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

Burleigh Waters' population, as of February 2026, is approximately 15,117. This figure represents an increase of 704 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,413. The growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 15,110 in June 2024 and 76 validated new addresses added post-Census. This results in a population density of 2,249 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.8% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Future population trends indicate a below-median increase for national regional areas, with Burleigh Waters expected to grow by 1,453 persons to 2041. This reflects an overall increase of approximately 9.6% over the 17-year period.

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 homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 179 homes. As of FY26, 25 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.5 people have moved to the area per new home constructed each year 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 by developers.

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, 82.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's new building activity is also under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity consists of 85.0% detached houses and 15.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Burleigh Waters' suburban character with a focus on detached housing that attracts space-seeking buyers.

The location has approximately 776 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. Population forecasts suggest Burleigh Waters will gain 1,446 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though increased competition among buyers may occur as the population grows.

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

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

Burleigh Waters has a skilled workforce with 2.1% unemployment as of September 2025, compared to the Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Employment growth in the past year was estimated at 2.3%. There are 7,999 residents employed currently.

Workforce participation is on par with Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 17.3% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction shows strong specialization at 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.3%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, with Census working population count versus resident population suggesting this. In the 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 2.3% alongside labour force increasing by 2.3%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 2023 shows that Burleigh Waters SA2 had a median income of $52,538 and an average income of $70,426. This is higher than the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $57,745 and an average income of around $77,405 by September 2025. The 2021 Census indicates that Burleigh Waters' incomes rank modestly, between the 49th and 49th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. The most common income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999, with 31.3% of residents (4,731 people) falling into this category, which is consistent with broader regional trends at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Burleigh Waters, 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

Burleigh Waters' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 71.0% houses and 29.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burleigh Waters was 39.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.8% and rented ones at 20.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,021, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Burleigh Waters was $500, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Burleigh Waters' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,021 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $500 compared to 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 comprise the remaining 26.2%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of Qld 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 of 25.9% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 18.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 12.8% while certificates make up 25.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 1,017 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically living within 226 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 92%. 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. Across all routes, service frequency averages 145 trips per day, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per 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 for Burleigh Waters, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Younger cohorts particularly have very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is found to be high at approximately 54% of the total population (~8,178 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.6% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 6.6%). A majority, 71.3%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Qld. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,875 people), lower than the 20.4% in the rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally compared to 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 has a cultural diversity profile roughly similar to the wider region's average. 75.8% of its population were born in Australia, 86.7% are citizens, and 91.6% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 53.0% of Burleigh Waters' population.

Notably, Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.2% compared to 0.1% in the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.3%), Australian (26.0%), and Irish (9.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: New Zealanders make up 1.5% versus 0.9% regionally, Hungarians comprise 0.4% compared to 0.2%, and Maori are at 0.9% against 0.8%.

Burleigh Waters's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Burleigh Waters is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Burleigh Waters has a higher concentration of residents aged 35-44 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (8.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 25 to 34 grew from 10.7% to 12.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.2% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 10.4% to 8.6%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.3% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Burleigh Waters's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 29%, reaching 2,432 people from 1,889. Conversely, the 75 to 84 and 15 to 24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.