Burleigh Heads

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Burleigh Heads is estimated at around 11,997 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,425 people (13.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,572 people in the suburb. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,610 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 747 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,172 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 13.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for Burleigh Heads was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected, with Burleigh Heads expected to grow by 1,408 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 6.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Burleigh Heads among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Burleigh Heads has seen approximately 145 dwellings granted development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 726 homes received approval, with a further 49 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, one new resident settles per year for each new home over the past five financial years.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more housing options and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $1,482,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $32.5 million, reflecting strong local business investment.

New developments comprise 27% detached houses and 73% townhouses or apartments, favouring higher-density living and offering more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 94 people per dwelling approval, Burleigh Heads exhibits growth area characteristics. Population forecasts project an increase of 758 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth beyond current projections.

Burleigh Heads has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 49 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Isabel by Mosaic, Morris Property Group Burleigh Development, Flourish on Sixth Palm Beach, and Bondi Burleigh - Morris Property Group. The following list details 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.

Employment performance in Burleigh Heads has been broadly consistent with national averages

Burleigh Heads has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors being well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.6% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of June 2025, there are 6,572 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. There is particular employment specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.3% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.4 workers for every resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.7% while labour force increased by 2.0%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Burleigh Heads' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Burleigh Heads had a median taxpayer income of $54,951 and an average income of $74,103 in the financial year 2022. This is higher than the national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average). By September 2025, estimates suggest median incomes will reach approximately $62,639 and average incomes $84,470, based on a 13.99% growth in wages since 2022. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 65th percentile with weekly earnings of $889, while household income is at the 47th percentile. The majority of residents (31.4%, or 3,767 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 81.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Burleigh Heads features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Burleigh Heads, as per the latest Census evaluation, 39.1% of dwellings were houses while 60.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had no houses or other dwellings recorded at that time. Home ownership in Burleigh Heads stood at 35.1%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 30.3% and rented ones making up 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent in Burleigh Heads was $480, whereas Non-Metro Qld had no recorded figures for these metrics nationally. Compared to Australia's averages, Burleigh Heads' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,058 versus the national average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $480.

Burleigh Heads features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a median household size of 2.2 people

Family households account for 60.8% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 30.1% couples without children, and 9.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.2%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 8.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people.

Burleigh Heads shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Burleigh Heads' educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 32.0% have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 25.4% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 38.0% of residents holding them - advanced diplomas account for 13.9% and certificates for 24.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.0% in primary, 7.2% in tertiary, and 6.7% pursuing secondary education. Burleigh Heads State School serves the area, enrolling 465 students as of a recent date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. The low ratio of 3.9 school places per 100 residents suggests many local students attend schools outside Burleigh Heads.

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

Transport analysis shows 22 active stops operating within Burleigh Heads. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 12 individual routes serving these stops, providing a total of 2,244 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 348 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 320 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 102 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Burleigh Heads shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly populations, with low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 57% (~6,786 people) have private health cover, indicating a high rate compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 7.9%) and mental health issues (7.5%). Notably, 70.7% of residents report no medical ailments, which is higher than the state average of 0%. As of recent data in 2021, 19.8% (~2,375 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors in Burleigh Heads are particularly strong, outperforming general population health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Burleigh Heads records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Burleigh Heads' cultural diversity aligns with the broader area's average, with 82.3% being citizens, 76.8% born in Australia, and 92.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 48.1%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to None% in Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.9%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (10.6%). Notably, New Zealanders comprise 1.3%, French 0.8%, and Spanish 0.6%, all higher than regional averages of None%.

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

The median age in Burleigh Heads is 41 years, which matches Rest of Qld's average but is older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Burleigh Heads has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (20.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, Burleigh Heads' median age has decreased from 42 years in the previous census to 41 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes show that the percentage of residents aged 25-34 increased from 17.0% to 20.3%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 9.8% to 11.4%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 65-74 decreased from 12.6% to 10.2%, and the 45-54 age group dropped from 12.5% to 11.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Burleigh Heads' age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 598 people (25%) from 2,435 to 3,034. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 55-64 age cohorts.