Burswood

Burswood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

According to ABS population figures for the surrounding region and subsequent address validations conducted by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Burswood has a population calculated at approximately 3,688 as of May 2026. Compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 2,779 residents, this represents an addition of 909 people (32.7%). This adjustment is based on a resident population estimate of 3,686, which AreaSearch derived from the ABS June 2025 ERP data release combined with 134 validated new addresses added post-Census. With these numbers, the suburb's density stands at 1,081 persons per square kilometer, aligning closely with typical ratios observed across other localities monitored by AreaSearch. The suburb's expansion rate of 32.7% since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%) as well as the state benchmark, establishing it as a regional growth leader. The expansion was largely propelled by arrivals from overseas, who made up roughly 83.0% of the overall population increases during recent periods.

Projections established by the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are applied by AreaSearch for SA2 geographic units. For areas lacking this data, and for estimating numbers beyond 2032, growth patterns by age group from the 2023 release of Greater Capital Region projections (utilising 2022 data) are implemented. Looking at long-term dynamics, the suburb of Burswood is set to register a expansion rate above the median of Australian statistical areas, with projections indicating an increase of 683 persons by 2041, which represents an 18.5% rise over the 16 years.

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

Data from building approvals compiled by AreaSearch from broader statistical boundaries shows that the suburb of Burswood has averaged approximately 23 new residential approvals annually, with 118 homes approved during the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, and 25 recorded so far in FY-26. Because there have been 7.3 new residents for every finished dwelling during the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, demand runs far ahead of building completions, a trend that typically drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition. The average value of these new projects is $761,000, showing that developers are targeting the upscale market with premium housing. Additionally, commercial approvals have reached $4.3 million this financial year, emphasizing the dominant residential profile of the locality.

Relative to Greater Perth, the suburb of Burswood exhibits higher building activity per capita (25.0% above the regional average over the 5 year period), which helps maintain healthy stock levels while reinforcing existing home valuations. Newly approved structures consist of 37.0% detached houses and 63.0% attached dwellings. Focusing on multi-unit density provides more budget-friendly entry points and caters to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. However, current construction points to a higher share of detached housing than was recorded in the Census (18.0%), demonstrating that appetite for traditional family homes remains strong despite densification trends. Showing approximately 73 people per residential approval, the suburb of Burswood displays characteristics typical of a growth corridor.

Long-term forecasts indicate the suburb of Burswood will welcome 681 new inhabitants through to 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. The pace of construction is tracking reasonably well with these projections, though purchasers may still face heightened competition as the population expands.

Burswood has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Infrastructure updates, major commercial projects, and local planning changes are primary drivers of real estate performance. A total of 23 developments have been identified by AreaSearch as having a potential local impact. Key initiatives include the Perth Park entertainment and sports precinct, the Burswood Point development, the Ebizco Rivervale Mixed-Use Tower on Armadale Road, and The Springs Rivervale Masterplanned Community.

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Employment performance in Burswood ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

A highly qualified workforce characterizes the suburb of Burswood, with professionals heavily represented, an unemployment rate of only 2.6%, and job growth over the past year estimated at 4.1% using aggregated regional figures. As of March 2026, there are 2,548 employed residents, the unemployment rate is 1.6% below the Greater Perth mark of 4.2%, and the participation rate is significantly elevated at 77.3% compared to Greater Perth's 70.2%. Census records indicate that a modest 10.6% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been affected by pandemic lockdowns.

The primary sectors employing residents are health care & social assistance, mining, and professional & technical services. Notably, mining representation is 1.6 times the regional average. In contrast, education & training is underrepresented, accounting for 5.9% of jobs compared to the broader metro average of 9.2%. Reflecting a ratio of 3.1 workers for every local resident during the Census, the area acts as a major employment center, offering more jobs than it has residents and drawing in commuters from other districts.

Analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas by AreaSearch, indicates that the 12-month period witnessed a 4.1% rise in employment and a 4.2% increase in the labour force, resulting in an unemployment rate increase of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% growth in employment, a 2.5% expansion in the labour force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide additional perspective on potential future demand within Burswood. These projections, spanning five and ten-year periods, have been overlaid onto the local employment profile to estimate growth trajectories. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth varies considerably across industry sectors. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to Burswood's employment mix implies that local employment should rise by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years. It is important to note that this represents a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localised population projections.

