Burwood East

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Burwood East as of Nov 2025 is around 12,348. This reflects an increase of 1,673 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,675. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,366 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 480 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,898 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burwood East's growth rate of 15.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (8.3%) and the national average. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 3,457 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 28.1% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Burwood East among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Burwood East has seen approximately 127 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Around 639 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 21 approved in FY-26. Each new dwelling brought an average of 2.2 new residents annually over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $729,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. Commercial approvals totalled $18.5 million in FY-26. Comparing Burwood East to Greater Melbourne, it has 35.0% more development per person over the past five years, reflecting strong developer confidence. New developments consist of 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% medium to high-density housing, a shift from the current housing mix which is 74.0% houses. The area has approximately 311 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. By 2041, Burwood East is expected to grow by 3,475 residents, with current development well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions.

Looking ahead, Burwood East is expected to grow by 3,475 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Burwood East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects expected to influence the region. Notable ones are Tally Ho Major Activity Centre Structure Plan, SRL East - Works Package F - Stations - Glen Waverley to Box Hill, East Burwood Reserve Master Plan, and Mirrabooka Reserve Pavilion Redevelopment. The following list details those 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.

Employment conditions in Burwood East remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Burwood East has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year.

There were 6,321 residents employed while the unemployment rate matched Greater Melbourne's at 4.6%. Workforce participation lagged behind Greater Melbourne at 57.8%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while construction is under-represented at 7.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 3.0%, labour force by 3.2%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%, labour force growth of 4.0%, with unemployment rising 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burwood East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Burwood East had a median taxpayer income of $45,312 and an average of $60,119 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is below the national average of $54,892 median and $73,761 average in Greater Melbourne. By September 2025, estimates project these figures to approximately $50,822 median and $67,429 average based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census ranked Burwood East's household income at the 42nd percentile ($1,610 weekly) and personal income at the 24th percentile. In earnings profile, 30.2% of locals (3,729 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring metropolitan patterns where 32.8% occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 83.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Burwood East's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.9% houses and 26.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood East was at 44.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.2% and rented ones at 26.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,147, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,300. The median weekly rent figure was $439, compared to Melbourne metro's $412. Nationally, Burwood East's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,147 than the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Burwood East were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $439.

Burwood East features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.3% of all households, including 33.7% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 22.5% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Burwood East shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Burwood East is notably high, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ having university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational pathways account for 22.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 11.8%. Residents' educational participation is high, with 28.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.2% in tertiary, 7.2% in primary, and 6.1% in secondary education.

Burwood East has a robust network of schools, comprising 7 institutions educating approximately 1,945 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1082. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 3 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. Note: for schools marked 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 64 active transport stops operating in Burwood East, consisting of a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 15 individual routes, collectively providing 4296 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 224 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 613 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 67 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Burwood East is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Burwood East shows healthier-than-average outcomes for both young and elderly residents. Common health conditions have low prevalence rates here.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% (~6,253 people), slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.0%. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 7.2% and 6.2% respectively. A total of 73.6% claim to be free from any medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 73.9%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors (aged 65+), at 22.4% (~2,765 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 17.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Burwood East align with the general population's health profile.

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

Burwood East has a high level of cultural diversity, with 56.5% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 53.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Burwood East, making up 43.5% of the population. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent in Burwood East compared to Greater Melbourne, with 8.5% versus 6.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (25.3%), English (13.5%), and Other (11.9%). Some ethnic groups have notable representation differences: Greek at 7.8% (regional average is 3.0%), Sri Lankan at 1.5% (regional average is 0.8%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (regional average is 0.3%).

Burwood East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Burwood East has a median age of 40, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. Locally, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 8.6%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 9.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.9% to 16.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 12.5% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Burwood East's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 608 people (109%) from 555 to 1,164.