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 population of Brunswick Heads is estimated at around 2,229 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 324 people (17.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,905 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,212 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 156 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Brunswick Heads' 17.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (3.7%) and the Rest of NSW, 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 suburb expected to grow by 430 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.5% in total over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Brunswick Heads when compared nationally

Brunswick Heads has seen approximately 17 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 89 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling has accommodated about 2.6 new residents annually over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $591,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year alone, commercial development approvals have reached $786,000, reflecting a predominantly residential focus in the area. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Brunswick Heads has experienced 52.0% more new home approvals per capita. This offers buyers greater choice and reflects a developing area with around 121 people per approval.

Current development patterns indicate that new housing supply should readily meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 413 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. New building activity in Brunswick Heads shows a traditional low-density character, with 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% medium to high-density housing. This focus on family homes appeals to those seeking space.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include Bayside Brunswick Heads (Wallum), Gulgan Village, Byron Shire Residential Strategy 2041, and South Queensland Correctional Facilities Expansion, with the following list providing details on 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Brunswick Heads maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Brunswick Heads has an educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in December 2025, matching Regional NSW's rate. Employment grew by 1.8% over the past year.

Workforce participation was lower at 58.4%. A significant 26.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Accommodation & food had notably high employment levels, at 1.9 times the regional average, while public administration & safety was under-represented with only 3.5% of workforce compared to Regional NSW's 7.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, labour force by 1.9%, raising unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW's decline in employment (-1.2%) and labour force (-0.8%), and higher unemployment rise (0.4 percentage points). Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years to May-30, and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Brunswick Heads' employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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 ending June 2023 indicates that median income in Brunswick Heads is $40,949, while the average income stands at $57,517. This is lower than Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% from financial year ending June 2023 to March 2026, estimated current incomes would be approximately $45,175 (median) and $63,453 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 34th percentile with a weekly income of $732, while household income sits at the 18th percentile. Income distribution shows that 29.8% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (664 people), similar to regional levels where 29.9% fall within 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Brunswick Heads dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 60.5% houses and 39.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brunswick Heads was 41.2%, similar to Regional NSW. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (18.4%) or rented (40.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,001, higher than the Regional NSW average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Brunswick Heads was $440, compared to Regional NSW's $330. 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 constitute 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 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 Regional 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%, higher than the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and the SA4 region's 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

Brunswick Heads has 20 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 36 individual routes, offering 345 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 233 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential and most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode at 87%, followed by walking at 8% and cycling at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 26.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Brunswick Heads is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Brunswick Heads shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low incidence of common health issues. Private health coverage is relatively low at around 50% (~1,108 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.7%) and mental health concerns (7.7%). 68.7% report no medical ailments, higher than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population health outcomes are largely typical. 24.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (539 people). Senior health outcomes rank exceptionally well, even surpassing national averages.

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, as per the census conducted on 29 August 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 86.5% of its population being Australian citizens, 81.6% born in Australia, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 35.5%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.4%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (12.8%). Notable differences existed in French (1.3% vs regional 0.4%), New Zealand (0.9% vs 0.4%), and Scottish (8.7% vs 8.0%) ancestry representations.

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

Brunswick Heads has a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The age group of 35-44 shows strong representation at 14.9%, compared to Regional NSW, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 12.5% to 14.9% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 15.9% to 13.6%. By 2041, Brunswick Heads is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 35 to 44 group is projected to grow by 28%, reaching 425 people from the current 332. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 1%.