Brunswick East

Brunswick East lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Brunswick East's population was approximately 14,728 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 1,990 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,738. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 14,438 in June 2024 and additional validated addresses after the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 6,787 persons per square kilometer, placing Brunswick East in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch's assessment. The area's growth rate exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages since the 2021 Census. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth, with Brunswick East expected to grow by 9,620 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 63.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Brunswick East among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Brunswick East averaged approximately 151 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21 and FY25756 homes were approved, with an additional 17 approved so far in FY26. Over these five financial years, the average was around 2.4 new residents per year for each dwelling, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $370,000. In FY26, there have been $3.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brunswick East has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, construction activity has eased recently. This activity is significantly above the national average, demonstrating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 6.0% detached dwellings and 94.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

This represents a significant change from the current housing mix of 24.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 685 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Brunswick East is projected to add 9,330 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Brunswick East has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified fifteen projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones include East Brunswick Village (EBV), Brunswick and Parkville Level Crossing Removals, Saxon Street development by Milieu, and 25 Gale Street Apartments. 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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The labour market in Brunswick East demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Brunswick East has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 5.1% in September 2025, 0.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.3%.

As of September 2025, 10,328 residents were employed, with workforce participation at 82.9%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicated that 53.2% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Brunswick East has a strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 4.5% of the workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited due to the predominantly residential nature of the area. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, while the labour force grew by 5.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Brunswick East's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Brunswick East SA2 had one of Australia's highest incomes according to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023. Its median taxpayer income was $70,540 and average income was $83,940, compared to Greater Melbourne's $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $76,360 (median) and $90,865 (average), adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. Census 2021 data showed individual earnings at the 93rd percentile nationally were $1,244 weekly. Income distribution revealed that 37.2% (5,478 individuals) earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with regional trends of 32.8%. High earners above $3,000/week comprised 30.3%, indicating strong economic capacity. Housing costs consumed 16.9% of income, but disposable income remained at the 69th percentile, placing Brunswick East SA2 in the 9th decile based on SEIFA income ranking.

Brunswick East features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Brunswick East had 23.7% houses and 76.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings) as of the latest Census, compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Brunswick East was 18.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.9% and rented ones at 54.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, matching Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $421, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Brunswick East's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Brunswick East features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 48.8% of all households, including 14.4% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 5.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 51.2%, consisting of 38.6% lone person households and 12.6% group households. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Brunswick East shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Brunswick East has a notably high level of educational attainment among its residents aged 15 and above, with 62.3% holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%, indicating a significant educational advantage for the area. Among these residents, bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 36.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (19.5%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways also contribute to educational attainment in Brunswick East, with advanced diplomas accounting for 8.2% and certificates for 9.0%.

Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.2% pursuing tertiary education, 4.5% primary education, and 3.9% secondary education.

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

Brunswick East has 45 active public transport stops, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 12 different routes, collectively facilitating 9,773 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 126 meters from the nearest stop. The area, predominantly residential, sees most residents commuting outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 53%, while cycling accounts for 13% and walking for 7%. On average, there are 0.5 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 53.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,396 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 217 weekly trips per stop.

Brunswick East's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Brunswick East. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (9,072 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 14.0 and 9.2% of residents respectively. Sixty-nine point three percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has nine point zero percent of residents aged 65 and over (1,319 people), which is lower than the fifteen point one percent in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Brunswick East was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Brunswick East, surveyed in June 2016, showed higher cultural diversity than most local areas. Its overseas-born population was 31.4%, with 24.1% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity dominated religiously, at 26.9%.

Judaism, at 0.5%, was slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. In ancestry, the top groups were English (22.0%), Australian (16.6%), and Other (11.1%). Notable ethnic group divergences included Italians at 8.3% (regional: 5.2%), Spanish at 0.8% (regional: 0.4%), and French at 0.8% (regional: 0.5%).

Brunswick East's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Brunswick East has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brunswick East has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (32.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.6%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has increased from 19.7% to 20.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 33.2% to 32.2%. Population forecasts for Brunswick East indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 50%, adding 2,353 residents and reaching a total of 7,100 residents in this age bracket.