Burdekin

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Burdekin's population was around 7980 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 322 people, a growth rate of 4.2%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7658 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7980 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Burdekin's growth exceeded that of the SA3 area, which was 3.4%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 71.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data were adopted. These projections did not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data were applied for each age cohort. Population projections indicated a decline of 949 persons by 2041 according to this methodology, although growth across specific age cohorts was anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group projected to expand by 75 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. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY-21 and FY-25, 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, suggesting growing popularity and potential supply constraints in the area. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $437,000.

In FY-26, $6.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the residential character of Burdekin. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Burdekin shows approximately 69% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 23rd percentile nationally, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. This is below the national average, indicating an established area with potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With an estimated 675 people per dwelling approval, Burdekin reflects a quiet, low activity development environment. Given expected population stability or decline, reduced pressure on housing is anticipated, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the area.

Burdekin has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects potentially impacting the area. Key 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

Burdekin's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 4.9% as of December 2015. As of December 2025, 3718 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 0.9% higher than Regional Qld's 4%.

Workforce participation in Burdekin was 59.1%, lower than Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census data showed that 11.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (620% of regional levels), manufacturing, and health care & social assistance (9.4%). Many residents commute elsewhere for work.

Over December 2024 to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.4%, employment declined by 1.7%, leading to a 1.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and unemployment rise by 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Burdekin's employment mix suggests local employment could 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 is lower than the national average, compared to Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $60,122 (median) and $69,618 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Burdekin rank modestly, between the 30th and 35th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that 32.8% of the population, which is 2,617 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing costs allow for 91.2% retention, but disposable income ranks 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 showed that in Burdekin, 95.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burdekin stood at 49.8%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 29.8% and rented ones 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Burdekin was recorded at $210, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Burdekin's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 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 making up 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 - advanced diplomas account for 6.9% while certificates make up 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~4,021 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 10.5% of residents) and mental health issues (6.7%). 66.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 24.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,949 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional 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, as per data gathered in June 2016, exhibited lower cultural diversity compared to the regional average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (88.9%), born in Australia (91.9%), and spoke English only at home (94.2%). Christianity was the prevalent religion, practiced by 73.2% of Burdekin's residents, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.0%), English (26.3%), and Italian (13.2%), with Italians being more represented in Burdekin than regionally (2.4%). Other ethnic groups showed variations: Spanish was overrepresented at 0.8% compared to the regional average of 0.3%, German stood at 4.2% versus 4.7%, and Australian Aboriginal was reported at 3.3% against a regional average of 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 Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Burdekin at 14.0%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.0%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 9.3% to 10.0%. Conversely, the percentage of the population aged 45 to 54 has declined from 13.6% to 12.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Burdekin's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 73 (a rise of 36%) from 203 to 277. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 95% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75-84 and 0-4 age cohorts.