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 November 2025. This reflected an increase of 2,509 people from the 2021 Census figure of 15,942. The change was inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 18,171 in June 2024 and an additional 577 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 9,660 persons per square kilometer, placing Burwood in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burwood's growth rate of 15.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (6.4%) and the state level, indicating its status as a growth leader in the region. 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 utilized NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends predict exceptional growth for Burwood, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas nationally. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 9,239 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 48.6% over the 17-year period.

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 per year. Between FY21 and FY25, a total of 1,556 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved so far in FY26. Over these five financial years, the area experienced an average of 1.8 people moving to each dwelling built.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, contributing to stable market conditions. The average construction cost value for new homes over this period was $478,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY26 alone, $12.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has shown 267.0% higher new home approvals per person as of the latest data. This offers buyers greater choice and reflects strong developer confidence in the area's market. Recent construction trends indicate that only 2.0% of dwellings approved are detached houses, with the remaining 98.0% being townhouses or apartments.

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 65 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Burwood is expected to grow by 8,959 residents through to 2041. Current development activity 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 26 projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Burwood Culture House, Sydney Metro West - Burwood North Station, Burwood North Precinct, and Burwood Grand. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Burwood remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Burwood has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation, an unemployment rate of 3.5% as of September 2025, and stable employment over the past year. It has 10,247 employed residents, a 0.7% lower unemployment rate than Greater Sydney's 4.2%, but slightly lower workforce participation at 56.5%.

Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food, with the latter being particularly notable at 2.1 times the regional average. Construction employs only 5.8% of local workers compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.6, indicating above-average employment opportunities locally. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, labour force by 0.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points.

In comparison, Greater Sydney saw employment grow by 2.1% and labour force by 2.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. As of 25-November-25, NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, while the state's unemployment rate was 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate stood at 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burwood's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.0% in five years and 14.3% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data. This was lower than national averages, with Greater Sydney having a median income of $56,994 and an average income of $80,856 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,050 (median) and $65,693 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. In Burwood, household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly in the 2021 Census figures, between the 31st and 45th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 31.7% of residents (5,848 people), closely mirroring regional levels where 30.9% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Burwood, 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

In Burwood, as per the latest Census evaluation, 16.8% of dwellings were houses while 83.2% consisted of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Sydney metropolitan areas where 33.5% were houses and 66.5% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood stood at 18.2%, with mortgaged properties 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. The 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 constitute 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 aligns 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 and state averages. Among residents aged 15+, 47.7% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This high level of attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. 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 among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 7.5%. Educational participation is 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

Burwood has 46 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. In total, there are 44 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively facilitating 12,710 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates Burwood's transport accessibility as excellent, with residents typically residing just 130 meters from their nearest transport stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,815 trips per day, 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 shows excellent health outcomes across all ages, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 49% (~9,022 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Sydney's 57.3%, and close to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 3.9% of residents, while asthma impacts 3.2%.

Around 85.6% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 77.0%. Burwood has 11.4% (2,096 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 14.5%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's 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 predominant religion in Burwood, accounting for 24.8%. Buddhism is notably higher than the Greater Sydney average, comprising 12.3% of Burwood's population compared to 6.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese is the largest group at 46.6%, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.2%. Other ancestry makes up 18.0%, while English ancestry is lower at 7.6% compared to the region's 12.9%. Some other ethnic groups are notably different: Korean (2.6% vs 2.8%), Vietnamese (3.3% vs 2.1%), and Lebanese (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 Greater Sydney's average of 37 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (31.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.2%). The 25-34 age group in Burwood is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 29.8% to 31.5%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 9.3% to 7.8% and the 55-64 group has dropped from 8.4% to 7.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Burwood's age profile, with the 25-34 age cohort expected to grow by 2,072 people (36%), reaching a total of 7,890 residents from its current figure of 5,817.