Burleigh Heads

QLD 4220 • Rest of QLD

10,572
Population (2021)
$88,452
Median Household Income
10.23 km²
Area
$480/wk
Median Rent
Beach LifestyleSurf CultureVillage FeelPremium

About Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads is one of the Gold Coast's most iconic beachside suburbs, 90 kilometres south of Brisbane. The suburb features the famous Burleigh Point headland, world-class surf, and a vibrant village atmosphere.

Gold Coast beach culture at its finest defines Burleigh Heads—surfing, James Street dining, and natural beauty create the coast's most authentic beach lifestyle. The community attracts surfers and lifestyle seekers.

Burleigh Heads falls under postcode 4220 and is governed by Gold Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Burleigh electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4220
Urban Area
Gold Coast
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.10°, 153.43°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
10.23 km²
Elevation
12m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$480
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,058
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
42 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2%

58 state housing + 29 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 243-324 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
81 km
By Train
Approximately 203 min to Brisbane CBD (Central) by train
By Car (Peak)
70-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-90 min

🛣️ Located 81 km south-east of Brisbane CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    149 West Burleigh Road Burleigh Heads 4220 QLD
  • ALDI
    149 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Gold Coast Local Government Area, which contains Burleigh Heads. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
550.5 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
337.3 / 100k
Non-FV assault
838.1 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
19.8 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
578 / 100k

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
10,077
Census 2021
10,572
4.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$37,388
Personal Income 2021
$46,228
23.6% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$46,228 / yr
$889/wk
Household
$88,452 / yr
$1701/wk
Family
$112,528 / yr
$2164/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 7,487
Born Overseas 2,258

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 541
  • 2. England 443
  • 3. Brazil 171
  • 4. South Africa 95
  • 5. United States 91
  • 6. Canada 54
  • 7. Philippines 50
  • 8. Italy 45
  • 9. Scotland 43
  • 10. Germany 42

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 4,342
Australian 3,415
Irish 1,484
Scottish 1,227
German 528
Italian 404
New Zealander 186
Australian Aboriginal 182
Dutch 160
Chinese 139

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

5,532
Both parents born in Australia
2,559
Both parents born overseas
1,508
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
44.5%
Christianity
42.6%
Buddhism
1.1%
Hinduism
0.3%
Judaism
0.3%
Islam
0.2%
Sikhism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
475 (4.5%)
5-14 years
905 (8.6%)
15-19 years
410 (3.9%)
20-24 years
624 (5.9%)
25-34 years
1,802 (17.0%)
35-44 years
1,411 (13.3%)
45-54 years
1,326 (12.5%)
55-64 years
1,313 (12.4%)
65-74 years
1,330 (12.6%)
75-84 years
691 (6.5%)
85+ years
285 (2.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Burleigh Heads known for? +

Burleigh Heads is a well-established residential suburb in Gold Coast, QLD, known for its mix of housing types, local schools, and community facilities. The suburb has a population of approximately 10,572 residents and forms part of the broader Rest of QLD region.

How far is Burleigh Heads from Brisbane CBD? +

Burleigh Heads is approximately 81 kilometres from Brisbane CBD, typically a 55-90 min drive under normal traffic conditions. The suburb is in a regional location and most residents rely on local services rather than commuting to the CBD.

Does Burleigh Heads have public transport? +

Burleigh Heads is served by local bus services connecting residents to the broader metropolitan network. The nearest train station provides connections to Brisbane CBD.

What is the population of Burleigh Heads? +

According to the 2021 Census, Burleigh Heads has a population of approximately 10,572 residents. The suburb is a significant residential area within the Gold Coast district.

Is Burleigh Heads a good place to live? +

Burleigh Heads appeals to families, professionals, and established residents who value its range of local amenities, schools, and community facilities. With a median taxable income of around $45,958, it attracts a mix of household types. Like most QLD suburbs, lifestyle quality depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Burleigh Heads? +

The postcode for Burleigh Heads, QLD is 4220.

What is the average income in Burleigh Heads? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Burleigh Heads is about $889 per week (around $46,200 per year). The median household income is $1,701 per week and the median family income is $2,164 per week.

What is the age profile of Burleigh Heads? +

The median age in Burleigh Heads is 42. The largest age group is 25–34 (1,802 residents, around 17%). Around 17% of residents are under 20 and about 22% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Burleigh Heads a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Burleigh Heads is part of the Gold Coast LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Burleigh Heads? +

In Burleigh Heads, the median weekly rent is $480, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,058 (2021 Census).