Burleigh Waters

Burleigh Waters is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Burleigh Waters' population is estimated at around 15,266, reflecting an increase of 710 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 14,556 in the suburb. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 15,264 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 74 validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density ratio is 2,258 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Burleigh Waters.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort are applied where utilized. Looking ahead, Burleigh Waters is expected to experience population growth just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, aggregated SA2-level projections indicate an increase of 1,499 persons, reflecting a total increase of 9.9% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Burleigh Waters according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Burleigh Waters has received around 35 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 179 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built resulted in an average of 2.5 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $1,024,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Commercial approvals this financial year have reached $21.5 million, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity.

Building activity comprises 84.0% standalone homes and 16.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining Burleigh Waters' suburban character while attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 722 people per dwelling approval, the area reflects a highly mature market. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Burleigh Waters to add 1,505 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 such projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Burly Residences, Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4, Burleigh Waters - Cassowary Drive Bridge Replacement, and ONE Burleigh. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Burleigh Waters demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Burleigh Waters has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% as of the past year.

Employment growth during this period was estimated at 2.1%. As of June 2025, 8,107 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, lower than Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation is 62.3%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Construction stands out with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.3% of local workers compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 2.1% alongside labour force growth of 2.1%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 1.9%. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force expand by 2.0%, and unemployment rise to 4.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burleigh Waters' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming no changes in population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Burleigh Waters has an income above the national average. The median income is $50,077 and the average income is $68,143. In contrast, Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Burleigh Waters would be approximately $57,083 (median) and $77,676 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Burleigh Waters rank modestly, between the 49th and 50th percentiles. The largest segment comprises 31.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,793 residents), similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Burleigh Waters, with only 83.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Burleigh Waters is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Burleigh Waters, as per the latest Census, consisted of 71.1% houses and 28.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had no houses or other dwellings recorded at that time. Home ownership in Burleigh Waters stood at 39.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.7% and rented dwellings at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Non-Metro Qld average, while the median weekly rent was $500, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figures of $0 for both. Nationally, Burleigh Waters' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Burleigh Waters features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.6 people

Family households constitute 73.6% of all households, including 33.4% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.4%, with lone person households at 22.1% and group households making up 4.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people.

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

The educational profile of the region is notable, with university qualification rates at 25.8% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 25.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education. Burleigh Waters has 3 schools with a combined enrollment of 3,447 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1064). Education provision is balanced, with 2 primary and 1 secondary school serving distinct age groups. There are 22.6 school places per 100 residents, indicating strong educational infrastructure serving both local and surrounding communities.

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

Burleigh Waters has 56 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that combined offer 1017 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 225 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 145 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burleigh Waters's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Burleigh Waters residents have a relatively positive health status, with common conditions seen across all ages.

Approximately 8,274 residents have private health cover, about 54% of the total population. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.6%) and mental health issues (6.6%). About 71.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the rest of Queensland. As of the latest data (20XX), 19.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,946 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, similar to those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Burleigh Waters 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 Waters' cultural diversity aligns with the broader region's average, with 75.8% born in Australia, 86.7% being citizens, and 91.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 52.8%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, English (31.2%), Australian (26.0%), and Irish (9.3%) are the top groups. Notably, New Zealanders comprise 1.5%, Hungarians 0.4%, and Maori 0.9%, all overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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

The median age in Burleigh Waters is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Burleigh Waters has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (8.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 10.2% to 11.8%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 10.8% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 10.4% to 8.8%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Burleigh Waters's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 group is expected to grow by 34%, reaching 2,476 people from 1,847. Conversely, the 15-24 and 75-84 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.