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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Burnside's population is estimated at around 3,492 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 388 people (12.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,104 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,446 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 135 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 645 persons per square kilometer. Burnside's growth of 12.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld (9.1%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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) for each age cohort are applied where utilised. Examining future population trends, a significant increase is forecast for the suburb of Burnside, expected to increase by 1,019 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 25.3% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Burnside when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Burnside has experienced around 31 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 157 homes. So far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling is expected to accommodate 2.2 new residents per year over the past five financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $409,000. Additionally, $8.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature compared to Rest of Qld. Burnside records somewhat elevated construction activity, at 41.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, while maintaining good buyer choice and supporting existing property values. However, construction activity has eased recently.

New building activity shows 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing 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 184 people per approval. Looking ahead, Burnside is expected to grow by 883 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include The Grove Nambour Heights, Nambour Waste Precinct Project, Windsor Park Estate, and Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1. Relevant projects are listed below.

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

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

Burnside has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, Burnside has 1,675 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.9% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation stands at 63.7%, below Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census data shows that only 10.0% of Burnside's residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries in Burnside are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a significant concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, comprising only 1.6% of Burnside's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Burnside's labour force decreased by 2.5% while employment declined by 1.5%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burnside's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data, released for financial year 2023, shows Burnside's median income among taxpayers is $51,406, with an average of $63,370. This is below the national average. The Rest of Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Burnside would be approximately $56,500 (median) and $69,650 (average) as of September 2025. 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 (1,309 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, aligning with 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

Burnside's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burnside stood at 28.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.8% and rented ones at 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Burnside was $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Burnside's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $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 comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 - advanced diplomas account for 12.6% and certificates for 31.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 4.0% in 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, served by three bus routes offering a total of 480 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 300 meters to the nearest one. The area is primarily residential, with outward commuting being common. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 97%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 10% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 68 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 68 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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

Burnside faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment.

The area has a considerably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average, with older age cohorts experiencing this to an even greater extent. Approximately 52% of Burnside's total population (~1,826 people) have private health cover, slightly above the average for SA2 areas. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.2 and 9.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.5% of Burnside's residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents in Burnside have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 17.4% of residents aged 65 and over (607 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally compared to 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 population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 85.1% having been born there. The majority of residents were citizens, at 90.7%, and English was spoken exclusively at home by 94.3%. Christianity was the dominant religion in Burnside, practiced by 50.0% of people, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.6%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (8.7%). Notably, German ancestry was more prevalent in Burnside at 5.7%, compared to 4.7% regionally, while New Zealand ancestry stood at 1.0% versus 0.9%, and French ancestry was at 0.6% against a regional average of 0.5%.

Burnside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Burnside's median age is 36, which is lower than Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. The 25-34 age group is notably over-represented in Burnside at 16.6%, compared to the Rest of Queensland average. Conversely, the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.0% to 16.6%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.5% to 12.6%. During this period, the 5-14 age group declined from 15.0% to 13.2%, and the 45-54 age group dropped from 11.8% to 10.6%. By 2041, Burnside's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to expand by 241 people (42%), growing from 579 to 821. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 4% (17 people).