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 18,809 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,867 people (18.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,942 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,684 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 577 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 9,847 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 18.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.6%), along with 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 92.8% 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 utilising 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 grow by 8,218 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting recording a gain of 43.0% in total over the 16 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 approximately 311 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 1,556 homes. As of FY26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 new residents per year arrive for each new home approved between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand dynamic. The average construction value of new properties is $478,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $12.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has 257.0% more construction activity per capita, offering buyers greater choice and indicating strong developer confidence in the location. New developments consist of 2.0% detached dwellings and 98.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a trend towards denser development that caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With approximately 65 people per approval, Burwood reflects an area experiencing growth. Future projections estimate Burwood will add 8,093 residents by 2041, suggesting current development is well-matched to future needs and supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Future projections show Burwood adding 8,093 residents by 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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that could impact this area. Notable ones include Burwood Culture House, Sydney Metro West - Burwood North Station, Burwood North Precinct, and Burwood Place. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

Burwood has a highly educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation and an unemployment rate of 3.3% as of December 2019. By December 2025, the unemployment rate had fallen to 3.7%. As of Census responses in August 2021, 39.5% of residents worked from home.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance (18.6%), professional & technical services (17.4%), and accommodation & food (12.2%). The area has a notably high concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has limited presence with 5.8% employment compared to 8.6% regionally. The ratio of 0.6 workers for each resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.9%, while employment declined by 1.7%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Burwood's employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Burwood SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $45,424 and an average income of $60,663 in financial year 2023, both below Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. By March 2026, these are estimated to be approximately $50,112 (median) and $66,923 (average), based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Burwood rank modestly, between the 31st and 45th percentiles. In terms of income distribution, 31.7% of Burwood's population (5,962 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region's 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Burwood, 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 structure, 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 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood was at 18.2%, with the rest either mortgaged (17.8%) or rented (64.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Burwood was $2,400, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure in Burwood was $500, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,400 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Burwood features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average 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%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 15.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which 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 exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 47.7% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are 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. 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

Burwood has 66 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are operated by 48 different routes, collectively facilitating 12,680 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 129 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Burwood's primarily residential nature. Train is the most common mode of transport at 41%, followed by bus at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 39.5% of residents work from home, which 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

Burwood's health outcomes show low prevalence of common conditions across all ages, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mental health issues and asthma were most prevalent at 3.9 and 3.2% respectively. About 85.6% reported no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney.

Private health cover was found in approximately 49% of the population (~9,254 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%. The area has 11.8% residents aged 65 and over (2,215 people), less than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population nationally.

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 one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 75.2% of its population born overseas and 80.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Burwood, accounting for 24.8% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 12.3%, which is significantly higher than the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese residents make up 46.6% of Burwood's population, substantially higher than the regional average of 8.4%. The 'Other' category comprises 18.0%, and English ancestry makes up 7.6%, which is lower than the regional average of 19.0%. There are also notable differences in the representation of Korean (2.6% vs regional 1.1%), Vietnamese (3.3% vs regional 1.8%), and Lebanese (1.1% vs regional 2.6%) ethnic groups.

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

Burwood's median age is 30 years, which is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (32.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (4.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that younger residents have lowered Burwood's median age by 1.2 years to 30. Notable shifts include an increase in the percentage of residents aged 25-34 from 29.8% to 32.3%, and an increase in the 35-44 cohort from 13.0% to 14.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 9.3% to 7.5%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 8.4% to 7.0%. Population forecasts for Burwood in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 32%, adding 1,959 residents to reach a total of 8,040. In contrast, the 35-44 cohort shows minimal growth of just 4% (98 people).