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

Burrum-Fraser's population is approximately 11,877 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,283 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,594. The growth was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 11,634 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4.3 persons per square kilometer. Burrum-Fraser's 12.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (8.2%) and non-metro areas, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 88.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas by 2041, with an expected growth of 1,520 persons and a total gain of 10.8% 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 over the past five financial years, totalling 758 homes. As of FY26, 62 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of two new residents is gained per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $328,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $2.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Burrum-Fraser has 111.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers and reflecting significant developer interest in the area. 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. The location has approximately 61 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Future projections indicate Burrum-Fraser adding 1,277 residents by 2041.

With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 103 projects likely to affect the region. Key initiatives include the Torbanlea Pialba Road Upgrade, Maryborough - Hervey Bay Road upgrade, and Pialba - Burrum Heads Road intersection improvement. The BayWest City Centre and Dundowran Industrial Park are also notable. 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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Employment performance in Burrum - Fraser has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Burrum-Fraser has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 6.0% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.9%. There are 4,380 residents in work currently, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower, at 39.2%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Health care & social assistance has a particularly strong presence, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. However, education & training has limited presence, at 7.3% compared to the regional level of 9.1%. 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 June 2025, employment increased by 5.9%, while labour force grew by 7.4%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force expand by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Burrum-Fraser's employment mix suggests local growth could be approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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 indicates that Burrum - Fraser had a median income of $39,577 and an average income of $49,312 among taxpayers. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Burrum - Fraser would be approximately $45,114 (median) and $56,211 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Burrum - Fraser fall between the 3rd and 3rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets reveal that 31.5% of the population (3,741 individuals) earn within the $400-$799 range, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500-$2,999 category is predominant at 31.7%. The concentration of 40.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets suggests economic challenges for 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 dwelling types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 91.8% houses and 8.2% 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, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. The median weekly rent in the area 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, while 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, including 18.3% couples with children, 41.8% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 3.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of Qld.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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 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 compared to 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 indicates 44 active public transport stops in Burrum-Fraser region, all of which are bus stops. These are served by three distinct routes that together offer 97 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as limited, with residents on average located 3609 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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. Private health cover stands at approximately 46% (~5,475 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.6%) and mental health issues (9.5%). Around 54.3% report no medical ailments, similar to Rest of Qld at 54.0%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (34.4%, or 4,084 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 29.9%. Senior health outcomes show some challenges despite performing better than the general population in certain health metrics.

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 has a cultural diversity below average, with 85.1% of its population born in Australia, 90.1% being citizens, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 52.8% of people in Burrum-Fraser, similar to the 52.8% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestral groups are English (34.3%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (8.2%).

Notably, German is overrepresented at 5.5%, Australian Aboriginal at 3.5%, and New Zealand at 0.7%.

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

The median age of Burrum-Fraser is 55, which is considerably higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Rest of Qld, Burrum-Fraser has a higher concentration of 65-74 residents at 21.0%, but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 7.1%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.2% to 10.9% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.4% to 9.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Burrum-Fraser's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 1,648 people from the current 1,296. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 70% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.