Bargara - Burnett Heads
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Bargara-Burnett Heads' population was 21,987 as of November 2025. This showed an increase of 2,979 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,008. The growth was inferred from ABS estimates of 21,242 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 152 persons per square kilometer. Growth of 15.7% exceeded both SA3 area (8.6%) and non-metro areas, making Bargara-Burnett Heads a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.2% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts. Future demographic trends project above median population growth for the region, with an expected expansion of 4,085 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.2% over 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 recorded approximately 283 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,418 homes. As of FY-26141 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built attracted an average of 2.1 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of new homes was $369,000.

In FY-26, $41.5 million in commercial approvals were registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Bargara-Burnett Heads experienced 126.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and showing strong developer interest in the area. Ninety-one percent of new building activity involved standalone homes, with 9.0% being medium or 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 growth area characteristics. Future projections estimate an addition of 3,340 residents by 2041.

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

Bargara - Burnett Heads has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 37 potential impact projects. Major ones are Bargara Headlands Estate, Club Bargara Resort Development, Bargara Emerging Communities Infrastructure Planning, and MIRA Living. The following details those most relevant.

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

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The employment environment in Bargara - Burnett Heads shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Bargara-Burnett Heads has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of June 2025, which is below the Rest of Queensland's rate of 3.9%.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 6.6% over the past year. As of June 2025, there were 10,020 residents employed in the area, with a workforce participation rate of 50.2%, compared to Rest of Queensland's 59.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing shows lower representation at 2.5% versus the regional average of 4.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.6%, and labour force increased by 7.3%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Queensland, where employment rose by 1.8%, labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 offer insights into potential future demand within Bargara-Burnett Heads. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to the local employment mix suggests a potential local growth of approximately 6.6% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Bargara-Burnett Heads had a median taxpayer income of $47,681 and an average income of $58,918. These figures are lower than the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $54,352 and $67,161 based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Bargara-Burnett Heads fall between the 19th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 27.9% of residents earn $1,500-$2,999 weekly, with this segment comprising 31.7% of the broader area's population. 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

Dwelling structure in Bargara - Burnett Heads, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.2% houses and 12.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bargara - Burnett Heads was 46.1%, with mortgaged dwellings 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 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 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 show that 20.5% of residents aged 15 years and over have university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15 years and over holding these skills – advanced diplomas account for 10.3% and certificates for 28.2%. A significant 23.9% of the population is actively pursuing education, including 8.9% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

The four schools in Bargara-Burnett Heads have a combined enrollment of 966 students as of 2021, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 985) with balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus on primary education only, with secondary options available nearby. As of 2021, there are approximately 4.4 school places per 100 residents in the area, compared to the regional average of 13.9, indicating limited local school capacity and necessitating travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 88 active stops operating in Bargara - Burnett Heads, served by a mix of buses. These stops are covered by three routes, offering 137 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport access is rated good, with residents usually located 334 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 19 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one 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 indicates significant challenges for 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's 59.1%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 31.8% (6,998 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 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 below average cultural diversity index of 37.1%. It recorded 82.9% Australian-born population, 90.2% citizens and 94.8% English-only speakers at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 56.3%, compared to 54.0% in Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (27.8%) and Scottish (9.0%). Notably, German (6.3%) and Dutch (1.5%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 6.4% and 1.1%, respectively. New Zealanders also showed higher representation at 0.8%.

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

The median age in Bargara - Burnett Heads is 51, surpassing Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 17.5% locally, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.6%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 9.9% to 11.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 11.6% to 9.5%, and the 45 to 54 age 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, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.