Brunswick (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Brunswick are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Brunswick Vic. SA2's population is estimated at around 28,637 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,741 people (15.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 24,896 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 28,559, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 1,252 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5,750 persons per square kilometer, placing Brunswick Vic. SA2 in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch.

Brunswick Vic.'s 15.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), along with 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 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with Brunswick Vic. SA2 expected to increase by 16,675 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 58.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Brunswick recorded around 423 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 2,116 homes. As of FY-26200 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.7 new residents were added per dwelling constructed annually between FY-21 and FY-25. This pace suggests new supply meets or exceeds demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $514,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $10.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brunswick shows moderately higher construction activity, 47.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period ending FY-25. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, construction activity has eased recently. Nationally, Brunswick's construction activity is substantially higher, indicating strong developer confidence in the location.

New development in Brunswick consists of 3.0% detached houses and 97.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. It reflects a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 35.0% houses), likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 104 people added per approval, Brunswick reflects a developing area. Future projections show Brunswick adding approximately 16,695 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Brunswick has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Twenty-seven projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly, with local infrastructure changes being a major influencer on performance. Notable projects include Brunswick and Parkville Level Crossing Removals, Saxon Street development by Milieu, Albert Street Stockland Development, and Brunswick Established - 23 Hodgson Street. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Brunswick has an educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 6.1% as of September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 4.8% over the past year.

The area had 19,537 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation was at 74.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors included professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Brunswick had a particularly high concentration in professional & technical jobs, with levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

However, construction was under-represented, at 4.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, while labour force grew by 5.3%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Brunswick's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Brunswick has a high national income level according to latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Brunswick is $62,311, with an average income of $78,274. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended 30 June 2023, current estimates for Brunswick would be approximately $67,452 (median) and $84,732 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Brunswick rank highly nationally, with household incomes between the 72nd and 85th percentiles, family incomes at the 76th percentile, and personal incomes at the 73rd percentile. Income analysis shows that 33.1% of individuals in Brunswick earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort also represents 32.8%. Higher earners are prominent, with 31.9% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 71st percentile nationally. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Brunswick displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Brunswick, as recorded in the latest Census, 35.3% of dwellings were houses while 64.8% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Melbourne metropolitan area's distribution of 46.2% houses and 53.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brunswick stood at 24.2%, with mortgaged properties making up 26.7% and rented dwellings comprising 49.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,162, surpassing Melbourne metro's average of $2,149. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Brunswick was $441, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's figure of $418. Nationally, Brunswick's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 51.7% of all households, including 16.8% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 5.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 48.3%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 14.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.3.

The educational profile of Brunswick exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Brunswick has a notably high educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 59.1% holding university qualifications. This figure surpasses the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian state average of 33.4%. The area's strong educational advantage is reflected in its distribution of qualifications: Bachelor degrees lead at 34.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 18.6% and graduate diplomas at 5.6%. Vocational pathways account for 16.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 8.0% and certificates 8.7%.

Educational participation is high in Brunswick, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in tertiary education, 4.9% in primary education, and 3.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Brunswick has 115 active public transport stops. These include train, light rail, and bus services. There are 12 individual routes operating in total, serving 10,249 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 143 meters. Daily service frequency averages 1,464 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 89 weekly trips per individual stop.

Brunswick's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows Brunswick residents have generally positive health outcomes.

Prevalence of common conditions is relatively low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Around 58% (~16,529 people) have private health cover, which is high. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (13.8%) and asthma (9.0%). About 67.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.5% in Greater Melbourne. Brunswick has 11.0% (3,150 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 12.1%. Older residents require more attention than the broader population.

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

Brunswick, as per the latest data, has a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 31.5% of its residents born overseas and 24.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Brunswick, accounting for 26.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Brunswick at 0.5%, compared to 0.3% across Greater Melbourne.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (21.8%), Australian (17.7%), and Irish (10.9%). Some ethnic groups show significant variations: Greeks comprise 4.5% of Brunswick's population versus 5.1% regionally, Italians make up 7.3% compared to 10.2%, and French residents are at 0.8% versus 0.7%.

Brunswick hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Brunswick 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 has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (30.9%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.0%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 29.2% to 30.9%, while the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 has decreased from 6.3% to 5.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Brunswick, with the strongest projected growth in the 25 to 34 age group, which is expected to grow by 45%, adding 4,001 residents to reach a total of 12,850.