Brunswick East

Brunswick East 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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Brunswick East as of May 2026 is around 15,702. This reflects an increase of 2,423 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,279 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 15,670 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 638 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 6,947 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Brunswick East's growth of 18.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the state average of 9.3%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for the area.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the suburb expected to grow by 9,653 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 61.3% in total over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Brunswick East among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Brunswick East has recorded around 188 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), an estimated 943 homes were approved, with a further 50 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built over these years has gained 2.1 new residents yearly, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $633,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year (FY-26), $4.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brunswick East records somewhat elevated construction activity, at 25.0% above the regional average per person over the past 5 years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although building activity has slowed in recent years. The new building activity shows 5.0% detached dwellings and 95.0% attached dwellings, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 23.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The location has approximately 209 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Brunswick East will gain 9,621 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Brunswick East 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 16 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Brunswick and Parkville Level Crossing Removals, Saxon Street development by Milieu, East Brunswick Village (EBV), and Brunswick Early Years Hub. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Brunswick East has been broadly consistent with national averages

Brunswick East has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector prominent. Its unemployment rate is 5.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.6% over the past year (AreaSearch). As of December 2025, 11,084 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.2%.

Workforce participation in Brunswick East is higher than Greater Melbourne's at 82.1%. Census data shows 53.3% work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include professional & technical (1.7 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction is under-represented at 4.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.6%, labour force by 4.7%, keeping unemployment broadly flat (AreaSearch). National employment forecasts project growth of 6.6% over five years and 14.5% over ten years for Brunswick East, based on its employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The suburb of Brunswick East had a median taxpayer income of $67,997 and an average income of $82,223 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. These figures are significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $74,538 (median) and $90,133 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in Brunswick East stood at the 93rd percentile nationally ($1,252 weekly). Income analysis showed that 37.4% of individuals earned between $1,500 - 2,999 per week (5,872 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. A substantial proportion of high earners (30.3%) had incomes above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. High housing costs consumed 17.0% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 69th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 9th decile.

Brunswick East features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Brunswick East's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 22.7% houses and 77.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brunswick East was at 18.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.3% and rented ones at 54.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $421, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Brunswick East's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Brunswick East features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 48.6% of all households, including 14.1% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 51.4%, with lone person households at 38.9% and group households at 12.6%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Brunswick East places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Brunswick East has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 62.4% holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. The area's educational advantage is evident in the types of qualifications held: bachelor degrees lead at 37.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.4%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways also contribute significantly, with advanced diplomas accounting for 8.3% and certificates for 8.9%.

Educational participation is notably high in Brunswick East, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.3% in tertiary education, 4.4% in primary education, and 3.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Brunswick East has 55 active public transport stops, including lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 12 routes, providing a total of 9,773 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 123 meters. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 53%, with cycling at 13% and walking at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 53.3% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 1,396 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 177 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Brunswick East is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Brunswick East shows superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and elderly residents have low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% (9,305 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (14.1%) and asthma (9.2%). 69.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents' health outcomes are typical. The area has 8.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,397 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Seniors' health outcomes rank higher nationally than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Brunswick East was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Brunswick East had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 31.3% of its population born overseas and 23.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Brunswick East, making up 26.6% of its population. Judaism, however, was overrepresented, comprising 0.5% compared to Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (22.1%), Australian (16.7%), and Other (11.0%). Notably, Italian (8.2%) Spanish (0.8%) and French (0.8%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Brunswick East compared to regional averages of 5.2%, 0.4% and 0.5% respectively.

Brunswick East's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Brunswick East has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brunswick East has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (32.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 20.0% to 20.6%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 33.5% to 32.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic shifts for Brunswick East. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 48%, adding 2,463 residents and reaching a total of 7,567.