Brunswick Heads (NSW)

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According to investigations of ABS population updates for the wider region, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the population of the suburb of Brunswick Heads is calculated to be approximately 2,229 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 324 people (17.0%) from the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 1,905 people. This shift is derived from the resident population of 2,212, estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 156 persons per square kilometer, offering ample room per resident and potential capacity for additional development. The 17.0% growth in the suburb of Brunswick Heads since the 2021 census outpaced the SA4 region (3.7%), as well as the Rest of NSW, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion for the locality was chiefly steered by overseas migration which accounted for roughly of total population increases during recent times, though all indicators including natural growth and interstate migration were positive contributors.

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The suburb of Brunswick Heads features a well-educated workforce, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and 5.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,130 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 60.6%. Based on Census responses, a high 26.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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Districts' latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reveals that income in the suburb of Brunswick Heads is below the national average, with the median assessed at $40,949 while the average income stands at $57,517. This contrasts to Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $45,175 (median) and $63,453 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 34th percentile ($732 weekly), while household income sits at the 18th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.8% of residents ( people), reflecting patterns seen regional levels where similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within the suburb of Brunswick Heads, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 60.5% houses and 39.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within the suburb of Brunswick Heads was in line with that of Regional NSW, at 41.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (18.4%) or rented (40.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional NSW average at $2,001, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $440, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, the mortgage repayments in the suburb of Brunswick Heads are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 55.3% of all households, comprising 17.6% couples with children, 24.0% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 44.7%, with lone person households at 36.8% and group households comprising 7.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The educational profile of the suburb of Brunswick Heads stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (30.6% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of NSW average of 21.3% and that of SA4 region (24.3%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (23.3%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 20 active transport stops operating within the suburb of Brunswick Heads comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 36 individual routes, collectively providing 345 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 233 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 8% walking and 5% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. A high 26.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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The suburb of Brunswick Heads demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions , and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,108 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

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The suburb of Brunswick Heads was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.5% of its population being citizens, 81.6% born in Australia, and 93.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in the suburb of Brunswick Heads was found to be Christianity, which makes up 35.5% of people in the suburb of Brunswick Heads. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.7% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional NSW.

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With a median age of 46, the suburb of Brunswick Heads is slightly older than the Regional NSW figure of 43 as well as significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 35 - 44 age group shows strong representation at 14.9% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.5% to 14.9% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 13.6%. By 2041, the suburb of Brunswick Heads is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 35 to 44 group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Meanwhile, the to cohort grows by a modest ( people).

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Brunswick Heads currently has an estimated 109 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 69 children aged 0-2 and 47 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 22% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 26% by 2041 (to approximately 137 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 197. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 8.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.