Burrum - Fraser

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 11,970 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,376 people (13.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,594 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,970 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 478 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4.3 persons per square kilometer. Burrum-Fraser's 13.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.0%) and the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. 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 for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected. The area is expected to grow by 1,421 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 11.9% in total over the 16 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 averaged approximately 151 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 758 homes. As of FY26181 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of two new residents is gained per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of new homes is $328,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $2.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Burrum-Fraser has 109.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers and showing robust developer interest. New building activity consists of 87.0% detached dwellings and 13.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The location has approximately 61 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Burrum-Fraser is projected to add 1,421 residents by 2041.

With 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 105 projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Torbanlea-Pialba Road Upgrade, Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade, and BayWest City Centre. The following list details those most 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.

Burrum - Fraser has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Burrum-Fraser has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 4.8% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 9.3%.

There are 4,572 residents currently employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is 1.6 percentage points higher than Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Burrum-Fraser is significantly lower at 45.7% compared to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.5% of residents work from home. The main industries of employment are health care and social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Burrum-Fraser has a particularly strong specialization in health care and social assistance, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. However, education and training have limited presence at 7.3%, compared to Regional Queensland's 9.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 9.3% while labour force grew by 8.8%, leading to a unemployment rate decrease of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Queensland saw employment growth of 0.7%, labour force expansion of 1.0%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burrum-Fraser's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 2023 shows Burrum - Fraser SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $41,262 and an average of $51,940. This is below the national average. Regional Qld's median was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $45,949 (median) and $57,840 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Burrum - Fraser all fall between the 2nd and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 31.5% of the population falls within the $400-$799 income range, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500-$2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. The concentration of 40.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges faced by 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

Burrum-Fraser's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burrum-Fraser stood at 54.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.6% and rented ones at 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in the area was $300, compared to Regional Qld's $345. 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 has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.4 percent of all households, including 18.3 percent couples with children, 41.8 percent couples without children, and 9.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.6 percent, with lone person households at 25.8 percent and group households comprising 3.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 7.8%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.6% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.5%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (34.0%).

A total of 22.4% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.7% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Burrum-Fraser has 42 active public transport stops, all bus services. These are covered by three routes offering 97 weekly trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 3609 meters. Most commute outward daily, with cars being the primary mode at 92%. Walking accounts for 4% of journeys. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

In 2021 Census data, 10.5% worked from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency is 13 trips daily across all routes, equating to about two weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Burrum - Fraser is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Burrum-Fraser faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts show notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,482 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.6%) and mental health issues (9.5%). Only 54.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors at 35.8%, totaling 4,286 people, compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for 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 was found to have a below average cultural diversity, with 85.1% of its population born in Australia, 90.1% being citizens, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. The majority religion in Burrum-Fraser is Christianity, comprising 52.8% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups in Burrum-Fraser are English (34.3%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (8.2%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 5.5%, compared to 4.7% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal is at 3.5% (vs 3.9%) and New Zealand is at 0.7% (vs 0.9%).

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

The median age in Burrum-Fraser is 55, which is considerably higher than the Regional Queensland figure of 41 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional Queensland, Burrum-Fraser has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (21.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.2%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 9.2% to 11.4%, while the population aged 5 to 14 has declined from 10.4% to 8.4% and the population aged 45 to 54 has dropped from 11.8% to 10.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Burrum-Fraser's age structure. Notably, the population aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 29%, reaching 1,755 from 1,362. This growth is largely driven by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 69% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the populations aged 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 are projected to decrease in numbers.