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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Burleigh Waters' population is estimated at around 15,272 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 716 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,556 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 15,263, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,259 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the suburb expected to expand by 1,496 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 9.7% in total 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 for Burleigh Waters shows an average of approximately 35 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals to around 179 homes. In the current financial year, FY-26, there have been 25 approvals recorded so far. Each dwelling built has resulted in an average of 2.5 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $1,024,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. Commercial development activity in FY-26 has reached $21.5 million.

Recent construction comprises 84% standalone homes and 16% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Burleigh Waters' suburban character. The area currently experiences around 722 people per approval, reflecting its established nature. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 1,487 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones are 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.

The labour market strength in Burleigh Waters positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Burleigh Waters has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.7%.

The area's unemployment rate is 1.9% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, while workforce participation is similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. According to Census responses, 17.3% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction shows notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force increased by 2.6%, keeping unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years based on industry-specific projections applied to Burleigh Waters' employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that Burleigh Waters' median income is $50,077 and average income is $68,143. This is comparable to national averages but differs from Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth, current estimates for Burleigh Waters as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,040 (median) and $74,896 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Burleigh Waters rank modestly, between the 49th and 50th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 31.4% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile. Burleigh Waters' 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 comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burleigh Waters was at 39.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (39.7%) or rented (20.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,863 and the national average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $500, substantially above the national figure of $345 but lower than Regional Qld's $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%, consisting of 22.1% lone person households and 4.4% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is 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 at 25.8%, exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (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 active public transport stops, all for buses. These stops are served by five different routes that together provide 1017 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 224 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, primarily using cars, which remain the dominant mode of transport at 92%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 17.3% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 145 trips per day across all routes, 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 health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among its general population but closer to the national average for older, at-risk cohorts. Approximately 54% (~8,277 people) have private health cover, which is relatively high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.6%) and mental health issues (6.6%). Around 71.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. About 19.2% (~2,932 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally compared to 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 was found to align with the broader regional average in terms of cultural diversity, with 75.8% born in Australia, 86.7% being citizens, and 91.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion in Burleigh Waters, comprising 52.8% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to regional averages, making up 0.2% of Burleigh Waters' population versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.2%), Australian (26.0%), and Irish (9.3%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.5% compared to the regional average of 0.9%, Hungarians at 0.4% versus 0.2%, and Maori at 0.9% compared to 0.8%.

Burleigh Waters's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Burleigh Waters is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average of 41 years but higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Burleigh Waters has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (8.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 10.2% to 12.0%, while the 25-34 age group increased from 10.8% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group declined from 10.4% to 8.7%, and the 45-54 age group decreased from 14.3% to 13.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Burleigh Waters' age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 29%, reaching 2,487 people from 1,924. Meanwhile, the 75-84 and 5-14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.