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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, Burwood (NSW) statistical area's population is estimated at around 20,764. This reflects an increase of 2,540 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,224. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 20,488 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 577 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 (NSW) in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 13.9% since the 2021 Census exceeded both its SA4 region (6.3%) and the state level, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Burwood (NSW).

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. By 2041, Burwood (NSW)'s population is forecasted to increase significantly, with an expected expansion of 9,482 persons, reflecting a gain of 44.5% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Burwood had approximately 310 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1554 homes. As of FY26, 13 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, suggesting balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost value of $533000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY26, $129 million in commercial approvals have been registered, implying balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood exhibits 222% higher development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence. New building activity comprises 2% standalone homes and 98% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from current housing patterns of 21% houses, likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Burwood has approximately 33 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Burwood will add 9249 residents by 2041, with existing development levels aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Future projections show Burwood adding 9,249 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining 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 to impact the area. Key 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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While Burwood retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Burwood has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.8% as of an unspecified date.

Over the past year, employment remained relatively stable. As of September 2025, 11,437 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, 0.4% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was 56.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food.

Employment in accommodation & food was particularly notable, at twice the regional average. However, construction employed only 5.9% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the 12 months prior to an unspecified date, Burwood's labour force increased by 0.5%, but employment decreased by 0.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burwood's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Burwood had a median taxpayer income of $40,569 and an average income of $58,808 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Sydney having a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since the financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $44,163 (median) and $64,018 (average). According to census data, household income ranks at the 45th percentile ($1,671 weekly), while personal income is at the 29th percentile. In Burwood, 31.6% of the population (6,561 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort also represents 30.9%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 75.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 36th percentile. The area'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). In comparison, Sydney metro had 33.5% houses and 66.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood was at 20.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (17.9%) or rented (61.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Burwood was $2,449, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,436. Median weekly rent in Burwood was $500, compared to Sydney metro's $465. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 fairly typical 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 make up 38.8%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 14.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the Greater Sydney average.

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

Burwood has notably higher educational attainment than national and state averages. Among residents aged 15+, 46.5% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. 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%, 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 tertiary education (14.9%), primary education (4.7%), and secondary education (4.4%).

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

Burwood has 74 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 51 different routes, collectively facilitating 12,700 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 134 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,814 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 171 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Burwood, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (around 10,427 people), compared to 57.8% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 4.1% and 3.4% of residents respectively.

About 84.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.0% across Greater Sydney. Burwood has 12.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,595 people), lower than the 14.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors align broadly with those of 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 a high level of cultural diversity, 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, making up 27.2% of people. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 12.2%, compared to the Greater Sydney average of 6.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (44.9%), Other (17.5%), and English (8.0%). There are notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Korean at 2.5% vs regional 2.8%, Vietnamese at 3.1% vs regional 2.1%, and Lebanese at 1.4% vs regional 3.1%.

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

Burwood's median age at 31 years is notably lower than the Greater Sydney average of 37 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (29.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and the present, younger residents have lowered the median age by one year to 31. During this period, the 25-34 age group has increased from 28.1% to 29.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 9.7% to 8.2%. The 55-64 age group has also dropped from 9.1% to 7.9%. Population projections for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Burwood, with the 25-34 age cohort expected to grow by 2,053 people (33%), reaching a total of 8,262 residents.