Burdekin

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Burdekin's population is around 7,912 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 254 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,658 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,903 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Burdekin's 3.3% growth since the census positions it within 0.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 952 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 74 people. See the age section for more details.

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, totalling 56 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, though recent data reveals this has increased to 6.5 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, reflecting the area's growing popularity and potential supply constraints. New homes are being built at an average value 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 Qld, Burdekin shows approximately 68% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 23rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. This is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, 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 the 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Ayr Industrial Precinct, St Francis Catholic School Prep Classrooms Refurbishment, Haughton Pipeline Stage 2, and Burdekin Solar Farm, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.9%. As of December 2025, 3,718 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (59.8% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 6.2 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 9.4% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 16.1%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.4% while employment declined by 1.7%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 1.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Burdekin. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Burdekin's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Burdekin SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $53,989 and an average of $62,516 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,339 (median) and $68,711 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Burdekin, between the 30th and 35th percentiles. The earnings profile shows 32.8% of the population (2,595 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning 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

Dwelling structure within Burdekin, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Burdekin was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 49.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.8%) or rented (20.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $210, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Burdekin's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 72.0% of all households, comprising 28.5% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 7.9% 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 of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (32.9%).

Educational participation is notably 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 of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,987 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.5 and 6.7% of residents, respectively, while 66.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,912 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.9% of its population being citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 94.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Burdekin is Christianity, which makes up 73.2% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Burdekin are Australian, comprising 29.0% of the population, English, comprising 26.3% of the population, and Italian, comprising 13.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 2.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Spanish is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of Burdekin (vs 0.3% regionally), German at 4.2% (vs 4.7%) and Australian Aboriginal at 3.3% (vs 3.9%).

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

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