Burwood (NSW)

Burwood lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Burwood's population is around 18,448 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,506 people (15.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,942 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,171 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 575 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 9,658 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Burwood's 15.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.5%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 93.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilizing the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 9,239 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 48.6% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Burwood was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Burwood has averaged around 311 new dwelling approvals per year, with 1,556 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 11 so far in FY-26. With an average of 1.8 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $478,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $12.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood shows 267.0% higher new home approvals (per person), offering buyers greater choice. This activity is well above average nationally, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 2.0% detached houses and 98.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 65 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Looking ahead, Burwood is expected to grow by 8,962 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Burwood has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 25 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Burwood Culture House, Sydney Metro West - Burwood North Station, Burwood North Precinct, and Burwood Place, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

While Burwood retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.3%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Burwood possesses a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation and an unemployment rate of only 3.3%. As of December 2025, 10,187 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation lags significantly (63.5% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 39.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and accommodation & food. The area has a particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.8% versus the regional average of 8.6%. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 1.9% combined with employment decreasing by 1.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a marginal rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Burwood. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Burwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Burwood SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $45,424 and an average of $60,663 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $49,449 (median) and $66,038 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Burwood, between the 31st and 45th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 31.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,848 residents), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 74.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Burwood features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Burwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 16.8% houses and 83.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Burwood lagged that of Sydney metro, at 18.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (17.8%) or rented (64.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Sydney metro average at $2,400, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $500, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Burwood features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 59.7% of all households, comprising 20.5% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.3%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 15.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Burwood shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Burwood significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 47.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational pathways account for 20.0% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (7.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 36.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.5% in tertiary education, 4.5% in primary education, and 4.0% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 66 active transport stops operating within Burwood, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 48 individual routes, collectively providing 12,680 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 129 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the train is the most common mode at 41%, with 12% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 39.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,811 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 192 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burwood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Burwood, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~9,076 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 3.9% and 3.2% of residents, respectively, while 85.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. The area has 11.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,178 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Burwood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Burwood is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 75.2% of its population born overseas and 80.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Burwood is Christianity, which makes up 24.8% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 12.3% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Burwood are Chinese, comprising 46.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 8.4%, Other, comprising 18.0% of the population, and English, comprising 7.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 19.0%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 2.6% of Burwood (vs 1.1% regionally), Vietnamese at 3.3% (vs 1.8%) and Lebanese at 1.1% (vs 2.6%).

Burwood hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

At 30 years, Burwood's median age is materially younger than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and is substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Burwood has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (31.2%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (5.2%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 29.8% to 31.2% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 9.3% to 7.8% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 8.4% to 7.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Burwood's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 2,139 people (37%) from 5,750 to 7,890.