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, as of November 2025, Burwood (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 17,978. This reflects a growth of 2,831 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,147 in Burwood (Vic.). The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 17,821, following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), and an additional 139 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,956 persons per square kilometer, placing Burwood (Vic.) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 18.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.7%) and state levels, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, a significant population increase is forecast for Burwood (Vic.) (SA2), with an expected growth of 5,797 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 31.9% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Burwood had approximately 81 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 409 homes were approved, with an additional 94 in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling built attracted about 3.8 people annually over the past five financial years.

This demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition. Developers focus on premium properties, with new dwellings valued at around $768,000 on average. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $62.6 million, indicating strong commercial growth. Recent construction comprises 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% attached dwellings, shifting from the area's existing housing composition of 58.0% houses.

This change reflects decreasing developable sites and evolving lifestyle needs. Burwood has around 303 people per dwelling approval, with population forecasts indicating a gain of 5,736 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and price increases.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes made to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 19 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Burwood Heights Activity Centre Structure Plan, the development at 145-155 Burwood Highway, the Suburban Rail Loop East - Burwood Station project, and another Suburban Rail Loop East - Burwood Station initiative. The following list provides details on those projects that are likely to be 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 an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.2% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.8%.

As of September 2025, 10,243 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 60.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Accommodation & food services show notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Construction, however, is under-represented at 6.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, labour force by 3.8%, and unemployment fell by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that income in Burwood is approximately average nationally. The median assessed income is $47,385 and the average income stands at $68,119. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 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. The earnings profile shows that 27.7% of the population (4,979 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. 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 strong rates of outright home ownership

Burwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 58.0% houses and 42.0% other dwellings including semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood stood at 32.0%, with 28.6% of dwellings mortgaged and 39.4% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, and the median weekly rent was $411. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents exceeding 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 comprise 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.

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+ holding university qualifications, exceeding national (30.4%) and state (VIC, 33.4%) averages. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 15.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.6%. Vocational pathways account for 20.7%, 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, including 16.7% in tertiary, 7.2% in secondary, and 7.0% pursuing primary education.

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

The analysis shows that as of April 2023, there are 81 active public transport stops in Burwood. These stops offer a mix of light rail and bus services. The stops are served by 16 different routes, together offering 8,591 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have good access to these stops, with an average distance of 219 meters from their nearest stop. On average, there are 1,227 trips per day across all routes, which equals about 106 weekly trips per individual 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 with younger cohorts particularly seeing low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~9,664 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.3% and 6.1% of residents respectively. A total of 74.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 0% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2021, the area has 14.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,552 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in the broader population, despite being above average.

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, making up 39.9% of the population. Buddhism, however, is more prevalent in Burwood at 7.0%, compared to None% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (20.4%), English (17.1%), and Australian (15.1%). Notably, Sri Lankan, Greek, and Indian ethnicities are overrepresented in Burwood at 1.6%, 3.6%, and 5.5% respectively, 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 significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burwood has a higher percentage of residents aged 15-24 (26.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.6%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.5%. According to data from the 2021 Census, Burwood's median age has decreased by 1.9 years to reach its current figure due to an increase in younger residents. Since the last census, the percentage of residents aged 15-24 has grown from 19.9% to 26.5%, while the percentage of those aged 5-14 has declined from 9.4% to 7.6%. Additionally, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 has dropped from 11.3% to 9.7%. Demographic projections suggest that Burwood's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The strongest projected growth is in the 25-34 age group, which is expected to grow by 44%, adding 1,504 residents and reaching a total of 4,956 residents.