Burleigh Waters

Burleigh Waters is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Burleigh Waters' population is around 15,187 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 774 people (5.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,413 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,180 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,260 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 82.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilised. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the area projected to grow by 1,406 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 9.2% in total over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Burleigh Waters according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Burleigh Waters has seen approximately 35 new home approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 179 homes. As of FY26 so far, 31 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 2.5 people move to the area per year for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $536,000, indicating a focus on premium properties.

This financial year has seen $21.5 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Burleigh Waters has significantly less development activity, with 82.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's development activity is also under the national average, indicating its established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises mostly detached houses (85.0%) and townhouses or apartments (15.0%), preserving Burleigh Waters' suburban character with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

There are approximately 776 people per dwelling approval in the area, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate that Burleigh Waters will gain around 1,399 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Burleigh Waters 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 20 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Burly Residences, ONE Burleigh, Burleigh Waters - Cassowary Drive Bridge Replacement, and Treetops North Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Burleigh Waters positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Burleigh Waters has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 2.1% as of December 2025. This is below Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is at 66.5%, slightly higher than the regional average of 64.5%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.7%. As of December 2025, 8,079 residents are employed. According to Census responses, 17.3% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

The area shows strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.3% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force increased by 2.6%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at 1.9%. By comparison, Regional Queensland recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and an increase in unemployment to 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a potential future demand within Burleigh Waters. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Burleigh Waters' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended 30 June 2023 indicates that Burleigh Waters SA2 had a median income of $52,538 and an average income of $70,426. This compares to Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ended 30 June 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $58,506 (median) and $78,426 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Burleigh Waters ranks between the 49th and 49th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.3% of residents (4,753 people), similar to the broader regional trend of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

The dwelling structure in Burleigh Waters, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.0% houses and 29.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burleigh Waters was at 39.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.8% and rented ones at 20.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,021, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $500, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Burleigh Waters' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Burleigh Waters features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.8% of all households, including 33.4% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up 26.2%, comprising 21.9% lone person households and 4.4% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 25.9%, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 25.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.4% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Burleigh Waters has 55 operational public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These are covered by five different routes, offering a total of 1017 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 226 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commuters travel outward daily. Cars remain the prevalent mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 145 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burleigh Waters's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results in Burleigh Waters, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Younger cohorts particularly exhibit very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is found to be quite high at approximately 54% of the total population (~8,216 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6% and 6.6% of residents respectively. 71.3% of residents report being completely free of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 19.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,928 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Burleigh Waters 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 Waters had a cultural diversity profile similar to the broader region, with 75.8% of its population born in Australia, 86.7% being citizens, and 91.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 53.0% of Burleigh Waters' population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestral groups were English (31.3%), Australian (26.0%), and Irish (9.3%). Other ethnic groups with notable differences included New Zealanders (1.5% vs regional 0.9%) and Hungarians (0.4% vs regional 0.2%), as well as Maori (0.9% vs regional 0.8%).

Burleigh Waters's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Burleigh Waters is 42 years, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years but higher than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, the 35-44 age cohort is notably over-represented at 14.3% locally while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.7%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.7% to 12.3%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.2% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 10.4% to 8.7%. Population forecasts for Burleigh Waters indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 527 people (28%) from 1,866 to 2,394. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.