Burnett Heads

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Burnett Heads statistical area's population is estimated at around 3,203. This reflects an increase of 295 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,908 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,102 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release (June 2024), and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 199 persons per square kilometer. Burnett Heads's 10.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%) and national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of locations outside capital cities is projected for Burnett Heads (SA2), expected to grow by 563 persons to 2041, reflecting a 19.3% increase over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Burnett Heads recorded approximately 27 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 135 homes. As of FY-26, 40 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 3.4 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25.

Demand significantly exceeds new supply, potentially leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $494,000, reflecting quality-focused development.

Recent construction comprises 89% standalone homes and 11% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Burnett Heads reflects a developing area with around 105 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Burnett Heads will gain approximately 619 residents by 2041. Current construction levels suggest housing supply should meet demand adequately, 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

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified four projects that are expected to influence this area. Notable projects include the Port of Bundaberg Expansion, GemLife Lighthouse Bay Retirement Village - Burnett Heads, Bundaberg State Development Area, and Gateway Marina. The following details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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 diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 10.5%. As of September 2025, 1,489 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 44.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Education & training, however, is under-represented at 6.9% compared to Rest of Qld's 9.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 10.5%, while the labour force grew by 10.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years for Burnett Heads, though these projections are simple extrapolations based on national industry-specific growth rates.

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 ending June 2023 shows that in Burnett Heads, median income is $39,709 and average income is $49,067. This is lower than national averages. In Rest of Qld, median income is $53,146 and average income is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes in Burnett Heads would be approximately $43,644 (median) and $53,930 (average). The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Burnett Heads fall between the 5th and 6th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the largest segment in Burnett Heads is those earning $400 - $799 weekly (925 residents), while in the region, the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains, ranking at the 7th percentile nationally.

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

Burnett Heads' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings. Home ownership stood at 49.1%, with 27.9% of dwellings mortgaged and 23.0% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, and the median weekly rent was $290. Nationally, Burnett Heads' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Burnett Heads features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.2 people

Family households constitute 68.4 percent of all households, including 17.0 percent couples with children, 39.0 percent couples without children, and 11.6 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.6 percent, with lone person households at 26.2 percent and group households comprising 5.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people.

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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 32.5%.

A substantial 20.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.0% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 2.4% in 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 14 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses running along one individual route, collectively offering 32 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 305 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 4 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Burnett Heads is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Burnett Heads faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 47% (~1,494 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.7% of residents) and mental health issues (9.9%). Notably, 54.9% report no medical ailments, contrasting with 0% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.1% (1,092 people). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are better than 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, surveyed in 2016, had a low cultural diversity with 84.8% born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 52.4%. Comparatively, None% of Rest of Qld were Christians.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.8%), Australian (29.5%), and Scottish (8.9%). Notably, German (6.0%) was overrepresented compared to None% regionally, as were New Zealand (1.0%) and French (0.6%).

Burnett Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Burnett Heads has a median age of 55, which is considerably higher than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Rest of Qld, Burnett Heads has a higher concentration of 65-74 residents at 21.0%, but fewer 25-34 year-olds at 7.2%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.1% to 10.9% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.7% to 7.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Burnett Heads's age structure. The 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 24%, adding 158 people and reaching 831 from the current 672. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 60% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 group is projected to contract by 15 residents.