Burleigh Heads
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Burleigh Heads are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Burleigh Heads' population is around 10,234 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,058 people (11.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,176 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,850 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 639 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,195 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burleigh Heads' 11.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.6%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 86.2% 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 1,052 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, with an increase of 6.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Burleigh Heads among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Burleigh Heads has seen approximately 83 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis. There have been a total of 416 approvals in the past five financial years, from FY-20 to FY-25, with 35 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, there are around 0.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. The average value of new homes being built is $1,593,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In terms of commercial development, there have been $26.0 million in approvals recorded this financial year, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Burleigh Heads has similar levels of development per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, Burleigh Heads' development levels are substantially higher, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location.

New building activity shows that 13.0% of approved dwellings are detached houses and 87.0% are townhouses or apartments. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which currently consist of 33.0% houses. This change may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With around 133 people per dwelling approval, Burleigh Heads shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate that Burleigh Heads will gain approximately 651 residents by the year 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Burleigh Heads 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 47 projects that may affect the area. Notable projects include Isabel by Mosaic, Morris Property Group Burleigh Development, Bondi Burleigh - Morris Property Group, and Mondrian Gold Coast Hotel & Residences. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

The labour market in Burleigh Heads demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Burleigh Heads has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in the area was 3.7% as of June 2025.

There was an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year. As of June 2025, 5686 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.2% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Burleigh Heads is on par with Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food.

The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing show lower representation at 0.3% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. There are 1.5 workers for every resident as per the Census data, indicating that Burleigh Heads functions as an employment hub with more jobs than residents and attracts workers from surrounding areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.8% while labour force increased by 2.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This mirrors Rest of Qld's trends in employment growth (1.8%), labour force growth (2.0%), and unemployment increase (0.2 percentage points). State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%, which compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burleigh Heads' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Income data from AreaSearch's postcode level ATO records for FY2022 shows Burleigh Heads' median income at $55,042 and average income at $74,966. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since FY2022, estimated incomes for March 2025 would be approximately $61,487 (median) and $83,745 (average). The 2021 Census data ranks Burleigh Heads' personal income at the 65th percentile ($883 weekly) and household income at the 42nd percentile. Income brackets indicate that 30.3% of residents (3,100 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, consistent with regional trends of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Burleigh Heads features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Burleigh Heads, as per the latest Census evaluation, 33.4% of dwellings were houses while 66.6% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's 45.3% houses and 54.8% other dwellings. Burleigh Heads had a higher home ownership rate at 36.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.4% and rented ones at 36.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $2,019. Weekly rent median stood at $480 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $465. Nationally, Burleigh Heads' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Burleigh Heads features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 57.9% of all households, including 17.9% that are couples with children, 30.3% that are couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 42.1%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 8.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

The educational profile of Burleigh Heads exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Burleigh Heads is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 33.4% have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.1%) and graduate diplomas (3%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.2% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.8%) and certificates (23.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.5% in tertiary education, 7.3% in primary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education. Burleigh Heads State School serves the local area, with an enrollment of 465 students as of the latest data. The school demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1046) and offers balanced educational opportunities, focusing exclusively on primary education while secondary options are available in nearby areas. Local school capacity is limited at 4.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.5, which may result in families traveling to other areas for schooling.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 22 active transport stops operating within Burleigh Heads. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 12 individual routes which collectively provide 2,244 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 320 trips per day across all routes equating to approximately 102 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burleigh Heads's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Burleigh Heads residents show favourable health outcomes with low prevalence rates for common conditions across all age groups. Approximately 57% (~5,843 people) have private health cover, compared to Queensland's overall rate of 68.9%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.1%) and mental health issues (7.4%). Around 70.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 72.7% in the rest of Queensland. About 21.7% (~2,220 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, higher than the Queensland average of 18.4%. Health outcomes among seniors exceed those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Burleigh Heads records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Burleigh Heads' cultural diversity aligns with the broader area's average, as indicated by its population statistics: 81.4% are citizens, 76.5% were born in Australia, and 92.0% speak English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion (47.9%), while Judaism is slightly overrepresented (0.3%) compared to Rest of Qld's 0.4%. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.2%), Australian (23.5%), and Irish (11.0%).

Notable differences exist in the representation of New Zealanders (1.3% vs regional 1.3%), French (0.9% vs 0.8%), and Scots (8.9% vs 8.0%).

Burleigh Heads hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Burleigh Heads' median age is 43 years, higher than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 20.9% of Burleigh Heads' population, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 6.5%. This concentration of the 25-34 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows a shift in median age down to 43 years due to younger residents. The 25-34 age group grew from 17.4% to 20.9%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 9.2% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 13.6% to 11.1%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.6% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Burleigh Heads, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 24%, adding 515 residents to reach a total of 2,650. Conversely, both the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups are expected to decrease in number.