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 a 147-person increase (2.3%) since the 2021 Census figure of 6,377 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6,499 in Jun 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 3,262 persons per square kilometer, placing Burnside Heights in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.0% of recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, it employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Burnside Heights is forecasted to experience significant population growth in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to increase by 1,729 persons, reflecting a total 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Burnside Heights has experienced approximately 3 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 17 homes. As of FY-26, 1 dwelling approval has been recorded. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $477,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting focus on quality developments.

In FY-26, $46,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne and nationally, Burnside Heights records 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 composition of 91.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 1083 people per approval, Burnside Heights shows a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Burnside Heights is expected to grow by 1,704 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact this region. Key projects are Kings Park Reserve Sports Facilities Upgrades, Taylors Creek Residential Estate, Aspire Community, and Modeina Estate. The following details the projects likely to have the greatest 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. Its unemployment rate is 3.7%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.3%.

As of September 2025, 3668 residents are employed and the unemployment rate is 1.0% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation in Burnside Heights is higher at 77.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 26.0% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing.

The area specializes in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share twice the regional level but has lower representation in professional & technical services at 7.7%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 5.3% while unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Burnside Heights' employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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 ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers is $54,342 and the average income stands at $63,826. In comparison, Greater Melbourne's figures are $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Burnside Heights 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 terms of income distribution, 39.6% of Burnside Heights' population falls 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% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Burnside Heights. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, but 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, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 90.6% houses and 9.4% other types (semi-detached, apartments, others). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burnside Heights stood at 18.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 63.5% and rented ones at 17.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, matching Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390 respectively. 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 comprise the remaining 6.8%, with lone person households at 5.4% and group households making up 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 at 34.2% of residents aged 15+, 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 prominent, with 25.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 10.6% and certificates make up 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

Burnside Heights has 14 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 918 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 230 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation for 90% of residents, while 7% use trains. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 26.0% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 131 trips per day 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 better-than-average health outcomes, as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but nears the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,398 people), slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and diabetes, affecting 6.5 and 4.2% of residents respectively, with 81.4% reporting no medical ailments compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 8.8% of residents aged 65 and over (574 people), lower than 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, accounting for 48.8% of the population. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent in Burnside Heights at 7.4%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (25.1%), Indian (10.3%), and Australian (9.8%). These figures differ from regional averages: Other is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%, Indian is notably higher than the regional average of 4.2%, and Australian is significantly lower than the regional average of 18.4%. Notable divergences also exist in Maltese (5.8% vs 1.1%), Spanish (1.3% vs 0.4%), and Vietnamese (7.9% vs 1.9%) representations compared to regional averages.

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

Burnside Heights' median age is 35 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group constitutes 19.1% of the population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national average of 25%. The 25-34 age group makes up 8.9% of Burnside Heights' population, which is less prevalent compared to both Greater Melbourne and the national average. From 2021 to present, residents have aged on average by 1.7 years, with the median age increasing from 33 to 35 years. During this period, the 15-24 age group grew from 12.3% to 16.1%, while the 45-54 cohort increased from 12.8% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group declined from 22.6% to 18.1%, and the 5-14 group decreased from 21.7% to 19.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Burnside Heights, with the 15-24 age group projected to grow by 37%, adding 393 residents to reach a total of 1,444. In contrast, both the 5-14 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.