Brunswick Heads

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Brunswick Heads statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 2,146. This reflects an increase of 241 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,905 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,094, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 150 persons per square kilometer. Brunswick Heads' 12.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.9%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 58% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward, an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas is projected for Brunswick Heads (SA2), expected to grow by 365 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 17% over the years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Brunswick Heads when compared nationally

Between FY-21 and FY-25, Brunswick Heads had approximately 81 new homes approved. In FY-26 up to the present, around 9 more have been approved. On average, this translates to about 16 new homes per year.

Each dwelling constructed has led to an estimated 1.9 new residents annually over these five financial years. This suggests a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is approximately $591,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY-26 alone, commercial development approvals totaled $786,000, predominantly reflecting residential focus. Compared to the rest of NSW over this period, Brunswick Heads has seen slightly more development activity, around 42.0% above the regional average per person. The new building activity in Brunswick Heads is dominated by detached dwellings at 82.0%, with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 18.0%. This maintains the area's traditional low density character, appealing to those seeking space and family homes despite increasing density pressures. The location currently has approximately 147 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Brunswick Heads is projected to gain around 220 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Brunswick Heads has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch has identified a single project that could impact the area: Bayside Brunswick Heads (Wallum). Other key projects include Gulgan Village, Byron Shire Residential Strategy 2041, and Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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While Brunswick Heads retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.6%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Brunswick Heads has a well-educated workforce with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025968 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Notably, employment in accommodation & food is at 1.9 times the regional average.

However, public administration & safety has a lower representation with only 3.5% compared to Rest of NSW's 7.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.6%, accompanied by a 2.1% decrease in employment, leading to a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5% with labour force contracting by 0.1%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, industry-specific projections for Brunswick Heads indicate local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Brunswick Heads is below the national average. The median income is $40,949 and the average income stands at $57,517. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $52,390 and the average income is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Brunswick Heads would be approximately $44,577 (median) and $62,613 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that personal income ranks at the 34th percentile ($732 weekly), while household income sits at the 18th percentile. Income distribution reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.8% of residents (639 people). Housing affordability pressures are severe in Brunswick Heads, with only 79.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 15th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Brunswick Heads displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Brunswick Heads, as per the latest Census evaluation, 60.5% of dwellings were houses while 39.5% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brunswick Heads stood at 41.2%, similar to Non-Metro NSW, with the rest being mortgaged (18.4%) or rented (40.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,001, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. The median weekly rent in Brunswick Heads was $440, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $450. Nationally, Brunswick Heads' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,001 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Brunswick Heads features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 55.3% of all households, including 17.6% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 44.7%, with lone person households at 36.8% and group households comprising 7.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Brunswick Heads exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 30.6%, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region's average of 24.3%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 35.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 23.3%.

A total of 24.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.4% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 20 active transport stops operating within Brunswick Heads. These comprise a mix of buses serving 36 individual routes, collectively providing 345 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 233 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Brunswick Heads's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Brunswick Heads' health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. Approximately 50% of the total population (~1,066 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.7% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.7%) and mental health issues (7.7%).

About 68.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.0% across Rest of NSW. Around 23.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (508 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Brunswick Heads are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Brunswick Heads ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Brunswick Heads had a cultural diversity index below average, with 86.5% of its population being citizens, 81.6% born in Australia, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Brunswick Heads, accounting for 35.5% of its population. However, Judaism showed an overrepresentation with 0.7%, compared to 0.6% across Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.4%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (12.8%). Notably, French (1.3%) was overrepresented compared to regional levels (0.9%), as were New Zealanders (0.9% vs 0.6%) and Scots (8.7% vs 9.0%).

Brunswick Heads hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Brunswick Heads has a median age of 46, which is higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than the national norm of 38. The age group of 35-44 shows strong representation at 14.3%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 7.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 12.5% to 14.3% of the population, and the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 11.5% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 15.9% to 13.7%. By 2041, Brunswick Heads is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 35 to 44 group is expected to grow by 22%, reaching 374 people from the current 306. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are anticipated to see population declines.