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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Burrum Heads is around 2,871, reflecting an increase of 333 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,538. This growth represents a 13.1% increase and is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 2,807 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 180 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 64 persons per square kilometer. Burrum Heads' growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (9.1%) and the Rest of Qld, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 88.0% 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb of Burrum Heads expected to grow by 424 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 12.5% over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Burrum Heads averaged around 59 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 295 homes. So far in FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.5 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating stable market conditions due to balanced supply and demand. However, this figure has eased to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting better supply availability. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $401,000.

This year, $1.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Burrum Heads has 243.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and indicating strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% 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 with future projections showing an addition of 360 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.

Future projections show Burrum Heads adding 360 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No factors influence an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Notable initiatives include Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett, Forest Wind Farm, and Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025.

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 with white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.4%.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 10.0%. In Burrum Heads, 964 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation lags at 38.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%. A low 13.4% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.

Employment in health care & social assistance is notably high at 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 2.1% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 10.0% and labour force grew by 9.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Burrum Heads' employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections mapped against the local employment profile.

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 is $45,472. This is lower than the national average. In Regional Qld, the median income is $53,146 and the average is $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Burrum Heads would be approximately $40,112 (median) and $49,978 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Burrum Heads all fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.3% of residents (1,099 people) earn between $400 - $799 weekly, which differs from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant 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

In Burrum Heads, as per the latest Census, 90.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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, 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, including 10.4% couples with children, 55.6% couples without children, and 4.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 28.1%, with lone person households at 26.1% and group households comprising 2.6%. 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 common, with a rate of 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 1.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 34.4%.

School and university attendance encompasses 15.1% of the community, including 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 offering bus services. These stops are served by a single route, collectively facilitating 12 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically residing 1428 meters from the nearest stop. The area, predominantly residential, sees most commuters traveling outward, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 13.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to 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 high across both younger and older age cohorts, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~1,298 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (17.7%) and mental health issues (8.6%). 48.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 47.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,355 people), higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. National rankings are broadly in line with 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 low cultural diversity with 85.4% of residents born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 98.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 62.5%, compared to 52.2% regionally. Top ancestral groups were English (36.3%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, German (5.7%) and New Zealand (1.0%) ancestry were higher than regional averages of 4.7% and 0.9%, respectively. Hungarian ancestry was also slightly higher at 0.3%.

Burrum Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Burrum Heads' median age is 63 years, which is significantly older than Regional Qld's 41 and higher than the national average of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, Burrum Heads has a notably over-represented cohort of 65-74 year-olds (29.1%) while 35-44 year-olds are under-represented (5.1%). This concentration is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post the 2021 Census, Burrum Heads' median age decreased by 1 year from 64 to 63, indicating a younger demographic shift. Specifically, the 15-24 age group grew from 3.7% to 5.4%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 3.7% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 31.1% to 29.1%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 23.6% to 22.2%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Burrum Heads' age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 121 people (28%) from 427 to 549. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 84% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, both the 45-54 and 5-14 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.