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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Burleigh Waters is around 15,343. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 14,556 people, representing a growth of 787 individuals or approximately 5.4%. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2025, is 15,336, with an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a density ratio of 2,269 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data, are applied for each age cohort. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a median increase just below non-metropolitan areas nationally for the suburb of Burleigh Waters. By 2041, an aggregate SA2-level projection expects an increase of 1,452 persons, reflecting a total increase of approximately 9.4% over the 16-year period.

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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Burleigh Waters has experienced around 35 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 179 homes. So far in FY-26, 33 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 attracted an average of 2.4 new residents per year, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

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

New building activity comprises 84.0% standalone homes and 16.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 721 people per dwelling approval, Burleigh Waters reflects a highly mature market. Future projections estimate Burleigh Waters will add 1,445 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Burleigh Waters 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 20 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Burly Residences, ONE Burleigh, Burleigh Waters - Cassowary Drive Bridge Replacement, and Treetops North Precinct. 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 Waters ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Burleigh Waters has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7%. As of December 2025, 8,172 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, below Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation was broadly similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 17.3% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with a strong specialization in construction at 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.3% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 2.7% alongside labour force increasing by 2.6%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burleigh Waters's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Burleigh Waters' median income is $50,077 and average income is $68,143. This contrasts 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, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $55,766 (median) and $75,884 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Burleigh Waters, between the 49th and 50th percentiles. The largest segment comprises 31.4% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (4,817 residents), similar to the surrounding region at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 83.5% of income remaining, 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). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burleigh Waters was at 39.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.7%) or rented (20.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, exceeding Regional Qld's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure stood at $500, higher than Regional Qld's $345 and the national average of $375.

Burleigh Waters features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 26.4%, with lone person households at 22.1% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates of 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 prominent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 12.8% while certificates make up 25.4%.

Educational participation is high at 28.4%, including 10.5% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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 together facilitate 1,017 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents on average located 224 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Burleigh Waters residents commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode of transport at 92%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, 17.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 145 trips per day, equating to approximately 18 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Burleigh Waters is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Burleigh Waters shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but nears the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover is found to be relatively high, with approximately 54% (~8,315 people) of the total population having it. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.6% and 6.6% of residents respectively. A higher proportion, 71.3%, report being completely free from medical ailments compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 19.5% (2,991 people) of its population aged 65 and over. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally than those of the broader 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' population, born in Australia, is approximately 75.8%, with 86.7% being citizens and 91.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 52.8%. Judaism's representation is slightly higher than the regional average, at 0.2% compared to 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.2%), Australian (26.0%), and Irish (9.3%). New Zealanders are overrepresented at 1.5%, Hungarians at 0.4%, and Maori at 0.9%, compared to the regional averages of 0.9%, 0.2%, and 0.8% respectively.

Burleigh Waters's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Burleigh Waters is 41 years, which matches Regional Queensland's average and is older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Burleigh Waters has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (8.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 25-34 grew from 10.8% to 12.4%, while the 15-24 age group increased from 10.2% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group declined from 10.4% to 8.8%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Burleigh Waters' age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 2,439 people from 1,902. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are projected to experience population declines.