Burdekin

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

Burdekin's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 7,894 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 236 people from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,658. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,903 in June 2024 and an additional three validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Burdekin's growth rate of 3.1% since the census is within 0.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.6%. The primary driver for this growth was 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a decline of 952 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to expand by 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 around 11 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 56 homes. In FY-26 so far, 1 approval has 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 ratio 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are 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

The Burdekin area has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

As of September 2025, there are 3765 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 4.1%, which is 0.9% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Local employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 6.2 times more residents compared to the regional level, while health care & social assistance employs 9.4% of local workers, lower than Rest of Qld's 16.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. 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%. State-level data shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1210 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% growth 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 $51,808 and an average income of $60,174 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for that year. The Rest of Qld's median income was $50,780 with an average income of $64,844 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,056 (median) and $68,592 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Burdekin ranked modestly, between the 30th and 35th percentiles. In terms of earnings profile, 32.8% of the population (2,589 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the broader area where this cohort also represented 31.7%. Housing costs were manageable with 91.2% retained, but disposable income was below average at the 39th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Burdekin, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 89.5% houses and 10.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burdekin was at 49.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.8% and rented dwellings at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,200, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,213. The median weekly rent figure in Burdekin was $210, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $202. Nationally, Burdekin's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national average 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% that are couples with children, 35.1% that are couples without children, and 7.9% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.0%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is 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 among residents with higher education qualifications 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, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.8%), secondary education (9.7%), and tertiary education (2.1%).

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 50% (~3,907 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (6.7%). About 66.3% report no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of Qld's 66.2%. Around 23.9% (~1,889 people) are aged 65 and over.

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, accounting for 73.2% of Burdekin's population, compared to 70.7% in the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.0%), English (26.3%), and Italian (13.2%).

Notably, Spanish (0.8%) and German (4.2%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.6% and 3.5%, respectively. Conversely, the Australian Aboriginal population was underrepresented at 3.3%, while the regional average stood at 8.1%.

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 and is 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 13.9%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 9.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.4% to 11.0% of Burdekin's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that 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 65+ age groups are expected to account for 84% of total population growth, reflecting Burdekin's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 0-4 cohorts.