Burnett Heads

Population growth drivers in Burnett Heads are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Burnett Heads is around 3,236, reflecting an increase of 328 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 11.3% rise from the previous population count of 2,908 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 3,102 in June 2024 and an additional 89 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 201 persons per square kilometer. Burnett Heads' growth rate exceeded both the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and national averages, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts lacking specific splits. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to grow by 565 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.3% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Burnett Heads recorded approximately 25 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 129 homes. In FY-26 so far, 41 approvals have been recorded.

Over these five years, an average of 3.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. Demand exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $494,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. Recent construction comprises 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Burnett Heads reflects a developing area with around 117 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Burnett Heads will gain approximately 431 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Burnett Heads has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to affect this region. Notable projects include Port of Bundaberg Expansion, GemLife Lighthouse Bay Retirement Village - Burnett Heads, Bundaberg State Development Area, and Gateway Marina. The following details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Burnett Heads exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Burnett Heads has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate is 3.2% and there has been an estimated employment growth of 9.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas.

As of December 2025, 1,497 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Burnett Heads is lower at 56.3%, compared to Regional Queensland's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, only 8.0% of residents work from home. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Burnett Heads shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. However, education & training is under-represented, with only 6.9% of Burnett Heads's workforce compared to Regional Queensland's 9.1%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 9.0%, while the labour force also grew by 9.0%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at around 3%. In contrast, Regional Queensland saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Burnett Heads' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Burnett Heads is $39,709, with average income at $49,067. This is lower than national averages of $51,859 (median) and $68,225 (average). In Regional Qld, median income is $53,146 and average income is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Burnett Heads as of September 2025 would be approximately $43,644 (median) and $53,930 (average). The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Burnett Heads fall between the 5th and 6th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 28.9% earning $400-$799 weekly, with 935 residents falling into this bracket, contrasting with Regional Qld where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.7% of income remains in Burnett Heads, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Burnett Heads' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 94.1% houses and 5.9% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% others. Burnett Heads home ownership was 49.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.9% and rented at 23.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Burnett Heads was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent was $290, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Burnett Heads' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 vs Australia's $1,863, and rents were lower at $290 vs the national figure of $375.

Burnett Heads features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.4% of all households, including 17.0% couples with children, 39.0% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.6%, with lone person households at 26.2% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Burnett Heads faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (32.5%). A total of 20.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 8.0% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

A substantial 20.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.0% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Burnett Heads has 15 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route, offering a total of 32 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 305 meters from the nearest stop. Burnett Heads is predominantly residential, and most commuters travel outward using cars, which remain the dominant mode at 95%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 8% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages four trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Burnett Heads is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Burnett Heads faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,509 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 13.7% of residents) and mental health issues (affecting 9.9%). Conversely, 54.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Burnett Heads has 33.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,097 people), which is higher than the 20.4% figure for Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with those of the general population.

Burnett Heads is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Burnett Heads showed lower cultural diversity, with 84.8% of its residents born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.4%, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.8%), Australian (29.5%), and Scottish (8.9%).

Notably, German (6.0% vs regional 4.7%), New Zealand (1.0% vs 0.9%), and French (0.6% vs 0.5%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Burnett Heads compared to the Regional Queensland average.

Burnett Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Burnett Heads has a median age of 55, which is higher than the Regional Queensland figure of 41 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional Queensland, Burnett Heads has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (21.1%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.9%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 9.1% to 10.4%, while the 25 to 34 age group increased from 6.8% to 7.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 9.7% to 8.0%, and the 55 to 64 age group dropped from 19.6% to 18.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Burnett Heads' age structure. The 65 to 74 age group is projected to grow by 16 people, reaching 792 from the current 682, comprising 65% of the projected population growth. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.