Burdekin
Statistical Area - sa2

Burdekin has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Burdekin's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stood at around 7,894 by November 2025. This figure reflects a growth of 236 individuals (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,658. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,903 in June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Burdekin's growth rate of 3.1% since the Census places it within 0.5 percentage points of its SA3 area (3.6%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 87.0% of overall population gains recently.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections lack age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a decline of 952 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to expand by 74 individuals.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Burdekin, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Burdekin has seen approximately 11 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 56 homes. In FY2026 so far, there has been 1 approval recorded. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed in Burdekin between FY2021 and FY2025 was 1.4, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this figure increased to 6.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting the area's growing popularity and potential supply constraints. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $437,000.

Additionally, $6.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Burdekin shows approximately 68% of the construction activity per person and places among the 24th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice that supports interest in existing homes. This is under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated count of 675 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Burdekin should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Burdekin has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Ayr Industrial Precinct, St Francis Catholic School Prep Classrooms Refurbishment, Haughton Pipeline Stage 2, and Burdekin Solar Farm. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Burdekin recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Burdekin has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 5.0% as of June 2025. The area employs 3810 residents, with an unemployment rate 1.1% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (6.2 times the regional level), manufacturing, and health care & social assistance (9.4%). Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.5% and employment declined by 4.2%, raising unemployment by 1.7 percentage points.

Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific projections suggesting Burdekin's growth could be approximately 4.5% over five years and 10.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Burdekin's median taxpayer income was $51,808 and average was $60,174 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average of $64,844 for Rest of Qld, which had a median income of $50,780. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,056 (median) and $68,592 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%. Census data shows Burdekin's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 30th and 36th percentiles. Incomes in the range of $1,500 - 2,999 are received by 32.8% of Burdekin's population (2,589 individuals), similar to the broader area where this cohort also represents 31.7%. Housing costs allow for retention of 91.2%, but disposable income is below average at the 39th percentile.

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

The latest Census evaluated Burdekin's dwelling structures as 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burdekin was 49.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.8% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,200, while the median weekly rent figure was $210. Nationally, Burdekin's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Burdekin has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 72.0% of all households, including 28.5% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.0%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Burdekin faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (32.9%). Educational participation is high at 26.4%, comprising 10.8% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

Twelve schools serve 667 students across the area, with a balanced provision of 11 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. Local school capacity is limited at 8.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 21.1, leading many families to travel for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Burdekin faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately half of its total population (~3,907 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (10.5% of residents) and mental health issues (6.7%). Sixty-six point three percent of residents report having no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of Qld figure of 66.2%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 23.9% (1,889 people).

Burdekin is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Burdekin's population showed low cultural diversity, with 88.9% being citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 94.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 73.2%, compared to 70.7% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australian (29.0%), English (26.3%), and Italian (13.2%) were the top groups.

Notably, Spanish (0.8% vs regional 0.6%), German (4.2% vs 3.5%), and Australian Aboriginal (3.3% vs 8.1%) showed higher representation than average in Burdekin.

Burdekin hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Burdekin's median age is 47 years, which exceeds Rest of Qld's median age of 41 years and is considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Burdekin has a notably over-represented cohort of 65-74 year-olds at 13.9%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 9.7%. Between 2021 and present, the population share of those aged 15 to 24 has increased from 10.4% to 11.0%. Conversely, the share of those aged 45 to 54 has declined from 13.6% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Burdekin's age profile will evolve significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand by 70 people (37%), growing from 191 to 262. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are projected to account for 84% of total population growth, reflecting Burdekin's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for those aged 75-84 and 0-4 years.