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

Burwood's population was around 18,451 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 2,509 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,942. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,171 in June 2024 and an additional 577 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 9,660 persons per square kilometer, placing Burwood in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burwood's growth of 15.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (6.4%) and the state, making it a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 utilised NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends predicted exceptional growth, placing Burwood in the top 10% of statistical areas nationally. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Burwood is expected to expand by 9,239 persons, 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 annually, with a total of 1,556 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. In FY26 up to March, an additional three dwellings have been approved. On average, about 1.8 people moved into the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This balance between supply and demand has resulted in stable market conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes was around $532,000. In FY26 up to March, commercial development approvals totaled $12.9 million, indicating consistent commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has 267.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area's growth potential. Recent construction primarily comprises townhouses or apartments (98.0%), with only a small portion (2.0%) being standalone homes. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 65 people moving into the area per dwelling approval, Burwood exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Burwood is projected to grow by approximately 8,959 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-suited to meet 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 to impact this area. Key projects include Burwood Culture House, Sydney Metro West - Burwood North Station, Burwood North Precinct, and Burwood Grand. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Burwood has been broadly consistent with national averages

Burwood has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.

Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 3.9%. As of June 2025, there are 10,292 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2% below Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation in Burwood is lower at 56.5%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food, with the latter having employment levels 2.1 times the regional average.

Construction employs only 5.8% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9%, and labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6%, labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. As of November 2025 in NSW, employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Burwood SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $40,005 and an average income of $58,337 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures are lower than national averages, with Greater Sydney's median income being $56,994 and average income being $80,856. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income could be approximately $45,050 and the average income around $65,693, factoring in a 12.61% growth since financial year 2022. In Burwood, incomes ranked modestly according to 2021 Census figures, between the 31st and 45th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 31.7% of residents (5,848 people), similar to regional levels at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 74.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 35th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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, were 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 was at 18.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.8% and rented ones at 64.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, below Sydney metro's average of $2,436. The median weekly rent figure was $500, compared to Sydney metro's $465. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments were higher at $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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 40.3%, composed of 24.6% lone person households and 15.6% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with 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 educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 47.7% hold university qualifications, 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%, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 7.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 36.4% 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 shows 46 active stops operating in Burwood. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 44 individual routes servicing these stops, providing a total of 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 individual stop.

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

Burwood demonstrates excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 49% (~9,022 people) have private health cover, compared to 57.3% in Greater Sydney and 55.3% nationally. Mental health issues affect 3.9% of residents, while asthma impacts 3.2%.

Around 85.6% report no medical ailments, higher than the 77.0% across Greater Sydney. The area has 11.4% (2,096 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 14.5%. Seniors' health outcomes align with those of 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's population is predominantly diverse, with 75.2% born overseas and 80.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the major religion in Burwood, comprising 24.8%. Buddhism is notably higher at 12.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 6.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (46.6%), Other (18.0%), and English (7.6%). Korean, Vietnamese, and Lebanese ethnicities show notable differences: Korean is overrepresented at 2.6% vs regional 2.8%, Vietnamese at 3.3% vs 2.1%, and Lebanese at 1.1% vs 3.1%.

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

Burwood has a median age of 30 years, which is younger than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and significantly lower than the Australian 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 notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 29.8% to 31.5% of Burwood's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has decreased from 9.3% to 7.8%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 8.4% to 7.2%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Burwood's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to grow steadily, increasing by 2,072 people (36%) from 5,817 to 7,890 residents.