Burleigh Waters

QLD 4220 • Rest of QLD

14,556
Population (2021)
$90,220
Median Household Income
6.76 km²
Area
$500/wk
Median Rent
CoastalCanal LivingFamily-FriendlyBeach Proximity
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About Burleigh Waters

Burleigh Waters is a family suburb of 14,500 residents behind the famous Burleigh Heads beach, 10 kilometres south of Surfers Paradise. Canal estates and contemporary homes offer waterway access, while the beach and national park headland are minutes away. The light rail extends connectivity along the coast.

The suburb combines family living with beach proximity—school runs and surf checks are equally part of life. The community is established yet relaxed, benefiting from Burleigh's trendy village atmosphere. Burleigh Waters attracts families seeking southern Gold Coast lifestyle with water access and beach culture nearby.

Burleigh Waters falls under postcode 4220 and is governed by the Gold Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of McPherson, while state elections fall under 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
-28.08°, 153.43°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
6.76 km²
Population Density
2,154 /km²
Elevation
4m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4220

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4220, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$45,958
Median 2023–24
$58,892
28.1% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$81,495

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4220; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.


Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$34,372
Personal Income 2021
$41,756
21.5% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

2021 Census income breakdown

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

Personal
$41,756 / yr
$803/wk
Household
$90,220 / yr
$1735/wk
Family
$110,812 / yr
$2131/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$500
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
42 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.7%

30 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 237-316 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
79 km
By Train
Approximately 198 min to Brisbane CBD (Central) by train
By Car (Peak)
70-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-90 min

🛣️ Located 79 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

  • Coles
    Cnr Beruda Street & Burleigh Road Burleigh West 4220 QLD

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
14,310
Census 2021
14,556
1.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Gold Coast Local Government Area, which contains Burleigh Waters. 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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 10,599
Born Overseas 3,385

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 864
  • 2. England 733
  • 3. South Africa 151
  • 4. Brazil 148
  • 5. Japan 103
  • 6. Scotland 85
  • 7. Philippines 77
  • 8. Germany 76
  • 9. United States 65
  • 10. China 61

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 6,299
Australian 5,237
Irish 1,877
Scottish 1,625
German 719
Italian 517
New Zealander 306
Dutch 241
Chinese 225
Australian Aboriginal 198

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

7,667
Both parents born in Australia
4,067
Both parents born overseas
2,141
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
49.6%
No Religion
43.0%
Buddhism
0.9%
Judaism
0.2%
Islam
0.2%
Hinduism
0.1%
Sikhism
0.0%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
792 (5.4%)
5-14 years
1,951 (13.4%)
15-19 years
790 (5.4%)
20-24 years
698 (4.8%)
25-34 years
1,571 (10.8%)
35-44 years
2,033 (14.0%)
45-54 years
2,082 (14.3%)
55-64 years
1,597 (11.0%)
65-74 years
1,508 (10.4%)
75-84 years
1,064 (7.3%)
85+ years
472 (3.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Burleigh Waters known for? +

Burleigh Waters 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 14,556 residents and forms part of the broader Rest of QLD region.

How far is Burleigh Waters from Brisbane CBD? +

Burleigh Waters is approximately 79 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 Waters have public transport? +

Burleigh Waters 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 Waters? +

According to the 2021 Census, Burleigh Waters has a population of approximately 14,556 residents. The suburb is a significant residential area within the Gold Coast district.

Is Burleigh Waters a good place to live? +

Burleigh Waters 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 $58,892 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 Waters? +

The postcode for Burleigh Waters, QLD is 4220.

What is the average income in Burleigh Waters? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Burleigh Waters is about $803 per week (around $41,800 per year). The median household income is $1,735 per week and the median family income is $2,131 per week.

What is the age profile of Burleigh Waters? +

The median age in Burleigh Waters is 42. The largest age group is 45–54 (2,082 residents, around 14%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 21% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Burleigh Waters a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Burleigh Waters 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 Waters? +

In Burleigh Waters, the median weekly rent is $500, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,000 (2021 Census).