Burnside (Qld)

Burnside lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the population of Burnside (Qld) was estimated around 3,552 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a rise of 448 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,104. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,471 in June 2025, along with 135 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 656 persons per square kilometer. Burnside's growth rate of 14.4% since the 2021 Census surpassed both Rest of Qld (9.2%) and national averages, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 62.0% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Future population trends forecast a significant increase of 995 persons to 2041 for the suburb, reflecting a total gain of 25.7% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Burnside among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Burnside has experienced around 31 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 156 homes. As of FY26, 15 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 3.8 new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $409,000.

Additionally, $8.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Burnside records elevated construction activity, with 42.0% more approvals per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, though recent activity has eased. New building activity shows 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

This marks a departure from current housing patterns (currently 88.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Burnside reflects a developing area with around 194 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Burnside is expected to grow by 914 residents through to 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include The Grove at Nambour Heights, the Nambour Waste Precinct Project, the Nambour Place Revitalisation Project, and Windsor Park Estate. Details of most relevant projects are listed below.

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.

Burnside shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Burnside's unemployment rate was 5.8% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In the same month, 1,718 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was higher than Regional Qld's 4.0%, standing at 1.7%. Workforce participation in Burnside was similar to Regional Qld's 64.5%.

Census responses indicated that only 10.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance was particularly notable with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented in Burnside's workforce compared to Regional Qld (1.6% vs 4.5%).

The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, Burnside's labour force decreased by 2.3%, and employment declined by the same percentage, while unemployment remained essentially unchanged. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7% during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burnside's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Burnside's median income among taxpayers is $51,406. The average income in this suburb is $63,370. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Regional Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Burnside as of March 2026 are approximately $57,246 (median) and $70,569 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Burnside rank modestly, between the 35th and 42nd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 37.5% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 (1,332 people), which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Burnside, with only 82.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 41st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Burnside is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure in Burnside, as evaluated in the latest Census, comprised 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings. In Regional Qld, this was 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burnside was 28.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.8% and rented dwellings at 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Burnside was $1,733, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655. The median weekly rent in Burnside was $420, while in Regional Qld it was $345. Nationally, Burnside's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher at $420 compared to the national figure of $375.

Burnside features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.9% of all households, including 33.1% couples with children, 30.7% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.1%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Burnside aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (31.2%). Educational participation is high at 29.4%, with 11.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Burnside has 12 active public transport stops, all bus services. There are three routes operating, together offering 480 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically living within 300 meters of the nearest stop. Most commuting in this residential area is outward-bound, with cars being the dominant mode at 97%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 10% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 68 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Burnside is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Burnside.

AreaSearch's assessment shows mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantially higher than average, particularly among older age cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,858 people), slightly above the average SA2 area rate. Mental health issues and arthritis were found to be the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.2 and 9.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.5% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents in Burnside exhibit a higher than average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 17.2% of residents aged 65 and over (610 people), lower than the 20.4% figure for Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Burnside ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Burnside's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.1% of its population born in Australia, 90.7% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Burnside is Christianity, comprising 50.0% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.6%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (8.7%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 5.7%, compared to 4.7% regionally, New Zealand at 1.0% (vs 0.9%), and French at 0.6% (vs 0.5%).

Burnside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Burnside is 36, which is lower than the Regional Queensland figure of 41 and marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Queensland average, Burnside has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort (16.6% locally) and an under-representation of the 55-64 year-olds (9.3%). Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group increased from 14.0% to 16.6%, while the 15-24 cohort rose from 11.5% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 15.0% to 13.2%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.8% to 10.5%. By 2041, Burnside's age profile is projected to evolve significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to expand notably by 247 people (42%), growing from 589 to 836 individuals. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is projected to grow modestly by 3% (15 people).