Burnside (Vic.)

Burnside lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Burnside (Vic.) is around 6,833, reflecting a growth of 1,033 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 17.8% rise from the previous population of 5,800. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,635 following examination of the ABS's ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 241 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,679 persons per square kilometer, placing Burnside in the upper quartile compared to other national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 17.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average of 9.3% and the national average, indicating its status as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas migration and natural growth also being positive factors.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, Burnside is projected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to increase by 3,369 persons, reflecting a total increase of 46.4% over the 16-year period, based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Burnside shows approximately 69 new homes approved annually. Between FY21 and FY25, around 349 homes were approved, with an additional 32 approved so far in FY26. Each new home constructed attracted about 2.6 people over the past five financial years, indicating steady demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of these new homes was $573,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, Burnside has registered approximately $8.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to Greater Melbourne, where building activity is 54.0% higher per person. The area's constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, which is notably higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in Burnside's location. Recent development has been entirely composed of detached dwellings, preserving Burnside's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers at a rate of around 116 people per approval. By 2041, AreaSearch projects Burnside to add approximately 3,171 residents, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace alongside projected growth, although increasing competition is expected as the population grows.

Future projections show Burnside adding 3,171 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Burnside has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified three major projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Amora Estate Cairnlea, Modeina Estate, Taylors Creek Residential Estate, and Lake Caroline Master Plan & Activation Strategy. The following details those likely to be most relevant.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Burnside recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Burnside has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%. As of December 2025, 3,343 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 5.6%, which is 0.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Burnside was 65.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 21.3% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. Burnside showed strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services had lower representation at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, while labour force grew by 4.5%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.3 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 2.4%, labour force expanded by 2.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to Burnside's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Burnside had a median taxpayer income of $45,747 and an average income of $53,731 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164 during the same period. By March 2026, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest median incomes would be approximately $50,148 and average incomes around $58,900. Census data indicates household income ranks at the 57th percentile ($1,871 weekly) and personal income at the 24th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 34.9% earning between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly (2,384 residents), similar to broader metropolitan trends of 32.8%. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 57th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Burnside, as per the latest Census data, 85.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 14.7% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burnside stood at 31.1%, similar to Melbourne metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.4% and rented ones at 10.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, mirroring the Melbourne metro average, while median weekly rent was $400 compared to Melbourne's $390. Nationally, Burnside's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 80.9% of all households, including 51.5% couples with children, 18.6% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 19.1%, with lone person households at 18.0% and group households making up 1.1%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Burnside performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 25.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 30.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (19.3%). Educational participation is high, with 33.5% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.7% in primary, 9.7% in secondary, and 5.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Burnside has 20 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that collectively facilitate 804 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located 210 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 90%, while only 6% use trains for their commutes. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Burnside, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 21.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 114 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burnside's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Burnside's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. AreaSearch assessed mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, finding common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,290 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (7.2%) and asthma (6.9%), with 73.3% reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 15.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,086 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges but ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Burnside 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 has a population where 49.3% were born overseas, and 56.4% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Burnside with 60.5%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.9% of Burnside's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (23.0%), Australian (12.1%), and English (10.3%). Filipino (8.3%) Maltese (5.9%), and Spanish (1.2%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Burnside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Burnside has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 age group is strongly represented at 15.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's figure. However, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent in Burnside at 12.2%. Between 2021 and the present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.9% to 15.6%, while the 45-54 cohort has risen from 12.3% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 11.2% to 10.0%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Burnside's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 61%, adding 559 people and reaching a total of 1,482 from its current figure of 922.