Burleigh Heads

Population growth drivers in Burleigh Heads are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Burleigh Heads had an estimated population of around 11,844 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 1,272 people (12.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,572 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 11,664 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 776 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1,157 persons per square kilometer, which was relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 12.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.2%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections did not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally was projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,423 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 10.5% in total over the 16 years.

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

Burleigh Heads has received around 143 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 717 homes were approved, with another 56 in FY-26 so far. On average, each new home brings in about 1.1 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost of these dwellings is $1,521,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. Commercial development approvals totalled $32.3 million this financial year. New developments consist of 25% detached houses and 75% townhouses or apartments, favouring higher-density living options.

Burleigh Heads has around 99 people per dwelling approval, suggesting growth potential. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 1,243 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, benefiting buyers and potentially exceeding current population growth projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 49 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Isabel by Mosaic, Morris Property Group's Burleigh Development, Flourish on Sixth Palm Beach, and Bondi Burleigh - Morris Property Group. The following list details those most likely to be 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 exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Burleigh Heads has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%. As of December 2025, 6,789 residents were in work, and the unemployment rate was 0.8% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was at 68.2%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 18.7% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Professional & technical services had an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 0.3% of local workers.

There were 1.4 workers per resident as at the Census, indicating the area functions as an employment hub. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, labour force by 2.8%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Burleigh Heads had a median taxpayer income of $54,991 and an average income of $74,222 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $61,238 (median) and $82,654 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 65th percentile ($889 weekly), while household income sits at the 47th percentile. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.4% of residents (3,719 people), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.8% of income remaining, 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

Burleigh Heads' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 39.1% houses and 60.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burleigh Heads stood at 35.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.3% and rented ones at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,058, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Burleigh Heads was $480, compared to Regional Qld's $375. Nationally, Burleigh Heads' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,058 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

Burleigh Heads' residents aged 15 and above have a higher proportion with university qualifications (32.0%) than the broader Queensland state average (20.6%) and the SA4 region average (25.4%). Bachelor degrees are the 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 such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.9%) and certificates (24.1%). Educational participation is high in the area, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary education (8.0%), tertiary education (7.2%), and secondary education (6.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.0% in primary education, 7.2% in tertiary education, and 6.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Burleigh Heads has 22 active public transport stops, including train and bus services. These stops are served by 12 routes that facilitate a total of 2,240 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents located an average of 348 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential region, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 88% of residents, while walking accounts for 5%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 320 trips per day, equating to around 101 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burleigh Heads's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Burleigh Heads. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~6,704 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.9 and 7.5% of residents respectively. Seventy-point-seven percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,392 people). Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was comparable to the wider area's average, with 82.3% of residents being citizens, 76.8% born in Australia, and 92.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Burleigh Heads (48.1%). Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to Regional Qld, comprising 0.3% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (30.9%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (10.6%). Notable differences existed in the representation of New Zealanders (1.3% vs regional 0.9%), French (0.8% vs 0.5%), and Spanish (0.6% vs 0.3%) residents.

Burleigh Heads's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Burleigh Heads is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average but higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Burleigh Heads has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. According to the 2021 Census, Burleigh Heads' median age decreased by 1.4 years from 42 to 41 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes include an increase in the proportion of residents aged 25-34 from 17.0% to 20.8%, and decreases for those aged 65-74 (from 12.6% to 10.3%) and 45-54 (from 12.5% to 10.7%). By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Burleigh Heads' age profile. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 614 people (25%) from 2,463 to 3,078, while population declines are expected for the 55-64 and 65-74 age groups.