Burleigh Waters (Qld)

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According to ABS demographic updates and quarterly validated address adjustments by Districts, the population of the suburb of Burleigh Waters is approximately 15,343 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 787 people (5.4%) relative to the 2021 Census, which registered 14,556 inhabitants. This calculation stems from an estimated resident count of 15,336 compiled by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release, supplemented by 76 validated new addresses since the Census date. This size results in a population density of 2,269 persons per square kilometer, a concentration higher than the typical Australian location analyzed by Districts. Recent population expansion has been predominantly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 77.0% of the area's overall gains.

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The suburb of Burleigh Waters possesses a highly qualified workforce with strong representation in essential industries, an unemployment rate of only 2.0%, and a 3.4% annual growth in jobs based on regional data synthesized by Districts. In March 2026, working residents numbered 8,226, while the jobless rate was 1.9% below the 3.9% average for Regional Qld. Workforce participation is typical at 66.3% compared to Regional Qld's 64.3%. Census returns indicate that 17.3% of workers worked from home, a figure potentially influenced by Covid-19 restrictions.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO statistics from financial year 2023, incomes in the suburb of Burleigh Waters align closely with the national average, with a median of $50,077 and a mean of $68,143. This compares to a median of $53,146 and a mean of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes in March 2026 would stand around $55,766 (median) and $75,884 (average). The 2021 Census ranks household, family, and individual incomes moderately in the 49th to 50th percentiles. The largest income bracket contains 31.4% of residents earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,817 individuals), matching the 31.7% observed in the broader region. Affordability pressures are notable, with only of income remaining after housing costs, ranking in the th percentile, while the SEIFA score places the area in the th decile.

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Census data reveals that residential properties in the suburb of Burleigh Waters consist of 71.1% separate houses and 28.9% alternative housing types, such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options in Regional Qld. Home ownership is high at 39.6%, with mortgaged properties at 39.7% and rentals at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,000 and weekly rent of $500 both sit well above the Regional Qld medians of $1,655 and $345. Nationally, mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national benchmark of $375.

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Family units account for 73.6% of households in the suburb of Burleigh Waters, consisting of 33.4% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 11.9% single-parent households. Non-family living situations represent 26.4%, with lone persons making up 22.1% and group houses accounting for 4.4%. The average household size of 2.6 people is slightly larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The educational profile of the suburb of Burleigh Waters is distinct, with tertiary graduation rates at 25.8% of residents aged 15+ compared to the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are held by 18.5%, while postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas are held by 4.7% and 2.6% respectively. Vocational skills are also prominent, with 38.2% of residents aged 15+ holding a trade qualification, split between advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (25.4%).

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Analysis of local public transport shows 56 operational stops within the suburb of Burleigh Waters, served by bus networks. These stops are connected to 5 distinct routes that provide 1,017 passenger trips weekly. Transport access is favorable, with residents living an average of 224 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and 92% of commuters travel by private car, with average vehicle ownership at 1.5 per household. Working from home was recorded for 17.3% of workers in the 2021 Census, potentially affected by pandemic restrictions.

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Health outcomes in the suburb of Burleigh Waters are favorable, with Districts identifying low mortality rates and minor chronic illness rates among the broader population, and average rates for older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high, representing approximately 54% of the population (~8,315 individuals).

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Cultural diversity metrics for the suburb of Burleigh Waters mirror regional averages, with 75.8% born in Australia, 86.7% holding citizenship, and 91.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 52.8% of the community. Judaism shows the highest relative concentration, accounting for 0.2% of residents compared to 0.1% across Regional Qld.

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The median age of 41 years in the suburb of Burleigh Waters matches the regional average, but is older than the national median of 38 years. Compared to Regional Qld, there is a higher proportion of residents aged 35 - 44 (14.4%) but fewer aged 65 - 74 (8.8%). Since the 2021 Census, residents aged 25 to 34 increased from 10.8% to 12.4%, and the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 10.2% to 11.6%, while the 65 to 74 group fell from 10.4% to 8.8%. Projections for 2041 indicate shifts, led by a 28% increase in the to demographic (adding people to reach from ), while the to and to age groups are expected to contract.

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Burleigh Waters currently has an estimated 889 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 526 children aged 0-2 and 351 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 13% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 17% by 2041 (to approximately 1,038 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,537. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.7 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.