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

The population of the Burnside Heights statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at 6,524 as of November 2025, reflecting an increase of 147 people since the 2021 Census. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of a resident population of 6,499 in June 2024 and validation of seven new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 3,262 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed around 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in June 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, it utilised the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Burnside Heights (SA2) is forecasted to experience significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas. By 2041, the area is expected to expand by 1,729 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 26.1% over the 17-year period.

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 over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 17 homes. So far in FY-26 (July 2021 to June 2022), 1 approval has been recorded. The population has declined in recent years, but 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. When measured against Greater Melbourne, Burnside Heights records markedly lower building activity. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This is likewise lower than nationally, 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 and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 91.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

At around 1083 people per approval, Burnside Heights shows a mature, established area. Looking ahead, Burnside Heights is expected to grow by 1,704 residents through to 2041 (from 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 likely impacting the area: Kings Park Reserve Sports Facilities Upgrades, Taylors Creek Residential Estate, Aspire Community, and Modeina Estate. The following details these key projects in order of relevance.

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

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

Burnside Heights has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.3%. As of September 2025, 3668 residents are employed, with a participation rate of 70.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries 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, but has lower representation in professional services at 7.7% versus the regional average of 10.1%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. In the past year, employment increased by 5.3%, labour force by 5.5%, leading to a slight unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%. State-wide in Victoria as of 25-Nov, employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying by industry sector. Applying these projections to Burnside Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers was $54,342 and the average income stood at $63,826. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $58,825 and average income $69,092, factoring in an 8.25% growth since financial year 2023 as per the Wage Price Index. Census data shows Burnside Heights' household incomes rank at the 80th percentile ($2,246 weekly), while personal incomes rank at the 50th percentile. Income distribution reveals that 39.6% of the population (2,583 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. Notably, 31.6% earn above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout Burnside Heights. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 79th percentile. The suburb'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' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. 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, higher than Melbourne metro's $1,800. Weekly rent median was $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $351. Nationally, Burnside Heights' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above 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% that are couples with children, 13.4% that are couples without children, and 12.3% that consist of single parents. Non-family households make up the remaining 6.8%, with lone person households at 5.4% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. The median household size is 3.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.0 people.

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 at 34.2%, surpassing the SA3 area average of 24.3% and the national 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 common, with 25.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas make up 10.6% while certificates account for 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 shows 14 active stops operating in Burnside Heights, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by three routes, providing a total of 918 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 230 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 131 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burnside Heights's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health outcomes data shows Burnside Heights has excellent results across various health indicators.

Common health conditions seen in both young and old age groups are at a standard level. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~3,398 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. Asthma and diabetes are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.5 and 4.2% of residents respectively. 81.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 73.7% across Greater Melbourne. As of March 2021, 8.0% of residents are aged 65 and over (521 people), lower than the 10.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention despite being above average.

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% adherents, while Buddhism is overrepresented at 7.4%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 2.8%. The top three ancestry groups are Other (25.1%), Indian (10.3%), and Australian (9.8%).

Notably, Maltese (5.8%) and Spanish (1.3%) are overrepresented, while Vietnamese (7.9%) is significantly higher than the regional average of 1.9%.

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

At 34 years, Burnside Heights's median age is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years, and considerably younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burnside Heights has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (20.0%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.1%). This concentration is well above the national average of 12.2%. Since the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, residents have aged by an average of 1.3 years, with the median age rising from 33 to 34 years. Specifically, the 15-24 age group has grown from 12.3% to 15.3%, while the 45-54 cohort increased from 12.8% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort declined from 22.6% to 19.0%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 21.7% to 20.0%. Population forecasts for Burnside Heights in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 15-24 age group is projected to grow by 45%, adding 445 residents to reach a total of 1,444. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 35-44 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.