Burwood (NSW)

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

The population of Burwood NSW was estimated at 21,154 as of May 2026, a 16.1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 18,224 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 21,029 in June 2025 and an additional 578 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density was 8,634 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. Burwood's growth exceeded both its SA4 region (6.6%) and the state average, making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by this data.

Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Future projections indicate a significant population increase, with the suburb expected to grow by 8,460 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 39.4% over these 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Burwood was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Burwood has seen approximately 314 residential properties approved annually on average over the past five financial years, with a total of 1,571 homes approved between FY21 and FY25. In FY26 up to date, 13 dwellings have been granted approval. Each year, around 1.7 people move into the area for each dwelling constructed during these five years.

The average construction value of new properties is $533,000, indicating a focus on premium market segment developments. This financial year has seen $12.9 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to Greater Sydney, where Burwood has 218.0% more construction activity per person. Recent construction comprises 3.0% standalone homes and 97.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting a shift from the current housing mix of 21.0% houses. The location currently has approximately 33 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Burwood will gain 8,335 residents by 2041, with present construction rates appearing balanced with future demand to maintain steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Population forecasts indicate Burwood will gain 8,335 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Burwood Culture House, Sydney Metro West - Burwood North Station, Croydon Transport Oriented Development Precinct, and Burwood North Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Burwood presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.6%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Burwood has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.6% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 11,388 residents were employed at an unemployment rate of 0.6% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Burwood was 61.1%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. Census responses indicated that 39.1% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food. Notably, the area had a high concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction employed only 5.9% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the count of Census working population to local population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Burwood's labour force decreased by 1.9%, alongside a 1.7% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate fall of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Burwood suburb has a median taxpayer income of $40,569 and an average of $58,808 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Sydney's median income at $60,817 and average income at $83,003. Using Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $44,756 (median) and $64,877 (average). According to census data, Burwood's household income ranks at the 45th percentile ($1,671 weekly), while personal income is at the 29th percentile. Incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range represent 31.6% of Burwood's population (6,684 individuals), similar to the surrounding region at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 75.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 36th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Burwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, had 21.4% houses and 78.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood was at 20.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.9% and rented ones at 61.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,449, above the Sydney metro average of $2,427. The median weekly rent in Burwood was $500, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 61.2% of all households, including 21.8% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.8%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 14.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Burwood's educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 46.5% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational pathways account for 20.6% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 8.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.9% in tertiary education, 4.7% in primary education, and 4.4% pursuing secondary education.

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

Burwood has 82 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 51 different routes, collectively facilitating 12,700 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 134 meters to the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Burwood residents commute outward using trains (40%) or buses (11%). The area has a lower vehicle ownership rate of 0.5 per dwelling compared to the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 39.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 1,814 trips per day, translating to approximately 154 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Burwood's health outcomes show exceptional results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~10,623 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (4.1%) and arthritis (3.4%). 84.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Burwood has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.9% (2,728 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings, similar to the general population.

Burwood 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 has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 78.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 73.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Burwood, accounting for 27.2% of the population. However, Buddhism is significantly overrepresented in Burwood compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 12.2% versus the regional average of 4.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese is the largest group in Burwood at 44.9%, which is much higher than the regional average of 8.4%. The Other category makes up 17.5% and English 8.0%, both notably different from their respective regional averages of 23.6% and 19.0%. Additionally, Korean (2.5%), Vietnamese (3.1%), and Lebanese (1.4%) are notable ethnic groups in Burwood that differ significantly from their regional counterparts.

Burwood hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Burwood's median age at 31 years is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (30.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have reduced Burwood's median age by 1.2 years to 31. During this period, the 25-34 age group has increased from 28.1% to 30.8% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 9.7% to 7.9%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 9.1% to 7.6%. Population forecasts for Burwood in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 1,911 people (29%) from 6,515 to 8,427.