Brunswick (Vic.)

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

According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address files validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Brunswick (Vic.) has an estimated population of 30,219 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 5,323 residents (21.4%) relative to the 24,896 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated based on a resident population estimate of 29,203 by AreaSearch from the ABS June 2025 ERP data release, combined with an additional 1,758 validated new addresses since the Census. With this population level, the local density stands at 6,068 persons per square kilometer, placing the area in the top 10% of all national locations analyzed by AreaSearch, highlighting the high demand for local land. The growth rate of 21.4% since the 2021 Census outpaced the state rate of 9.3% and the national benchmark, establishing the suburb as a regional growth leader. The expansion was largely fueled by overseas migration, which made up approximately 86.0% of the overall population gains lately, though natural increase and interstate migration also contributed positively.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 using 2022 as a base year are applied by AreaSearch to each SA2 district. Where such data is unavailable, projections are sourced from the 2023 Victoria State Government Regional/L LGA release, utilizing a weighted aggregation method to translate LGA-level growth down to SA2 boundaries. Age-specific growth rates derived from these aggregations are applied to projections spanning 2032 to 2041. Based on these demographic projections, the suburb of Brunswick (Vic.) is anticipated to experience exceptional expansion, ranking in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas, with a projected increase of 15,902 persons by 2041 using aggregated SA2 projections, representing a total rise of 49.3% over the 16 years.

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

According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical area data, Brunswick has recorded an average of roughly 407 new residential approvals annually. This totals an estimated 2,036 approved homes over the previous 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, with 290 registered during the current FY-26 period. With an average of only 0.9 individuals moving to the area for every new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, local housing supply is matching or exceeding demand. This trend expands options for buyers and supports the potential for population growth to outpace projections, with new homes carrying an average expected construction cost of $514,000, signaling a developer focus on premium, upmarket builds. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $10.3 million have been recorded so far this financial year, reflecting a moderate pace of commercial development.

In comparison to Greater Melbourne, Brunswick has experienced moderately higher numbers of new home approvals, running 41.0% above the regional average per capita over the 5 year period. This keeps buyer options open while supporting existing asset values, even though construction activity has slowed down in recent times. The volume remains significantly higher than the national average, pointing to strong developer interest. New projects consist of 3.0% detached houses and 97.0% medium and high-density developments. This focus on compact layouts provides affordable entry pathways and draws downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This represents a major shift from the established housing stock, which currently stands at 35.0% houses, reflecting a scarcity of development sites alongside changing lifestyle preferences and budget constraints. The area averages approximately 107 residents for every dwelling approval, indicating a growing market.

Based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch, future projections indicate Brunswick will add 14,886 residents by 2041. Residential development is keeping reasonable pace with this projected population growth, though buyers might experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Local infrastructure updates, major construction works, and planning decisions significantly affect regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 27 projects expected to influence the local area. Principal developments include the Brunswick and Parkville Level Crossing Removals, Saxon Street by Milieu, the Albert Street Stockland Development, and Brunswick Established at 23 Hodgson Street, with key details on relevant projects provided below.

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

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Brunswick has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Brunswick has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector being notably well-represented. The area has an unemployment rate of 5.9% and experienced an estimated employment growth of 3.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data compiled from statistical areas. As of March 2026, there are 19,771 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while the participation rate is exceptionally high at 78.7%, compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne. Census responses show that a high 50.7% of working residents worked from home, though this figure should be considered in light of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

The primary sectors employing local residents are professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area exhibits a strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share that is 1.6 times the regional benchmark. In contrast, construction workers are underrepresented, accounting for 4.4% of the workforce compared to the regional average of 9.7%. While there are local jobs available within the area, Census data comparing the working population to the resident population suggests that many residents commute to other districts for work.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical regions, employment rose by 3.8% and the labor force grew by 3.8% over the 12 months ending March 2026, keeping the unemployment level stable. Over the same period, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.1%, the labor force expand by 2.3%, and the unemployment rate increase by 0.2 percentage points. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context on future demand trends for Brunswick. These forecasts, looking at five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local employment mix to project growth paths. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by sector. Applying these industry-specific projections to the local workforce mix suggests employment for Brunswick residents will grow by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, noting this is a basic weighted extrapolation for illustration and excludes local population projections.

