Burwood (Vic.)

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Burwood (Vic.) is around 18,552 people. This reflects an increase of 3,405 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,147 people, indicating a growth rate of approximately 22.5%. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 18,506 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 182 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3,051 persons per square kilometer, placing Burwood (Vic.) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the state average of 9.3% and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and utilising VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, significant population increase is forecasted for Burwood (Vic.), with the area expected to increase by 5,294 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of approximately 28.3% in total over the 16-year period.

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. This totals an estimated 408 homes. So far in FY-26106 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.4 new residents are expected per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpacing supply.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $768,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, there have been $62.6 million in commercial approvals, showing strong commercial development momentum. New development consists of 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% attached dwellings, representing a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 58.0% houses. The location has approximately 305 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Burwood is expected to grow by 5,248 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 identified 18 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the 145-155 Burwood Highway Development, Suburban Rail Loop East - Burwood Station, 133 Burwood Highway Development, and Warrigal Road Cycling Infrastructure. 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 4.7% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%. As of December 2025, 10,251 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate aligned with Greater Melbourne's at 4.8%.

However, workforce participation was lower at 65.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 35.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area had a significant employment specialization in accommodation & food (1.4 times the regional level) but limited presence in construction (6.4% compared to 9.7% regionally).

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, labour force by 3.1%, leading to a slight unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with an unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying significantly between industries. 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 this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Burwood suburb has a median taxpayer income of $47,385 and an average of $68,119 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Nationally, this is roughly average, differing from Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $51,943 (median) and $74,672 (average), accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Burwood's household income ranks at the 46th percentile ($1,684 weekly) and personal income at the 25th percentile. Income analysis shows that 27.7% of residents (5,138 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where this group 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 was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Weekly rent median in Burwood was $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households making up 9.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Burwood has a notable educational advantage with 48.0% of its residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, exceeding national (30.4%) and state (33.4%) averages. University qualifications include bachelor degrees (28.7%), postgraduate qualifications (15.7%), and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational pathways account for 20.7% of qualifications among those aged 15+, comprising advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (10.0%). Educational participation is high, with 37.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including tertiary (16.7%), secondary (7.2%), and primary (7.0%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 37.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. 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, including light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 16 different routes, offering a total of 8,591 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 219 meters, indicating good transport accessibility. In this primarily residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 76%, with trains at 8% and buses at 6%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 35.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 1,227 trips per day, 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 superior health outcomes according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but nears the national average for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover stands at approximately 54% of the total population (~9,973 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area's 50%. This compares 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. A total of 74.6% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 13.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,541 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors in Burwood are above average but rank lower nationally when considering 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 level of cultural diversity, with 46.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 48.8% born overseas. The predominant religion in Burwood is Christianity, comprising 39.9% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 7.0% compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese is the most represented group at 20.4%, significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%. English and Australian ancestry follow, comprising 17.1% and 15.1% respectively. Some other ethnic groups are also notably divergent: Sri Lankan at 1.6% (regional average is 0.8%), Greek at 3.6% (2.7%), and Indian at 5.5% (4.2%).

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

Burwood has a median age of 32 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and significantly lower than the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burwood has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (26.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.2%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.7%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that younger residents have decreased the median age by 2.3 years to 32. Key changes show the 15-24 age group has grown from 19.9% to 26.5%, while the 25-34 cohort has increased from 18.2% to 21.1%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 9.4% to 7.2%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 11.3% to 9.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Burwood's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 cohort at 39%, adding 1,538 residents to reach a total of 5,453.