Burwood (NSW)
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Burwood NSW's population is around 18,451 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,509 people 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 577 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 9,660 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burwood's growth of 15.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.4%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 93.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future trends, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, with the area expected to expand by 9,239 persons to 2041 based on the latest 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 averaged approximately 311 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, 1,556 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand, maintaining stable market conditions. The average expected construction cost of new homes was $478,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY26, $12.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, signifying balanced commercial activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood's new home approvals per person are 267.0% higher, offering buyers more choice. Recent construction consists of 2.0% detached houses and 98.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and affordability for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Burwood has approximately 65 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an expanding market.

By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 8,959 residents. Current development appears well-aligned with future needs, supporting steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 26 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include Burwood Culture House, Sydney Metro West - Burwood North Station, Burwood North Precinct, and Burwood Grand. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

The labour market in Burwood demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Burwood in New South Wales has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% as of June 2025, which is below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 3.9%. As of June 2025, there were 10,292 residents in work and workforce participation was 56.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading industries for Burwood residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction employs only 5.8% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates above-average local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.9%, while the labour force grew by 4.3%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burwood's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Burwood has a median taxpayer income of $40,005 and an average of $58,337 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Sydney's median income being $56,994 and average income at $80,856. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,050 (median) and $65,693 (average), accounting for a 12.61% growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Burwood rank modestly, between the 31st and 45th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 31.7% of residents (5,848 people), similar to regional levels at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 74.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile. 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

Burwood's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 16.8% houses and 83.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 33.5% houses and 66.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood stood at 18.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.8% and rented ones at 64.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,436. Median weekly rent in Burwood was $500, higher than Sydney metro's figure of $465. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Burwood features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 59.7% of all households, including 20.5% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.3%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 15.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the Greater Sydney average.

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

Burwood's residents aged 15 and above have a higher rate of university qualifications at 47.7% compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational pathways account for 20.0% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 7.5%. Educational participation is high, with 36.4% currently enrolled in formal education, including 15.5% in tertiary, 4.5% in primary, and 4.0% in secondary education.

Burwood's five schools have a combined enrollment of 2,029 students as of the latest data. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1097. The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and three K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents are 11.1, below the regional average of 15.9, suggesting some students may attend schools in neighboring areas.

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

Analysis shows 46 active transport stops in Burwood, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 44 individual routes, collectively providing 12,710 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 130 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,815 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 276 weekly trips per 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 shows excellent results across Burwood, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 9,022 people), compared to 57.3% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 3.9% of residents, followed by asthma at 3.2%.

Around 85.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.0% across Greater Sydney. Burwood has 11.4% of residents aged 65 and over (around 2,096 people), which is lower than the 14.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 has a population where 75.2% were born overseas, with 80.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Burwood, accounting for 24.8%. Buddhism's representation is notably higher at 12.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 6.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese heritage is most prevalent at 46.6%, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.2%. Other and English heritages follow with 18.0% and 7.6%, respectively, with English being notably lower than the regional average of 12.9%. Korean (2.6%), Vietnamese (3.3%), and Lebanese (1.1%) ethnicities show notable divergences compared to regional averages.

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

At 30 years, Burwood's median age is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and lower than Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (31.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 29.8% to 31.5%. Meanwhile, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 9.3% to 7.8%, and those aged 55 to 64 have dropped from 8.4% to 7.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Burwood's age profile. The number of residents aged 25 to 34 is expected to grow by 2,072 people (36%), reaching a total of 7,890 from the current figure of 5,817.