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 11,808 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,214 people (11.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,594 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,634 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 467 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 4.3 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Burrum - Fraser's 11.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.1%) 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, which contributed approximately 88.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 1,520 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 11.4% in total 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 around 151 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 758 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26100 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $328,000, in line with regional trends. There have also been $2.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Burrum - Fraser has 111.0% more construction activity (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. This activity is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. New building activity shows 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 appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 61 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections show Burrum - Fraser adding 1,346 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 104 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Torbanlea Pialba Road Upgrade, Maryborough - Hervey Bay Road and Pialba - Burrum Heads Road Intersection Upgrade, BayWest City Centre, and Dundowran Industrial Park, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.8%, and 9.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,572 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (47.3% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Meanwhile, education & training has a limited presence with 7.3% employment compared to 9.1% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 9.3% alongside the labour force increasing by 8.8%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Burrum - Fraser. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Burrum - Fraser's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Burrum - Fraser SA2's median income among taxpayers is $41,262, with an average of $51,940. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $45,351 (median) and $57,087 (average) as of September 2025. 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 (3,719 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, diverging from the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. The concentration of 40.2% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. After housing, 85.9% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 5th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Burrum - Fraser, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Burrum - Fraser was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 54.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.6%) or rented (18.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Burrum - Fraser's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Burrum - Fraser has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 70.4% of all households, comprising 18.3% couples with children, 41.8% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.6%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 3.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (10.9%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (34.0%).

A substantial 22.4% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 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

Public transport analysis reveals 42 active transport stops operating within Burrum - Fraser comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 97 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 3609 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 10.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Burrum - Fraser, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,408 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 14.6 and 9.5% of residents, respectively, while 54.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 34.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,109 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.1% of its population born in Australia, 90.1% being citizens, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Burrum - Fraser is Christianity, which makes up 52.8% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Burrum - Fraser are English, comprising 34.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.0% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.5% of Burrum - Fraser (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.5% (vs 3.9%) and New Zealand at 0.7% (vs 0.9%).

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

With a median age of 55, Burrum - Fraser is considerably higher than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Regional Qld, Burrum - Fraser has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (21.4%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (7.3%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, 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 8.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Burrum - Fraser's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 29% (365 people), reaching 1,648 from 1,282. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 68% of projected growth. Conversely, both 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.