval, it exhibits growth area characteristics. Future projections estimate Bargara-Burnett Heads to add 3,340 residents by 2041.

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

Bargara - Burnett Heads has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 37 projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects include Bargara Headlands Estate, Club Bargara Resort Development, Bargara Emerging Communities Infrastructure Planning, and MIRA Living. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market in Bargara - Burnett Heads shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Bargara-Burnett Heads has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.7%.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 10.1% over the past year. There are 10,442 residents employed currently, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 50.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 2.5% versus the regional average of 4.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 10.1%, labour force grew by 10.3%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Bargara - Burnett Heads SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $47,681 and an average income of $58,918. These figures are below the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $54,352 and average income is around $67,161 as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Bargara - Burnett Heads rank between the 18th and 20th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 27.9% of residents earn $1,500-$2,999 weekly (6,134 residents), similar to the broader area where 31.7% fall within this range. After housing costs, 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, 87.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 12.7% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% 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, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in the area was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $285. Nationally, Bargara - Burnett Heads' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $320 compared to 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 making up 2.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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 the national average of 30.4%. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 14.5% of residents, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas held by 10.3% and certificates by 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% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Bargara - Burnett Heads shows that there are 88 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 3 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes offer 137 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 334 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 19 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly 1 weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Bargara - Burnett Heads is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows significant challenges in Bargara - Burnett Heads with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~10,795 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.4%) and mental health issues (8.7%). About 59.6% report no medical ailments, similar to Rest of Qld at 59.1%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, with 31.8% (6,998 people), compared to the state average of 26.3%.

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 2016, had a population where 82.9% were born in Australia, 90.2% were citizens, and 94.8% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practised by 56.3%. This figure is slightly higher than the regional average of 54.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (27.8%), and Scottish (9.0%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.3%, compared to the regional average of 6.4%. Dutch ancestry was also higher than the regional average, at 1.5% versus 1.1%. New Zealand ancestry was present at 0.8%, slightly higher than the regional average of 0.6%.

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

The median age in Bargara - Burnett Heads is 51, which exceeds the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and is above Australia's median age of 38. The 65-74 cohort represents 17.5% locally, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.6%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 9.9% to 11.3%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 9.5% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.3% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Bargara - Burnett Heads's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to more than double, increasing by 916 people (137%) from 668 to 1,585. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 64% of population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.