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 the suburb of Burwood (NSW) is estimated to be around 20,765 as of February 2026. This figure 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, along with 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 both the SA4 region (6.5%) and 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 9,476 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Burwood has experienced around 310 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 1,554 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved in FY-26 so far. Each year, about 1.8 new residents per dwelling are estimated, indicating a balanced supply and demand market.

The average construction cost of new homes is $533,000, suggesting developers target the premium segment. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $12.9 million, showing moderate commercial development. Compared to Greater Sydney, Burwood has 222.0% more construction activity per capita. This high level of activity, predominantly medium and high-density housing (98.0%), caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, marking a shift from the area's current housing composition (21.0% houses). With around 33 people per approval, Burwood reflects an evolving area. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates a population growth of 9,242 residents. Current development levels align with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Looking ahead, Burwood is expected to grow by 9,242 residents through to 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects that could impact the 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 likely to be 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.

While Burwood retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Burwood has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, lower than the Greater Sydney average of 4.2%. Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively high.

As of September 2025, 11,435 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 0.4% below Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation in Burwood is 63.5%, lower than Greater Sydney's 70.0%. Census data shows 39.1% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and accommodation & food.

Employment in accommodation & food is notably high, at twice the regional average. However, construction employs only 5.9% of local workers, below Greater Sydney's 8.6%. Many Burwood residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Burwood's labour force increased by 0.5%, while employment decreased slightly, leading to a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project overall 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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 financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average of $60,817 (median) and $83,003 (average) for Greater Sydney. By September 2025, based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $44,163 (median) and $64,018 (average). Census data indicates Burwood's household income ranks at the 45th percentile ($1,671 weekly), with personal income at the 29th percentile. In financial year 2023, 31.6% of Burwood's population fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the surrounding region at 30.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Burwood, 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

The dwelling structure in Burwood, as per the latest Census, consisted of 21.4% houses and 78.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 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 in the area was $2,449, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure for Burwood was $500, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and 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 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 comprise the remaining 38.8%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households making up 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

Educational attainment in Burwood is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 46.5% hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. This educational advantage positions the area well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%).

Vocational pathways account for 20.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 8.1%. 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 providing 12,700 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 134 meters to the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound: trains are used most at 40%, followed by buses at 11%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 0.5, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 39.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 1,814 trips daily across all routes, equating 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 favourable results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence across all age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% (around 10,428 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 4.1%, and arthritis impacts 3.4% of residents, with 84.5% declaring no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Burwood has 12.9% (2,678 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Sydney's 15.4%. Health outcomes among seniors 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's population is predominantly culturally diverse, with 78.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 73.4% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Burwood, comprising 27.2%. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 12.2%, higher than 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 compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 1.8%, respectively.

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

Burwood has a median age of 31 years, which is 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 (29.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.3%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of Burwood's population aged 25-34 has increased from 28.1% to 29.7%, while the proportion aged 35-44 has risen from 12.7% to 13.8%. Conversely, the proportion aged 45-54 has decreased from 9.7% to 8.1%, and the proportion aged 55-64 has dropped from 9.1% to 7.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Burwood's age profile. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 2,093 people (34%), increasing from 6,167 to 8,261 residents.