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 3492 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 388 people (12.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3104 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3446, 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 12.5% growth 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, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of locations outside of capital cities is forecast, with the suburb expected to increase by 1071 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 29.4% 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, totalling an estimated 156 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 14 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodates approximately 2.3 new residents per year over these five years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. The average expected construction cost value for new homes in Burnside is $409,000.

In this financial year, $8.7 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Burnside records somewhat elevated construction activity, with a 44.0% increase per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although recent construction activity has eased. 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 represents a significant shift from current housing patterns (currently 88.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 189 people per approval, Burnside reflects a developing area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Burnside is expected to grow by 1,025 residents through to 2041. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, although 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 identified 14 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are The Grove Nambour Heights, Nambour Waste Precinct Project, Windsor Park Estate, and Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1, with the most relevant detailed 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 skilled workforce includes well-represented essential services sectors with an unemployment rate of 5.5% as aggregated by AreaSearch from statistical area data. As of December 2025, Burnside had 1,649 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.5% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was lower at 63.1%, compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%.

Census responses showed that only 10.0% of Burnside residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with healthcare significantly concentrated at 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 1.6% compared to Regional Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area offered limited local employment opportunities, indicated by a lower Census working population vs resident population ratio.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, Burnside's labour force decreased by 3.1%, while employment declined by the same percentage, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. 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, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reports Burnside's median taxpayer income at $51,406 and average at $63,370. Both figures are below the national average. Comparatively, Regional Qld has a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Burnside as of September 2025 would be approximately $56,500 (median) and $69,650 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Burnside's household, family, and personal incomes 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, similar to the metropolitan region's 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Burnside, with only 82.2% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

The latest Census showed that in Burnside, 88.0% of dwellings were houses while the remaining 12.0% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Regional Queensland had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burnside stood at 28.5%, with mortgaged properties making up 51.8% and rented dwellings accounting for 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, exceeding Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Burnside was $420, higher than Regional Queensland's figure of $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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is larger than the Regional Queensland 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 stands at 19.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 14.0% of residents holding one, followed by graduate diplomas (2.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 43.8% holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (31.2%). Educational participation is 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 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by three routes, offering a total of 480 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically residing 300 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the primary 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 could be due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 68 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 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 an even greater disparity seen among older age cohorts. Approximately 52% (~1,826 people) of Burnside residents have private health cover, slightly above the average SA2 area rate. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in Burnside, affecting 10.2% and 9.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.5% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents exhibit a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. Burnside has 17.1% (597 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 20.4% figure for Regional Qld. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally compared to broader population figures.

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 and 90.7% being citizens. English was spoken as the only language at home by 94.3%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 50.0%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

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

Burnside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Burnside's median age is 36, which is lower than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38. The 25-34 age group is notably over-represented in Burnside at 17.1%, compared to the Regional Qld average, while the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented at 9.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.0% to 17.1%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.5% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 15.0% to 13.1%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.8% to 10.5%. Demographic modeling indicates that Burnside's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to expand by 273 people (46%) from 597 to 871, and the 15-24 cohort growing by a modest 7% (32 people).