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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Brunswick Heads as of Nov 2025 is around 2,058. This reflects an increase of 153 people (8.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,905 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,040 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 144 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Brunswick Heads's 8.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.3%), 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 57.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 352 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 14.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Brunswick Heads has seen approximately 15 new homes approved each year based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 77 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved so far in FY-26. This results in about 2 new residents per dwelling constructed annually over the past five financial years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction value of these new homes is $591,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $3.8 million, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Brunswick Heads has seen slightly more development, with 36.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This balance between buyer choice and support for current property values is maintained by a new building activity composition of 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character while offering family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 147 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts suggest Brunswick Heads will gain 295 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Brunswick Heads has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the area: Bayside Brunswick Heads (Wallum), Gulgan Village, Byron Shire Residential Strategy 2041, and Queensland Energy Roadmap Infrastructure are key projects. The following list details those most relevant.

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While Brunswick Heads retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.3%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Brunswick Heads has a well-educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.3%, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of June 2025.

In this month, 944 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 3.5% of Brunswick Heads's workforce compared to 7.5% in Rest of NSW. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.8% and employment fell by 4.3%, causing unemployment rate to drop by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.1%, labour force expanded by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Brunswick Heads's employment mix suggests 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 only.

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 2022 shows that income in Brunswick Heads is below the national average. The median income is $40,949 while the average income stands at $57,517. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $49,459 and the average income is $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $46,113 (median) and $64,770 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 34th percentile with a weekly income of $732, while household income sits at the 18th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 29.8% of residents (613 people), reflecting patterns seen regionally where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.5% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Brunswick Heads dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.5% houses and 39.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 75.1% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brunswick Heads was 41.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.4% and rented at 40.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,001, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,980. 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 account for 55.3% of all households, consisting of 17.6% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up 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% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region average of 24.3%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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. Brunswick Heads Public School serves the local area with an enrollment of 228 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1029) and offering balanced educational opportunities. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby.

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

Brunswick Heads has 13 operational public transport stops. These are used by buses on 35 different routes. This results in 305 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 243 meters. On average, there are 43 daily trips across all routes, which amounts to about 23 weekly trips per individual stop. Transport accessibility is rated as good.

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 closely match national benchmarks. Common health conditions affect both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. Approximately 50% of the total population (~1,023 people) has private health cover, compared to 52.3% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.7%) and mental health issues (7.7%). About 68.7% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 68.0% in Rest of NSW. As of 2021, 23.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (487 people). Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, surpassing those of 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' cultural diversity was below average, with 86.5% being Australian citizens, 81.6% born in Australia, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 35.5%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to 0.6% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.4%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (12.8%). French (1.3%) and New Zealand (0.9%) ethnicities were notably overrepresented, while Scottish was slightly underrepresented at 8.7%.

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 Australia's 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 data from the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has grown from 12.5% to 14.3% of the population, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 11.5% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 13.8%. By 2041, Brunswick Heads is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 35-44 group is expected to grow by 26%, reaching 372 people from the current 294. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts are anticipated to see population declines.