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's NSW population is approximately 18,283 as of Aug 2025. From the 2021 Census, it had a population of 15,942 people, showing an increase of 2,341 people (14.7%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimates in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 9,572 persons per square kilometer, placing Burwood in the top 10% nationally. Its 14.7% growth exceeded the SA4 region's 6.3% and the state average, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.8% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, it utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends predict exceptional growth, with Burwood expected to expand by 9,239 persons to 2041 based on the latest numbers, reflecting a total increase of 49.9% 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 around 311 new dwelling approvals per year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, there have been 1,556 homes approved, with one more already recorded in FY26. On average, 1.8 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, creating stable market conditions. The average expected construction cost of new properties is $532,000. In this financial year alone, $12.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has 267.0% higher new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 2.0% detached houses and 98.0% townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location has approximately 65 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

By 2041, Burwood is expected to grow by 9,127 residents. 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 29 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Sydney Metro West, Sydney Metro West - Burwood North Station, Burwood Culture House, and Burwood North Precinct Masterplan. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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 of professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.7% as of the past year.

Employment growth over this period was estimated at 3.9%. As of June 2025, 10,292 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is 0.5% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Burwood is 56.5%, slightly lower than Greater Sydney's 60.0%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food.

Notably, the accommodation & food sector employs at a rate of 2.1 times the regional average. Conversely, construction employs only 5.8% of local workers, lower than Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The ratio of workers to residents in Burwood, as per the Census, is 0.6, indicating a level of employment opportunities above the norm. Over the past year, employment increased by 3.9%, while the labour force grew by 4.3%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.6% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. As of Sep-25, NSW's employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, with employment growth lagging behind at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment to expand by 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, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes.

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 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Sydney's median income being $56,994 and average income being $80,856. As of March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $44,246 (median) and $64,521 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% 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 dominates with 31.7% of residents (5,795 people), similar to regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. 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

In Burwood, as per the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures consisted of 16.8% houses and 83.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This differs from Sydney metro's figures, which showed 33.5% houses and 66.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood stood at 18.2%, with the rest being mortgaged (17.8%) or rented (64.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, below Sydney metro's average of $2,436. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $500, compared to Sydney metro's $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 percent of all households, including 20.5 percent couples with children, 27.5 percent couples without children, and 8.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.3 percent, with lone person households at 24.6 percent and group households comprising 15.6 percent of the total. 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 educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks, with 47.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. This educational advantage positions Burwood strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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 comprising 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. Burwood's 5 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 2,029 students as of the latest data. Burwood demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1097. The educational mix includes 1 primary, 1 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents (11.1) fall below the regional average (15.9), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 44 different routes that collectively facilitate 12,710 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 130 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,815 daily trips 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's health outcomes show a low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. About 49% (~8,940) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 57.3%. Nationally, it's 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent at 3.9% and 3.2%, respectively. Around 85.6% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 77.0%. About 11.4% (2,076) are aged 65+, lower than Greater Sydney's 14.5%. Seniors' 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 high degree of cultural diversity, 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, making up 24.8% of people. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 12.3%, significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 6.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese is the largest group at 46.6%, substantially higher than the regional average of 17.2%. Other ancestry comprises 18.0% and English ancestry is lower at 7.6%, compared to a regional average of 12.9%. Korean (2.6%) and Vietnamese (3.3%) are notably overrepresented, while Lebanese (1.1%) is underrepresented compared to regional averages.

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

Burwood's median age at 30 years is younger than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Burwood has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (31.5%) compared to Greater Sydney 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 data from the post-2021 Census, the 25-34 age group increased from 29.8% to 31.5%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 9.3% to 7.8% and the 55-64 group decreased from 8.4% to 7.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Burwood's age profile. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow steadily, with an increase of 2,125 people (37%), reaching a total of 7,890 from the current 5,764.