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 and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of the suburb of Burwood (NSW) was around 20,769 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 2,545 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,224 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 20,495 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 577 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 8,477 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 14.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (6.4%) and the state, indicating its status 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 adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and utilised NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where data was not available, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, a significant population increase is forecasted for the suburb of Burwood (NSW), with an expected growth of 9,495 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 44.6% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Burwood has experienced around 312 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Approximately 1,561 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with another three approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 1.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during this period.

The market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $533,000. Additionally, $12.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered in the current financial year, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has 224.0% more construction activity per person, which should provide buyers with ample choice and reflects robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 3.0% standalone homes and 97.0% medium and high-density housing, a trend that provides accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix of 21.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 33 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Burwood will gain 9,257 residents through to 2041, according to 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 31 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Burwood Culture House, Sydney Metro West - Burwood North Station, Burwood North Precinct, and Croydon Transport Oriented Development Precinct. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Burwood shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Burwood has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of also 3.9%.

As of June 2025, there were 11,525 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, 0.3% below Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation was at 56.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading industries for Burwood residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food. Notably, employment in accommodation & food is twice the regional average.

However, construction is under-represented, with only 5.9% of Burwood's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9%, labour force by 4.2%, resulting in a 0.4% rise in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Sydney's employment grew by 2.6%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, with unemployment rising by 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Burwood had a median taxpayer income of $40,580 and an average of $58,820 in financial year 2022. This was below the national average of $56,994 for median income and $80,856 for average income in Greater Sydney. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $45,697 (median) and $66,237 (average), based on a 12.61% increase from financial year 2022. According to census data, household income ranked at the 45th percentile ($1,671 weekly), with personal income at the 29th percentile. The predominant income cohort was 31.6% of locals (6,563 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 75.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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 mortgaged dwellings at 17.9% and rented ones at 61.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Burwood was $2,449, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,436. Weekly rent in Burwood was recorded at $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 comprise 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 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's educational attainment is notably high, with 46.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the NSW average of 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% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 12.5% and certificates 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. Burwood's five schools have a combined enrollment reaching 2,029 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA value of 1097. The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and three K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents stand at 9.8, below the regional average of 15.8, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Burwood has 59 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 47 different routes, collectively handling 12,730 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 135 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,818 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 215 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 10,432 people), compared to 57.3% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 4.1% of residents and arthritis impacting 3.4%.

A majority of residents, 84.5%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 77.0% across Greater Sydney. Burwood has 12.5% of its population aged 65 and over (2,596 people), which is lower than the 14.5% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 main religion in Burwood, accounting for 27.2% of people. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 12.2% of the population compared to the Greater Sydney average of 6.2%.

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

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

Burwood's median age in 2021 was 31 years, lower than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood had 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 was significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, younger residents have reduced the median age by 1 year to 31 years. The 25-34 age group grew from 28.1% to 29.9%, while the 45-54 cohort decreased from 9.7% to 8.2% and the 55-64 group dropped from 9.1% to 7.9%. Population forecasts for Burwood in 2041 project significant demographic changes, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 2,053 people (33%), reaching a total of 8,263 residents.