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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Burwood (NSW) is around 20,765. This reflects an increase of 2,541 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,224. The change is inferred from the resident population of 20,488 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 576 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 8,475 persons per square kilometer, placing Burwood in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 13.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.5%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, a significant population increase is forecast for Burwood, with an expected growth of 9,333 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 43.6% in total over the 17 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 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis using statistical area data. Over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, about 1,571 homes received approval, with an additional 13 approved in FY26 so far. Each year, around 1.8 new residents are associated with each dwelling constructed during these five years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $533,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment. Commercial approvals totalled $12.9 million in FY26, reflecting moderate commercial development levels. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has 226% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers and indicating strong developer confidence in the location. The majority of new building activity consists of medium and high-density housing (97%), with only 3% being standalone homes. This shift from the area's existing housing stock (currently 21% houses) reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options. Burwood has an approval-to-resident ratio of around 33 people per approval, indicating a developing area.

Future projections estimate a population growth of 9,056 residents by 2041, aligning with current development levels to maintain stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones 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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While Burwood retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.6%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Burwood has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 11,363 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% lower than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation in Burwood is at 62.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. Census responses indicate that 39.1% of residents work from home. The key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food. Notably, the accommodation & food industry employs twice the regional average in Burwood.

In contrast, construction employs only 5.9% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as suggested by the count of Census working population to local population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.0%, with employment decreasing by 1.8% in Burwood. This resulted in a fall of 0.2 percentage points in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project that national employment will expand by 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.

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, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. By September 2025, with an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $44,163 (median) and $64,018 (average). Census data indicates household income ranks at the 45th percentile ($1,671 weekly), with personal income at the 29th percentile. In Burwood, 31.6% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region's 30.9%. Housing affordability is 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, consisted of 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 dwellings at 61.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,449, while the median weekly rent was $500. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion of university qualifications (46.5%) compared to Australia (30.4%) and NSW (32.2%). This is due to a significant number holding bachelor degrees (29.5%), postgraduate qualifications (15.1%), and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational pathways are also prevalent, 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, including 14.9% in tertiary, 4.7% in primary, and 4.4% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 51 routes, together facilitating 12,700 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically living 134 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Burwood residents commute outward: trains at 40%, buses at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.5 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 39.1% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 1,814 trips daily, equating to about 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 excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 50% of Burwood's total population (~10,428 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in Burwood, affecting 4.1% and 3.4% of residents respectively. A total of 84.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. The area has 13.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,720 people), lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors in Burwood are strong, broadly in line with national rankings for 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 cultural diversities in Australia, with 78.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 73.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Burwood, comprising 27.2% of its population. Buddhism, however, is significantly overrepresented at 12.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 4.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (44.9%), Other (17.5%), and English (8.0%). Notably, Korean (2.5%) and Vietnamese (3.1%) are overrepresented while Lebanese (1.4%) is underrepresented compared to regional averages.

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

Burwood's median age in 2021 was 31 years, which is lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood had a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (29.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.4%). This 25-34 concentration was significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 28.1% to 29.6%, while the 35 to 44 cohort has grown from 12.7% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 9.7% to 8.2% and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 9.1% to 7.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that Burwood's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, with an increase of 2,074 people (34%) from 6,146 to 8,221 residents.