Burrum Heads

Burrum Heads lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Burrum Heads is around 2,905, reflecting a 14.5% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,538 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and resident population estimates based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024. The population density is approximately 64 persons per square kilometer. Burrum Heads' growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (8.2%) and the non-metro area, making it a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed about 88% to this growth. 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Burrum Heads is expected to grow by 441 persons, reflecting a total gain of 12.3% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Burrum Heads averaged approximately 62 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 311 homes. As of FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents per year arrived with each new home between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand dynamics. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $401,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year has seen $308,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Burrum Heads exhibits 261.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and indicating strong developer confidence in the location. New development comprises 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of around 40 people per approval. Future projections estimate Burrum Heads to add approximately 357 residents by 2041, suggesting that current development rates should comfortably meet demand and potentially support population growth beyond existing projections.

Future projections show Burrum Heads adding 357 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Burrum Heads has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett, Forest Wind Farm, and Building Future Hospitals Program, with the following list providing details on those most relevant.

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

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

Burrum Heads has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 5.5% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.7%. The area's unemployment rate is 1.5% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation lags significantly, at 28.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Resident employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with notable concentration in the former, at 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, at 2.1% compared to 4.5% regionally.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison of working population vs resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.7% while the labour force grew by 8.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force increase by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Burrum Heads' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not consider localized population projections.

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 2022 shows Burrum Heads' median income among taxpayers was $36,495 with an average of $45,472. This is lower than the national average and compares to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $41,601 (median) and $51,834 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Burrum Heads all fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $400 - $799 bracket dominates with 38.3% of residents (1,112 people), differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. The concentration of 49.8% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. While housing costs are modest with 88.0% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Burrum Heads, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burrum Heads stood at 68.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.4% and rented ones at 14.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,348, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. The median weekly rent figure in Burrum Heads was $305, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $260. Nationally, Burrum Heads' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Burrum Heads has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.9% of all households, including 10.4% couples with children, 55.6% couples without children, and 4.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up 28.1%, consisting of 26.1% lone person households and 2.6% group households. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Burrum Heads performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 10.2%, 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 common at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 9.5% and certificates for 34.4%.

School and university attendance stands at 15.1%, comprising 6.2% in primary education, 4.7% in secondary education, and 0.5% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities seem to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Burrum Heads has 12 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 12 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents usually located 1428 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Burrum Heads faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 45%, covering around 1,313 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (affecting 17.7% of residents) and mental health issues (8.6%). Conversely, 48.2% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 54.0% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 48.0%, comprising 1,394 people, compared to the Rest of Qld's 29.9%.

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

Burrum Heads, as per the data, showed lower cultural diversity with 85.4% of its residents born in Australia and 90.9% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 98.4%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 62.5%, compared to 52.8% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were English (36.3%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (8.4%). Notably, German ancestry was higher at 5.7% than the regional average of 6.6%. New Zealand ancestry stood at 1.0%, above the regional 0.5%, and Hungarian ancestry was 0.3%, slightly higher than the regional 0.2%.

Burrum Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Burrum Heads' median age is 64 years, higher than Queensland's average of 41 and Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Queensland, Burrum Heads has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (29.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (4.3%). The 65-74 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. In the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 13.8% to 15.1%, and the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 3.7% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 31.1% to 29.9%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 23.6% to 22.5%. By 2041, Burrum Heads' age composition is projected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 114 people (26%), from 438 to 553. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 83% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.