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 18,448 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,506 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,942 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 18,171 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 577 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 9,658 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burwood's growth of 15.7% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.3%) and 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 93.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends predict exceptional growth over the period, with the area expected to expand by 9,239 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, 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. As of FY26, 11 dwellings have been approved thus far. On average, 1.8 people moved to Burwood for each dwelling built during these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand dynamic that fosters stable market conditions.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $478,000, suggesting developers focused on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, commercial development approvals amounted to $12.9 million, signifying balanced commercial development activity in Burwood compared to Greater Sydney. Burwood's new home approvals per person were 267.0% higher than the Greater Sydney average, presenting buyers with more choices and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction primarily comprised townhouses or apartments (98.0%), with detached houses making up only 2.0%, promoting higher-density living that caters to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The population density was approximately 65 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, Burwood is projected to grow by 8,962 residents, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate.

Current development activity 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that may impact this region. Key projects 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, which is 0.7% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Burwood is 63.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.0%.

According to Census responses, 39.5% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. In contrast, construction employs only 5.8% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%.

The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates higher than normal local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 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 unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, project national employment 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Burwood SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $45,424 and an average of $60,663 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Sydney's median income being $60,817 and average income being $83,003. As of September 2025, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $49,449 and an average of $66,038, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since the financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Burwood rank modestly, with household, family, and personal incomes all between the 31st and 45th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 31.7% of residents (5,848 people), closely mirroring regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are 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 rest being mortgaged (17.8%) or rented (64.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,400, lower than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent was $500, higher than Sydney metro's $470. 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 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 is notably higher than national and state averages. As of the latest data, 47.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%.

Vocational pathways account for 20.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 12.5% and certificates 7.5%. Educational participation is also 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 66 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 48 different routes, together facilitating 12,680 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 129 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commutes are outward-bound: trains are used by 41% of residents, buses by 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.4 per dwelling, below the regional norm. In 2021 Census data (possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions), 39.5% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency across all routes averages 1,811 trips daily, 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% (around 9,076 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions in Burwood, affecting 3.9% and 3.2% of residents respectively. A total of 85.6% claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. The area has 11.4% (around 2,095 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 15.3%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, in line 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 has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 75.2% of its residents 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 particularly prominent, making up 12.3%, which is significantly higher than Greater Sydney's average of 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese residents comprise 46.6% of Burwood's population, much higher than the regional average of 8.4%. The 'Other' category accounts for 18.0%, and English ancestry is at 7.6%, notably lower than the regional average of 19.0%. Some ethnic groups are significantly overrepresented: Korean residents make up 2.6% (compared to 1.1% regionally), Vietnamese residents are at 3.3% (versus 1.8%), and Lebanese residents comprise 1.1% (against a regional average of 2.6%).

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 years and significantly lower than the Australian median of 38 years. 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%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of Burwood's population aged 25-34 has increased from 29.8% to 31.5%, while the proportions for those aged 45-54 have decreased from 9.3% to 7.8% and for those aged 55-64 have dropped from 8.4% to 7.2%. Demographic modeling indicates that Burwood's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow steadily, increasing by 2,073 people (36%) from 5,816 to 7,890.