Burwood (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Burwood are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Burwood (Vic.) is around 17,988, reflecting an increase of 2,841 people since the 2021 Census. This represents a growth rate of 18.8%, exceeding both national average growth (9.9%) and state growth rates. The population estimate was inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses following examination of ABS' ERP data release in June 2024, with the resident population estimated at 17,821 plus an additional 141 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,958 persons per square kilometer, placing Burwood (Vic.) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration contributing around 96% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for areas not covered by the former data.

These projections forecast significant population growth to 2041, with an expected increase of 5,815 persons in Burwood (Vic.), reflecting a total gain of 31.9% over those 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Burwood among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Burwood has experienced around 81 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 409 homes. So far in FY-26, 94 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.8 new residents per year are associated with every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $768,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $62.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. In terms of new development, 36.0% consists of detached houses and 64.0% attached dwellings, representing a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 58.0% houses. This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles that require more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 303 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Burwood is expected to grow by 5,744 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones are the Burwood Heights Activity Centre Structure Plan, 145-155 Burwood Highway Development, Suburban Rail Loop East - Burwood Station (planned for completion in late 2025), and another Suburban Rail Loop East - Burwood Station project (scheduled to commence in mid-2023). 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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Burwood has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Burwood has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 4.2% as of September 2025, which is 0.4% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.8%.

As of September 2025, 10,242 residents were in work and workforce participation was 67.4%, somewhat below Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 35.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a significant employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction has limited presence at 6.4% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.8% while labour force grew by 3.8%, leading to a 0.9 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a slight rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Burwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for local population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Burwood had a median taxpayer income of $47,385 and an average income of $68,119 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is approximately national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,294 (median) and $73,739 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 46th percentile ($1,684 weekly), while personal income sits at the 25th percentile. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 27.7% of residents (4,982 people), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 43rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Burwood displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Burwood's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.0% houses and 42.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood was at 32.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.6% and rented ones at 39.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Burwood was recorded at $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.0% of all households, including 27.8% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households making up 9.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6 people.

Burwood demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Burwood is notably high, with 48.0% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications as of the latest data, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. This significant educational advantage places the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational pathways account for 20.7% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 10.0%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest figures available. This includes 16.7% in tertiary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 7.0% pursuing primary education.

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

Burwood has 81 active public transport stops, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 16 different routes, collectively facilitating 8,591 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest stop. The area, predominantly residential, sees most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 76%, while train usage stands at 8% and bus at 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 35.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,227 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 106 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Burwood is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Burwood shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but closer to national averages for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 54% of Burwood's total population (~9,670 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Burwood, affecting 7.3 and 6.1% of residents respectively. 74.6% of Burwood residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,590 people). While health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally than those for the broader 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 cultural diversity, with 46.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 48.8% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Burwood, comprising 39.9%. Buddhism is overrepresented at 7.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (20.4%), English (17.1%), and Australian (15.1%). Sri Lankan (1.6%) is notably higher than the regional average of 0.8%. Greek (3.6%) and Indian (5.5%) also show notable divergences from their respective regional averages of 2.7% and 4.2%.

Burwood hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Burwood's median age is 32 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burwood has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (26.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.5%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that younger residents have shifted Burwood's median age down by 1.8 years to 32 years. Key changes include the growth of the 15-24 age group from 19.9% to 26.3%, a decline in the 5-14 cohort from 9.4% to 7.5%, and a decrease in the 45-54 age group from 11.3% to 9.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Burwood's age profile will evolve significantly by the year 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 cohort of 43%, adding 1,502 residents to reach a total of 4,956.