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. This reflects an increase of 2,841 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,147. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 17,821 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), and an additional 141 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,958 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burwood's growth rate of 18.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and the state average. The primary driver of this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 5,802 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 31.3% in total over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Burwood had around 81 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 408 homes. So far in FY26, 96 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new home built between FY21 and FY25 accommodated about 3.8 new residents. This indicates demand outpacing supply, which typically influences prices positively and intensifies buyer competition.

The average construction value of these dwellings was $768,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, commercial approvals reached $62.6 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum. New developments comprised 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% attached dwellings, shifting from the area's current 58.0% houses, reflecting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. Burwood has approximately 306 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Burwood is expected to grow by 5,635 residents by 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 affecting the region. Notable projects include the Burwood Heights Activity Centre Structure Plan, the development at 145-155 Burwood Highway, and both the Suburban Rail Loop East - Burwood Station projects. The following list details those most 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.

Burwood has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Burwood has a highly educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%. As of December 2025, 10,250 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 4.8%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's rate.

Workforce participation was lower at 67.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. A significant 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 particular specialization in accommodation & food services with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

However, construction employment was limited at 6.4% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, while labour force grew by 3.1%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment (0.2 percentage points). In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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 6.8% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Burwood has a median taxpayer income of $47,385 and an average income of $68,119 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is approximately average nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,294 (median) and $73,739 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 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 data, consisted of 58.0% houses and 42.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's structure of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood was at 32.0%, aligning with Melbourne metro's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (28.6%) or rented (39.4%). In the area, median monthly mortgage repayments stood at $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 are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceed 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 comprise the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 27.8% and group households at 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's educational attainment is notably higher than national and state averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 48.0% possess university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%).

Vocational pathways account for 20.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 10.0%. Educational participation is 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, served by a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are part of 16 routes that facilitate 8,591 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have good access to transport, with an average distance of 219 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 76%, while 8% use trains and 6% use buses. 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 averages 1,227 trips per day 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 exhibits superior health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions' prevalence is low among its general population, nearing 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, affecting 7.3 and 6.1% of residents respectively. Notably, 74.6% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. As of June 2021, Burwood has 14.5% of its population aged 65 and over (2,608 people). While health outcomes for seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally compared to 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. Christianity is the main religion in Burwood, comprising 39.9% of people. However, Buddhism is overrepresented in Burwood compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 7.0% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese at 20.4%, English at 17.1%, and Australian at 15.1%. Notably, Sri Lankan, Greek, and Indian ethnicities are overrepresented in Burwood compared to regional averages: Sri Lankan at 1.6% versus 0.8%, Greek at 3.6% versus 2.7%, and Indian at 5.5% versus 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 lower than the 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 significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. Post-census data shows that younger residents have shifted Burwood's median age down by 1.8 years to 32 years. Key changes include an increase in the percentage of residents aged 15-24 from 19.9% to 26.3%, and a slight increase in the percentage of residents aged 25-34 from 18.2% to 19.3%. Conversely, there has been a decline in the percentage of residents aged 5-14 from 9.4% to 7.5%, and a decrease in the percentage of residents aged 45-54 from 11.3% to 9.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Burwood's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 age cohort, which is expected to grow by 42%, adding 1,473 residents and reaching a total of 4,945.