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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Burrum Heads is estimated at around 2,967 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 429 people (16.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,538 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,967, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 191 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 66 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb's 16.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.0%), along with the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 427 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 14.4% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Burrum Heads shows an average of around 59 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 295 homes. As of FY-26, 55 approvals have been recorded. This averages to about 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this has eased to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting increased supply availability. The average construction value of new homes is $401,000.

This year, $1.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Burrum Heads has 233% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 90% detached dwellings and 10% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 32 people per approval, Burrum Heads reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 427 residents by 2041.

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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting this region. Notable initiatives are Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett (2018), and Forest Wind Farm (commencing 2023).

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.

Employment conditions in Burrum Heads remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Burrum Heads has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 9.2% over the past year.

There were 958 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 0.6% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Burrum Heads lagged significantly at 36.3%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 13.4% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

The area has a notably high concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence in Burrum Heads, with only 2.1% of residents employed in this sector compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between the Census working population and resident population counts. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 9.2% while the labour force grew by 9.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points in Burrum Heads. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, the labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Burrum Heads. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific 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 extrapolation does not account for localised 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 2023 shows Burrum Heads' median income among taxpayers is $36,495. The average income in the suburb was $45,472 during this period. This is lower than national averages. Regional Queensland had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 in the same year. By March 2026, estimates suggest Burrum Heads' median income will be approximately $40,641 and average income around $50,638, based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 11.36%. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Burrum Heads fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.3% of residents (1,136 people) earn between $400 - 799 weekly, unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 31.7%. A significant portion of the community faces economic challenges with 49.8% in sub-$800 weekly brackets. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.0% income retention, 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

In Burrum Heads, as per the latest Census, 90.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burrum Heads stood at 68.4%, with mortgaged properties at 17.4% and rented ones at 14.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,348, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Burrum Heads was $305, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Burrum Heads' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,348 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 71.9% of all households, consisting of 10.4% couples with children, 55.6% couples without children, and 4.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.1%, with lone person households making up 26.1% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (34.4%).

School and university attendance encompasses 15.1% of the community, comprising 6.2% in primary education, 4.7% in secondary education, and 0.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Burrum Heads has 12 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. There is one route in total, offering 12 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport access is limited, with residents on average located 1428 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to its residential nature. Cars are the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Each route has an average service frequency of one trip per day, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Burrum Heads is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Burrum Heads faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low, approximately 45% of the total population (~1,341 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 17.7 and 8.6% of residents respectively, while 48.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 47.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,415 people), higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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, surveyed in 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 85.4% born there. Citizenship was high at 90.9%. English was the primary language spoken at home by 98.4%.

Christianity was the dominant religion (62.5%), higher than Regional Qld's average of 52.2%. Ancestry wise, English (36.3%) and Australian (29.4%) were most prevalent, with Irish following at 8.4%. Notably, German ancestry was higher at 5.7% compared to the regional average of 4.7%, New Zealand at 1.0% vs 0.9%, and Hungarian at 0.3% vs 0.2%.

Burrum Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Burrum Heads's median age is 63 years, which is notably older than Regional Queensland's 41 years and significantly higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. Comparing Burrum Heads with the Regional Queensland average, the 65-74 age group is markedly over-represented at 29.2%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 4.8%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 3.7% to 5.4%, and the 75 to 84 age group has risen from 13.8% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 31.1% to 29.2%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 23.6% to 21.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Burrum Heads's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 148 people (32%), growing from 456 to 605. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 82% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are expected to experience population declines.