Burwood (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Burwood are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Burwood (Vic.) had an estimated population of around 17,957 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 2,810 people (18.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,147 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 17,878, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 139 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,953 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burwood's 18.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the suburb expected to grow by 5,794 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 32.0% in total over the 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, Burwood has experienced around 81 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 408 homes have been approved, with an additional 83 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, for each dwelling built over these years, around 3.8 people moved to the area.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $768,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26 alone, commercial development approvals totalled $68.7 million, showing strong commercial development momentum. Recent construction comprises 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This shift is notable as the area currently has 58.0% houses. With around 301 people per dwelling approval, Burwood's developing market is expected to gain 5,754 residents by 2041 according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects 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 likely to be 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 professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4%.

As of June 2025, 9865 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.1% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was at 60.9%, below Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Accommodation & food services showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, construction was under-represented at 6.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.4% while labour force grew by 3.3%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-2022 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Burwood has an income above the national average. The median income is $47,382 and the average income stands at $68,114. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $53,144 (median) and $76,397 (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. The earnings profile shows that 27.7% of Burwood's population (4,974 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. This is similar to surrounding regions where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Burwood, 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

In Burwood, as per the latest Census evaluation, 58.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 42.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Melbourne metropolitan area's figures, which had no houses or other dwellings recorded at that time. Home ownership in Burwood stood at 32.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.6% and rented ones at 39.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Burwood was $2,500, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $411. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

Burwood features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.5 people

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 comprising 9.2%. The median household size is 2.5 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

Burwood's educational attainment is notably high, with 48.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This compares favourably to the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. The majority of these qualifications are bachelor degrees (28.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational pathways account for 20.7%, with advanced diplomas making up 10.7% and certificates 10.0%.

Educational participation is also 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. Burwood's five schools have a combined enrollment of 3,123 students as of the latest data. The area has an ICSEA score of 1139, indicating significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement. The educational mix includes two primary schools, one secondary school, and two K-12 schools. Burwood offers strong educational infrastructure with 17.4 school places per 100 residents, serving both local and surrounding communities.

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

Analysis of Burwood's public transport system shows 82 active transport stops in operation. These consist of a mix of light rail and bus services. The stops are served by 16 individual routes, collectively facilitating 6532 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 219 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 933 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 79 weekly trips per stop.

Burwood's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Burwood.

Younger cohorts in particular have a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population, which amounts to around 9,653 people. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 7.3 and 6.1% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 74.6%, declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. Burwood has 14.2% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 2,549 people. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but require more attention than 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 dominant religion in Burwood is Christianity, comprising 39.9% of the population. Buddhism, however, is significantly overrepresented in Burwood, making up 7.0% compared to None% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese at 20.4%, English at 17.1%, and Australian at 15.1%. There are also notable differences in the representation of Sri Lankan (1.6%), Greek (3.6%), and Indian (5.5%) groups compared to None% regionally.

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 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 (7.6%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that younger residents have decreased the median age by 1.9 years to 32. The key changes show that the 15-24 age group has grown from 19.9% to 26.5%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 7.6%. Additionally, the 45-54 age group has dropped from 11.3% to 9.7%. 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 44%, adding 1,508 residents and reaching a total of 4,956.