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 is approximately 18,448 as of February 2026. This represents an increase of 2,506 people, a rise of 15.7% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 15,942. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,171 in June 2024 and an additional 575 validated new addresses since the Census date. Burwood's population density is 9,658 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, indicating high demand for land in the area. Between the 2021 Census and February 2026, Burwood's growth exceeded both its SA4 region (6.5%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.8% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the first dataset. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Burwood's population is forecasted to increase by 9,239 persons, reflecting a total increase of 48.6% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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. Between Financial Year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-25, a total of 1,556 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26 as of the current date. On average, around 1.8 people moved to Burwood for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, contributing to stable market conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $478,000, indicating developers' focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $12.9 million, reflecting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood's new home approvals per person were 267.0% higher, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprised approximately 2.0% detached houses and 98.0% townhouses or apartments, promoting higher-density living and providing more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Burwood had around 65 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

By 2041, the area is projected to grow by approximately 8,962 residents, according to 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that could impact this region. 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.

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

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

Burwood has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of September 2025. This is 0.7% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Burwood was 64.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%. According to Census responses, 39.5% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food. Employment levels in accommodation & food are notably high, at 2.1 times the regional average.

In contrast, construction employs only 5.8% of local workers, compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates a higher level of employment opportunities than usual. Between August 2024 and July 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, while the labour force grew by 0.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Sydney recorded employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%, with a smaller increase in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burwood's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Burwood SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $45,424 and an average income of $60,663 in financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Sydney having a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $49,449 and the average income $66,038, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Burwood rank modestly, with household, family, and personal incomes between the 31st and 45th percentiles. The $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominates, with 31.7% of residents (5,848 people), similar to regional levels where 30.9% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability is severe in Burwood, with only 74.8% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 remaining dwellings 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 in Burwood was $500, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments were higher than 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, 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

Burwood's educational attainment is notably high, with 47.7% of residents aged 15 years and above holding 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% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, 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, including 15.5% in tertiary education, 4.5% in primary education, and 4.0% pursuing secondary education.

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.

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

Public transport analysis shows 66 active transport stops operating within Burwood. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. There are 48 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 12,680 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 129 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Train is the most common mode at 41%, with 12% by bus.

Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a high 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 excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 49% (~9,076 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 3.9 and 3.2% of residents respectively. A total of 85.6% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Burwood has 11.8% (2,178 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Burwood are strong, aligning with national rankings for 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 main religion in Burwood, representing 24.8%. Buddhism is notably higher at 12.3%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (46.6%), Other (18.0%), and English (7.6%). Notably, Korean (2.6%) and Vietnamese (3.3%) are overrepresented in Burwood compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 1.8%, respectively. Lebanese representation is lower than the region's average at 1.1%.

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

At 30 years, Burwood's median age is younger than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (31.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is above the national average of 14.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the percentage of Burwood's population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 29.8% to 31.2%, while the 35 to 44 age group increased from 13.0% to 14.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 9.3% to 7.8% and the 55 to 64 age group dropped from 8.4% to 7.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Burwood's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to grow steadily, expanding from 5,750 to 7,890 people (an increase of 2,139 or 37%).