Burrum - Fraser
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Burrum-Fraser's population is around 11,859 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,265 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,594 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,634 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 445 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 4.3 persons per square kilometer. Burrum-Fraser's growth rate of 11.9% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (8.0%) and the non-metro area, indicating it as a region with notable population increase. The primary driver for this growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 88.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. According to demographic trends, Burrum-Fraser is expected to grow by just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an increase of 1,520 persons projected by 2041 based on latest population numbers, resulting in a total growth rate of 10.9% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Burrum - Fraser was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Burrum-Fraser has averaged approximately 151 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, totalling 758 approvals from FY20-21 to FY24-25, with 41 approved so far in FY25-26. Each dwelling has supported an average of two new residents annually over the past five financial years, indicating strong demand that positively impacts property values. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $401,000, which is below regional norms and reflects more affordable housing options for buyers.

This year, $2.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, highlighting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Queensland, Burrum-Fraser has 111.0% more construction activity per capita, demonstrating greater choice for buyers and robust developer interest in the area. The new building activity comprises 87.0% detached dwellings and 13.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With approximately 61 people per dwelling approval, the market is expanding. Future projections indicate Burrum-Fraser will add around 1,295 residents by 2041.

Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Burrum - Fraser has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 113 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are the Torbanlea Pialba Road Upgrade, Maryborough - Hervey Bay Road upgrade, the Pialba - Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade, the BayWest City Centre development, and the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program. The following list details those projects that are likely to be most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Burrum - Fraser has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Burrum-Fraser has a balanced workforce comprising white-collar and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 6.0%, and there's been an estimated employment growth of 5.9% over the past year, as of June 2025.

There are 4,380 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is significantly lower at 39.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Health care & social assistance shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

Education & training has limited presence at 7.3% compared to the regional figure of 9.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparisons. In the past year, employment increased by 5.9%, while labour force rose by 7.4%, leading to a 1.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's growth rates of 1.8% (employment), 2.0% (labour force), and a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. By Sep-25, state-level data shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23%, losing 8,070 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5% with employment growth of 0.26%. 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 nationally. Applying these projections to Burrum-Fraser's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Burrum - Fraser had a median income among taxpayers of $39,577 and an average of $49,312. This is below the national average. Rest of Qld had a median of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimates for March 2025 would be approximately $44,211 (median) and $55,086 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Burrum - Fraser all fall between the 3rd and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 31.5% of the population falls within the $400 - $799 income range, while the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 31.7% in metropolitan regions. The concentration of 40.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. After housing costs, 85.9% of income remains, ranking at only the 5th percentile nationally.

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

In Burrum-Fraser, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.6% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 5.4% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burrum-Fraser stood at 54.2%, with mortgaged properties at 27.6% and rented dwellings at 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. The median weekly rent in Burrum-Fraser was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $260. Nationally, Burrum-Fraser's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Burrum - Fraser features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 70.4% of all households, consisting of 18.3% couples with children, 41.8% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households making up 3.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Rest of Qld average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (34.0%). A total of 22.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 8.7% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

Torbanlea State School and Howard State School serve a combined 280 students, focusing exclusively on primary education. Secondary options are available in nearby areas due to limited local school capacity (2.4 places per 100 residents vs the regional average of 12.3).

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

Transport analysis in Burrum-Fraser shows 44 active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three individual routes that collectively offer 97 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 3609 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Burrum - Fraser is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Burrum-Fraser faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The private health cover rate stands at approximately 46%, covering about 5,466 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are prevalent, impacting 14.6% and 9.5% of residents respectively. Around 54.3% claim to be free from medical ailments, similar to the 54.0% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 34.4% (4,078 people), compared to 29.9% in Rest of Qld. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are better than the general population.

Burrum - Fraser is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Burrum-Fraser, assessed for cultural diversity, showed 85.1% of its population born in Australia, with 90.1% being citizens and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, composing 52.8%, matching the Rest of Qld's percentage. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.3%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (8.2%).

Notably, German ethnicity was higher than regional averages at 5.5% versus 6.6%. Australian Aboriginal was slightly overrepresented at 3.5% compared to the region's 3.4%, while New Zealand representation was also higher at 0.7% versus 0.5%.

Burrum - Fraser ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Burrum-Fraser's median age is 55, compared to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and the national norm of 38. The area has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (21%) than Rest of Qld but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.1%), with this group being above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 9.2% to 10.9%, while the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 10.4% to 9.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Burrum-Fraser's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 27%, reaching 1,648 from 1,295. This growth will be driven primarily by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 70% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.