Burnside Heights

Population growth drivers in Burnside Heights are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Burnside Heights is around 6,524, reflecting an increase of 147 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,377. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,499 based on latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and validation of 8 new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio stands at 3,262 persons per square kilometer, placing Burnside Heights in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Burnside Heights are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation method for areas not covered by ABS data.

Considering these projections, Burnside Heights is forecast to experience significant population growth, increasing by 1,730 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 26.1% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Burnside Heights is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Burnside Heights has experienced around 3 dwellings receiving development approval each year since the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 17 homes. So far in FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. The population has declined over recent years, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $477,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $46,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne and nationally, Burnside Heights records markedly lower building activity, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing, which is currently 91.0% houses. At around 1083 people per approval, Burnside Heights shows a mature, established area. Looking ahead, Burnside Heights is expected to grow by 1,705 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Burnside Heights 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 four projects that may impact this region: Kings Park Reserve Sports Facilities Upgrades, Taylors Creek Residential Estate, Aspire Community, and Modeina Estate. The following details the most relevant projects.

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.

The employment environment in Burnside Heights shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Burnside Heights has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.7%.

As of December 2025, 3659 residents are employed and the participation rate is 77.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Home workership stands at 26.0%, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area specializes in the latter with an employment share twice the regional level, while professional & technical services are underrepresented at 7.7%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 3.7% while labour force rose by 4.3%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4% and labour force by 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. 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, but industry-specific projections suggest Burnside Heights' employment could increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Burnside Heights' income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers was $54,342 and average income stood at $63,826, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended 30 June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,825 (median) and $69,092 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes rank at the 80th percentile ($2,246 weekly), though personal income ranks lower at the 50th percentile. In Burnside Heights, 39.6% of the population (2,583 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. A substantial proportion of high earners (31.6%) have incomes above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout Burnside Heights. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, however strong earnings still place disposable income at the 79th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Burnside Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Burnside Heights' dwellings were 90.6% houses and 9.4% other types as per the latest Census data, compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% others. Home ownership in Burnside Heights was at 18.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 63.5% and rented ones at 17.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Burnside Heights' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Burnside Heights features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 93.2% of all households, including 66.3% couples with children, 13.4% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 6.8%, composed of lone person households at 5.4% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 3.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Burnside Heights shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates of 34.2%, exceeding the SA3 area average of 24.3% and Australia's rate of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 15.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 38.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.7% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 14 active public transport stops in Burnside Heights, all bus services. These stops are served by three routes, offering 918 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 230 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 90%, while trains account for 7%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.9 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 26% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 131 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Burnside Heights is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Burnside Heights shows superior health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but closer to national averages for older, at-risk groups.

Approximately 52% of residents have private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 56.7%. Asthma and diabetes are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 6.5 and 4.2% respectively, with 81.4% claiming to be free from medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 8.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

Burnside Heights is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Burnside Heights has a population where 49.9% were born overseas and 61.9% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Burnside Heights, with 48.8% of people adhering to it. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent here at 7.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (25.1%), Indian (10.3%), and Australian (9.8%). Notably, Other and Indian groups have higher representation than regional averages, while Australians are lower at 9.8% compared to 18.4%. Additionally, Maltese (5.8%), Spanish (1.3%), and Vietnamese (7.9%) groups show notable overrepresentation in Burnside Heights compared to regional averages of 1.1%, 0.4%, and 1.9% respectively.

Burnside Heights's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Burnside Heights' median age of 35 years is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 19.1%, higher than Greater Melbourne but lower than the national figure of 12.1%. The 25-34 cohort makes up 9.0% of Burnside Heights' population. Between 2021 and present, residents have aged by an average of 1.6 years, with the median age rising from 33 to 35. During this period, the 15-24 age group grew from 12.3% to 16.2%, while the 45-54 cohort increased from 12.8% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort declined from 22.6% to 18.2%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 21.7% to 19.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Burnside Heights. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 40%, adding 391 residents to reach 1,377. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease.