Burdekin

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

Burdekin's population was around 7,912 as of February 2026, reflecting an increase of 254 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 7,658 people in Burdekin. This change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 7,903 as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. The population density ratio was 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Burdekin's growth rate of 3.3% since the census is within 0.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.8%. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 87.0% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Population projections indicate a decline of 952 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group with an increase of 74 people.

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 FY26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, recent data shows this has increased to 6.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting Burdekin's growing popularity and potential supply constraints. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $437,000.

This financial year, $6.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Burdekin shows approximately 68% of the construction activity per person and places among the 23rd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting 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 Burdekin's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated count of 675 people 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 top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives 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.

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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 September 2025. The unemployment rate is higher than the Rest of Qld's rate by 0.9%, at 4.1%. Workforce participation in Burdekin is lower at 60.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%.

According to Census data, only 11.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance sectors. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 6.2 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance employs only 9.4% of local workers, lower than Rest of Qld's 16.1%.

Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.6%, and employment declined by 1.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Burdekin's employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Burdekin SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $53,989 and an average income of $62,516 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for that year. The Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,339 (median) and $68,711 (average) as of September 2025 in Burdekin. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in Burdekin, between the 30th and 35th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 32.8% of the population (2,595 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which aligns with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 31.7%. Housing costs are manageable with 91.2% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 39th percentile.

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

Burdekin's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The home ownership level 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, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $210, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Burdekin's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (32.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,987 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (6.7%). 66.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. As of 2021, the area has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,912 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. National rankings for health indicators are broadly in line with the general population.

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

Burdekin's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.9% of its population being citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 94.2% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Burdekin is Christianity, accounting for 73.2% of the population, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (29.0%), English (26.3%), and Italian (13.2%), with Italians being substantially higher than the regional average of 2.4%.

Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Spanish is overrepresented at 0.8% in Burdekin compared to 0.3% regionally, German at 4.2% versus 4.7%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.3% versus 3.9%.

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

Burdekin's median age is 47 years, which is notably higher than Rest of Qld's 41 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Burdekin at 14.0%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 0-4 age group has grown from 5.0% to 5.6% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Burdekin's age profile will evolve significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand by 68 people (36%), from 193 to 262. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 97% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 0-4 cohorts.