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

According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Brunswick have a median income of $62,311 and an average income of $78,274. These figures are very high on a national scale, compared to a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at approximately $68,305 for the median and $85,804 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in Brunswick are highly ranked, placing between the 72nd and 85th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly bracket is the most common, accounting for 33.1% of residents (10,002 people), which closely aligns with the broader region where 32.8% of the population falls into this category. High-income earners are well-represented, with 31.9% of residents earning more than $3,000 per week, pointing to substantial local purchasing power. High housing costs account for 16.7% of incomes, but solid earnings keep disposable income at the 71st percentile nationally, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the 9th decile for income.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Brunswick consisted of 35.3% houses and 64.8% other dwelling types such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative options, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Melbourne. Homeownership rates in Brunswick trailed the metropolitan average, sitting at 24.2%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (26.7%) or tenants renting their homes (49.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment of $2,162 was higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $441, compared to $390 across metropolitan Melbourne. Nationally, Brunswick's mortgage repayments are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are significantly above the national benchmark of $375.

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

Family households make up the majority of homes at 51.7%, consisting of couples with children at 16.8%, couples without children at 27.6%, and single parents at 5.8%. Non-family households account for the remaining 48.3% of the total, with single-person households representing 34.2% and share houses making up 14.1%. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Educational levels in Brunswick are significantly higher than broader averages, with 59.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This strong educational profile positions the community well for professional opportunities in knowledge industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 34.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 18.6% and graduate diplomas at 5.6%. Vocational training is held by 16.7% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 8.7%.

Participation in education is high in the area, with 26.6% of residents enrolled in an educational institution. This group includes 12.6% attending tertiary institutions, 4.9% in primary school, and 3.5% in secondary school.

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

Public transport systems in Brunswick feature 115 active stops, including light rail and bus services. These stops are serviced by 12 routes, which support 10,249 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 143 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a residential area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars being the primary transport mode at 49%, followed by cycling at 13% and train travel at 11%. Car ownership averages 0.6 vehicles per household, which is below the metropolitan average. A high 50.7% of residents worked from home, according to 2021 Census figures, which may reflect pandemic-related restrictions.

Services run at an average frequency of 1,464 trips daily across all routes, which translates to about 89 weekly trips per stop. The corresponding map displays the 100 closest stops to the central point of the location.

Brunswick's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health indicators show positive outcomes for the population, with AreaSearch analysis of mortality rates and medical diagnoses indicating results that match national averages. Typical health issues are distributed normally across both younger and older demographics, and private health insurance membership is high, covering approximately 58% of the population, which equates to about 17,442 residents.

Mental health conditions and asthma are the most prevalent medical issues, affecting 13.8% and 9.0% of local residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 67.5% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health profiles for working-age residents are typical. Residents aged 65 and over make up 11.0% of the local population (3,324 people), which is lower than the 15.0% average for Greater Melbourne, with national health rankings remaining consistent with the wider 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 exhibits higher levels of cultural diversity than most local areas, with 31.5% of residents born outside Australia and 24.6% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 26.7% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation relative to the wider city is Judaism, which accounts for 0.5% of residents compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

Regarding ancestral backgrounds based on parents' birthplaces, the three largest ancestries represented in Brunswick are English at 21.8%, Australian at 17.7%, and Irish at 10.9%. There are also distinct concentrations of other ethnic backgrounds, with Greek ancestry at 4.5% of the population (compared to 2.7% regionally), Italian ancestry at 7.3% (compared to 5.2% regionally), and French ancestry at 0.8% (compared to 0.5% regionally).

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

Brunswick has a median age of 33, making it younger than Greater Melbourne's median of 37 and Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brunswick has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (32.3%) but a lower share of children aged 5 - 14 (4.8%). The concentration of young adults aged 25 - 34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. The demographic profile has grown younger since the 2021 Census, with the median age falling 1.1 years to 33 from 34. The 25 to 34 age bracket increased from 29.2% to 32.3% of the population, while the 5 to 14 age bracket declined from 6.3% to 4.8%. Demographic models indicate the age profile will change by 2041, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 3,897 people (40%), rising from 9,760 to 13,658.