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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the Burrum Heads statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 2,859 as of November 2025. This reflects a growth of 321 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,538. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,807 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), and an additional 178 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 63 persons per square kilometer. Burrum Heads' growth of 12.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's 8.8%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. 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. Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the Burrum Heads (SA2) expected to grow by 445 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.2% in total 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 from statistical area data, Burrum Heads averaged approximately 61 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 309 homes. As of FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, supply and demand appear balanced, creating stable market conditions. Recent figures indicate this 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 expected construction cost of $401,000.

Additionally, $1.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered during FY-26, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of Qld, Burrum Heads has 257.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. This is substantially higher than nationally, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 30 people per approval, Burrum Heads reflects a developing area.

Future projections show Burrum Heads adding approximately 407 residents by 2041 based on 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 changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, large-scale projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that might impact this area. Notable projects include the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program - Wide Bay Burnett, Forest Wind Farm, and Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025, with the following list outlining those most likely to be relevant.

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

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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 employment. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 4.6% as of September 2025.

This is 0.5% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Burrum Heads lags significantly at 28.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance has particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with 2.1% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 11.0%, and labour force increased by 11.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burrum Heads's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

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 is $45,472. This is lower than the national average. 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 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 fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.3% of residents (1,094 people) earn between $400 - 799 per week, differing 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, 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

Burrum Heads' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro Qld had 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burrum Heads was 68.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.4% and rented ones at 14.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,348, exceeding Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. Median weekly rent in Burrum Heads was $305, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $260. Nationally, Burrum Heads' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,348 versus Australia's $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 account for 71.9% of all households, including 10.4% that are couples with children, 55.6% that are couples without children, and 4.6% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 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 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 34.4%. School and university attendance comprises 15.1% of the community, including 6.2% in primary education, 4.7% in secondary education, and 0.5% pursuing tertiary education.

School and university attendance encompasses 15.1% of the community. This includes 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

The analysis of public transport in Burrum Heads shows that there are currently 12 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with only one individual route providing service to all stops collectively offering 12 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1428 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, there is 1 trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 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. Approximately 45% (~1,292 individuals) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are prevalent, impacting 17.7% and 8.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 48.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 54.0% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 48.0% (1,372 people), than the rest of Queensland'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 census conducted on Tuesday, 9 June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 85.4% of its population born in Australia, 90.9% being citizens, and 98.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 62.5% of the population, compared to 52.8% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (36.3%), Australian (29.4%), and Irish (8.4%).

There were notable differences in the representation of German (5.7% vs regional 6.6%), New Zealand (1.0% vs 0.5%), and Hungarian (0.3% vs 0.2%) ethnic groups.

Burrum Heads ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Burrum Heads has a median age of 64 years, which is significantly higher than Queensland's average of 41 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Burrum Heads has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (29.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (4.3%). This concentration of 65-74-year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group increased from 13.8% to 15.1%, while the 15 to 24 age group rose from 3.7% to 4.9%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group decreased from 31.1% to 29.9%, and the 55 to 64 age group dropped from 23.6% to 22.5%. By 2041, Burrum Heads is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age cohort is expected to grow by 121 people (28%), increasing from 431 to 553 residents. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 82% of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 age groups are projected to decrease in number.