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

Taxpayer statistics from the ATO postcode data for the financial year 2023 show the suburb of Burswood had a median taxpayer income of $65,481 and an average income of $87,281. These figures are exceptionally high on a national scale and compare to Greater Perth medians and averages of $60,748 and $80,248. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 stand at approximately $72,638 for the median and $96,821 for the average. The 2021 Census placed individual weekly earnings at the 87th percentile nationwide, at $1,132. Income distribution data indicates 35.6% of the local population (1,312 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring regional trends where 32.0% fall into this bracket. Although residents allocate 17.4% of their income to high housing costs, strong overall earnings place disposable income at the 62nd percentile nationally, with the SEIFA index ranking the area in the 8th decile.

Burswood features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Residential configurations in the suburb of Burswood during the latest Census consisted of 18.3% houses and 81.6% other options (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings), contrasting with the Perth metro mix of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other options. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Burswood lagged behind the metropolitan average, sitting at 24.1%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgagors (25.8%) or tenants (50.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,167 was considerably higher than the Perth metro median of $1,907, while median weekly rent was $430 compared to $350 for the wider metro area. Compared nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Burswood are much higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents exceed the national benchmark of $375.

Burswood features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families represent 58.8% of all households, with couples with children making up 15.4%, couples without children accounting for 34.1%, and single-parent households at 6.8%. Non-family households constitute the remaining 41.2%, with single-person households representing 35.3% and group households making up 6.4%. The median household size of 2.0 people is below the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in the suburb of Burswood is significantly higher than broader geographical averages, with 43.4% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary degree compared to 27.9% across WA and 29.9% in the SA4 region. This high concentration of degrees positions the population well for knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees represent the largest category at 28.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees (11.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational and technical credentials are also well represented, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these areas, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (17.0%).

Participation in study is high, with 25.0% of the population enrolled in an educational institution. This is made up of 9.8% in higher education, 4.3% in primary school, and 3.1% in high school.

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

Public transit networks in the suburb of Burswood consist of 37 active train and bus stops. These services run across 66 distinct routes, delivering a combined 11,339 passenger trips each week. Transit accessibility is favorable, with residents living an average of 302 meters from their nearest stop. Because of the residential nature of the suburb, most workers travel outward for employment, with private cars remaining the primary transit mode at 73%, followed by buses at 10% and trains at 8%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.0 per household, which is below the wider metropolitan average. Home-based work was recorded at 10.6% during the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect pandemic conditions.

Service frequency averages 1,619 daily trips across all transit routes, representing about 306 weekly services for each transit stop.

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

Health profiles for the suburb of Burswood show positive indicators, with low mortality rates and minimal chronic illness rates across all age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 62% of the population (2,281 people) holding cover, compared to 59.0% across Greater Perth and a national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and mental health conditions are the most common diagnoses, affecting 5.8% and 5.5% of residents. Conversely, 76.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. Residents aged 65 and over make up 16.7% of the local population (615 people), and health outcomes for this senior cohort are strong, with national rankings matching those of the general population.

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

Cultural diversity is high in the suburb of Burswood, where 31.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home and 49.3% were born overseas. Christianity is the largest religious group, accounting for 41.0% of the population. Hinduism shows a notable overrepresentation, making up 5.2% of the population compared to 2.5% across Greater Perth.

Looking at parent countries of birth, the three largest ancestry groups are English at 23.1%, Other at 15.9%, and Australian at 15.8%, which sits below the regional average of 21.2%. Other demographic deviations include Welsh ancestries representing 0.8% of the population (compared to 0.7% regionally), Korean at 0.9% (compared to 0.3%), and Spanish at 0.7% (compared to 0.4%).

Burswood's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age of residents is 37, matching Greater Perth's median of 37 and sitting close to the national figure of 38 years. The 25 - 34 demographic is highly represented at 23.7%, compared to a lower share of 4.3% for the 5 - 14 demographic. The representation of the 25 - 34 group is substantially higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between 2021 and the latest estimates, the 25 to 34 age bracket increased from 22.2% to 23.7%, while the 45 to 54 group fell from 12.7% to 11.2%, and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 13.1% to 12.0%. Demographics will adjust by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 106% (183 people) to reach 357 from a base of 173. This aging trend is marked by the 65+ cohort accounting for 55% of the total projected growth, while the 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 demographics are expected to contract.