Burnside
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of August 2025, Burnside's population is approximately 6,579 people. This figure reflects a growth of 779 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,800 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,449 in June 2024 and an additional 179 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,580 persons per square kilometer, placing Burnside in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burnside's growth rate of 13.4% since the 2021 census exceeds both the national average (8.6%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, with overseas migration and natural growth also being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts and growth rates by age group applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041, Burnside is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 3,602 persons based on the latest population numbers, recording a total gain of 52.8% over the 17-year period.

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

Burnside has recorded approximately 69 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 349 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. As of FY26, there have been 5 approvals so far. On average, 2.6 people move to the area per new home constructed annually over these five years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $573,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. There have been $8.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. When measured against Greater Melbourne, Burnside shows substantially reduced construction activity (55.0% below the regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This level of development is well above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 117 people per dwelling approval, Burnside shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections indicate Burnside adding approximately 3,472 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Burnside has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Six projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include Amora Estate Cairnlea, Cairnlea Remediation Project, Cairnlea Final Stage Development, and Western Freeway Upgrade - Melton to Caroline Springs. The following list details those considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment conditions in Burnside remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Burnside has a skilled workforce with varied sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 4.9% in June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.3% over the past year.

As of that date, 3,326 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 4.9%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was lower compared to Greater Melbourne, at 59.5% versus 64.1%. Leading employment industries in Burnside include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area has a significant specialisation in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 5.4% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, while labour force grew by 5.8%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% during the same period. Statewide in Victoria, employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year up to Sep-25, adding 39,880 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, employment growth was 0.26%, and the unemployment rate was 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burnside's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Burnside's median taxpayer income was $45,747, with an average of $53,731 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. By March 2025, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $50,372 and an average of $59,163, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Burnside's household income ranks at the 57th percentile ($1,871 weekly), while personal income sits at the 24th percentile. Income analysis shows that 34.9% of residents (2,296 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly bracket, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 32.8%. High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 57th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Burnside is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Burnside, according to the latest Census evaluation, 85.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 14.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Melbourne metro's 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burnside stood at 31.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.4% and rented ones at 10.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,800 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Burnside was $400, exceeding Melbourne metro's $351 and the national figure of $375.

Burnside features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households compose 80.9% of all households, including 51.5% couples with children, 18.6% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.1%, with lone person households at 18.0% and group households comprising 1.1%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.0 people.

Burnside performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 25.0%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 18.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 30.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (19.3%). Educational participation is high at 33.5%, comprising primary education (11.7%), secondary education (9.7%), and tertiary education (5.3%).

Burnside Primary School serves the local area with an enrollment of 405 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1034). It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 6.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.3, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 20 active stops operating in Burnside as of May-June 2019. These stops serve a mix of bus routes totaling 3 individual routes. They collectively facilitate 1,499 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 210 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 214 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 74 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Burnside is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Burnside demonstrates above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages, particularly for older and at-risk cohorts. Approximately 47% of Burnside's total population (~3,092 people) has private health cover, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 50.8% and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in Burnside are arthritis (affecting 7.2% of residents) and asthma (6.9%), while 73.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, comparable to Greater Melbourne's 73.7%.

Burnside has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.3% (1,071 people) compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%, with health outcomes among seniors requiring more attention than the broader population.

Burnside is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Burnside has a culturally diverse population, with 49.3% born overseas and 56.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Burnside, comprising 60.5%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 5.9% of Burnside's population.

The top three ancestral groups are Other (23.0%), Australian (12.1%), and English (10.3%). Notably, Filipino (8.3%), Maltese (5.9%), and Serbian (1.6%) ethnicities have higher representation in Burnside compared to the regional averages of 3.4%, 5.1%, and 0.8% respectively.

Burnside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Burnside has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne and remaining comparable to Australia's 38 years. The population aged 15-24 is strongly represented at 15.7%, higher than Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.9% to 15.7%, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.2%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 11.2% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Burnside's age structure. Notably, the 15-24 group is projected to grow by 62%, adding 637 people and reaching a total of 1,670 from its current figure of 1,032.