Burnside (SA)

Burnside has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Burnside (SA) is around 3,171, reflecting an increase of 111 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.6% rise from the previous population count of 3,060. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2025 and validated new addresses, is 3,165. This results in a population density of 1,876 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burnside's growth since the Census positions it competitively with other SA3 areas, being within 1.4 percentage points of their 5.0% growth rate. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. For other years and areas not covered by this data, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Based on these projections, Burnside is expected to increase its population by just below the median of Australian statistical areas, gaining around 209 persons by 2041. This reflects a total growth of approximately 6.4% over the 16-year period from 2025 to 2041.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Burnside according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Burnside has recorded approximately 8 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 40 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.7 people have moved to the area per year for each dwelling built during this period.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average construction value of new properties is $838,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $998,000 in commercial approvals, predominantly residential-focused. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Burnside shows reduced construction activity, 57.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes, though development activity has increased recently.

However, this activity remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving Burnside's suburban character with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (71.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 218 people per dwelling approval, Burnside shows characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate Burnside will gain approximately 203 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Burnside has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Notable projects include SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28, O-Bahn City Access Project, SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program, and Adelaide Level Crossing Removal Planning Program. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Burnside rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Burnside has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% as of December 2025. This is lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.5%. As of December 2025, 1,672 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, aligning with Greater Adelaide's workforce participation rate of 66.0%. Home-based work accounted for 19.0% of jobs, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Burnside specializes in professional & technical roles with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level, but construction is under-represented at 4.9% compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally due to its predominantly residential nature. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.5% and labour force grew by 4.6%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 4.2%, labour force grow by 3.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burnside's employment mix suggests local job growth could reach 7.5% in five years and 15.1% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that income in Burnside is exceptionally high nationally. The median assessed income is $63,323 while the average income stands at $97,845. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,763 (median) and $107,796 (average) as of March 2026. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Burnside, between the 81st and 81st percentiles nationally. The data shows that the predominant cohort spans 30.5% of locals (967 people) with weekly earnings in the $1,500 - 2,999 category. A significant 36.5% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and placing Burnside's SEIFA income ranking in the 9th decile.

Burnside is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Burnside's latest Census data shows 70.9% houses and 29.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Adelaide metro has 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burnside is at 44.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.6% and rented ones at 16.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Burnside is $2,400, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562. Median weekly rent in Burnside is $375, while Adelaide metro's is $320. Nationally, Burnside's mortgage repayments are higher at $2,400 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are comparable at $375.

Burnside has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 74.9% of all households, including 39.1% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.1%, with lone person households at 24.0% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Burnside demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Burnside's educational attainment exceeds broader standards significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 51.9% possess university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 31.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.9%). Vocational pathways account for 20.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 10.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.9% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 7.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Burnside has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by eight different routes that together facilitate 496 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents on average located just 203 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, primarily by car at an 88% rate, while only 8% use public buses. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in Burnside. According to the 2021 Census data, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions, 19.0% of residents work from home.

The service frequency across all routes averages 70 trips per day, equating to roughly 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burnside's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Burnside's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Approximately 66% of Burnside's total population (2079 people) had private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. The most common conditions in Burnside were arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.0% and 5.8% of residents respectively. 74.2% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Burnside has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.4% (710 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors in Burnside are strong and align with national rankings for the general population.

Burnside was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Burnside's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 33.0% born overseas and 25.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Burnside, comprising 45.9% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.4% compared to 0.1% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.0%), Australian (21.1%), and Other (11.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Russian was overrepresented at 0.5% in Burnside (vs 0.3% regionally), Italian at 5.5% (vs 5.2%), and Chinese at 8.2% (vs 3.1%).

Burnside hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Burnside is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Burnside has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (9.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 11.7% to 13.1%, while the population aged 65-74 declined from 10.4% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Burnside's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 79%, reaching 170 people from 95. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting Burnside's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.