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

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Brunswick East had an estimated population of 15,483 by February 2026. This figure represents a rise of 2,204 people from the 2021 Census count of 13,279, marking a 16.6% increase. The resident population estimate of 15,193, derived from AreaSearch's examination of ABS' June 2024 ERP data release and validation of 633 new addresses since the Census date, contributes to this growth. Brunswick East's population density stands at 6,850 persons per square kilometer, placing it within the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. This high density reflects the area's significant land resource demand. The suburb's 16.6% population growth since the 2021 Census outperforms both national (9.9%) and state averages, positioning it as a regional growth leader.

Overseas migration accounted for approximately 82.0% of Brunswick East's overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to project growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth for Brunswick East, with an expected expansion of 10,016 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 62.0% over the 17-year period.

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 178 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 890 homes were approved, with a further 36 approved so far in FY26. On average, 2.1 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over this period, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $651,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $4.2 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brunswick East has slightly more development, 19.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although building activity has slowed in recent years. Recent construction comprises 5.0% detached dwellings and 95.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 23.0% houses). With around 306 people per dwelling approval, Brunswick East shows a developing market.

Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Brunswick East to grow by 9,591 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Brunswick East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may impact this region. Notable initiatives include Brunswick and Parkville Level Crossing Removals, Saxon Street development by Milieu, East Brunswick Village (EBV), and the Brunswick Early Years Hub. The following list details those considered 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 an educated workforce with the technology sector prominent. Its unemployment rate was 5.1% in September 2025, above Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment grew by 5.3% over the past year.

Residents' participation in the workforce is high at 82.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A significant portion, 53.3%, work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include professional & technical (1.7 times regional average), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction employment is limited at 4.4% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited as working residents outnumber resident population. Over September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 5.3%, labour force by 5.1%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and a rise in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Brunswick East's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.2% in five years and 14.5% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Brunswick East had a median income among taxpayers of $67,997 and an average of $82,223. Nationally, these figures are extremely high compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. As of September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% would be approximately $73,607 (median) and $89,006 (average). Census data indicates individual earnings in Brunswick East stand at the 93rd percentile nationally ($1,252 weekly). Income distribution reveals that 37.4% of the population (5,790 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 32.8%. Notably, 30.3% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting areas of prosperity driving local economic activity. High housing costs consume 17.0% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 69th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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, comprised 22.7% houses and 77.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brunswick East was 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 were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above 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 make up 48.6 percent of all households, including 14.1 percent couples with children, 27.1 percent couples without children, and 5.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 51.4 percent, with lone person households at 38.9 percent and group households comprising 12.6 percent of the total. 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's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 62.4% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 37.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.4%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 17.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 8.9%.

Educational participation is high, 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 light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 9,773 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 123 meters to the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with outward commuting being common. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 53%, while cycling and walking account for 13% and 7% respectively. Vehicle ownership stands at 0.5 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 53.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 1,396 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 177 weekly trips per individual 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 as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low incidence of common health issues.

Private health insurance coverage is notably high at nearly 59% (9,175 people), compared to Melbourne's average of 56.7%. Mental health concerns and asthma are the prevalent conditions, affecting 14.1% and 9.2% respectively. Around 69.2% claim no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age population's health outcomes are generally average. The area has 9.0% seniors (1,393 people), less than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Seniors' health outcomes rank exceptionally high nationally.

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, surveyed between 2016 and 2021, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 31.3% of its residents born overseas and 23.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 26.6%. Judaism, however, showed an overrepresentation at 0.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (22.1%), Australian (16.7%), and Other (11.0%). Notably, Italian (8.2% vs regional 5.2%), Spanish (0.8% vs 0.4%), and French (0.8% vs 0.5%) ethnicities were overrepresented.

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

Brunswick East's median age is 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average 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 (32.1%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of the population aged 45-54 has increased from 10.6% to 11.3%, while the proportion of those aged 25-34 has decreased from 33.5% to 32.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Brunswick East, with the 25-34 age group projected to grow by 48%, adding 2,397 residents to reach a total of 7,368.