Burnside

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

Burnside's population is around 6,687 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 887 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,800 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,449 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 214 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,622 persons per square kilometer, placing Burnside in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burnside's growth rate of 15.3% 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 was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 48.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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, adjusting employing 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 aggregations. Considering the projected demographic shifts, Burnside is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas over the period from 2025 to 2041. The area is expected to increase by 3,602 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 50.3% in total over the 17 years.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25349 homes were approved, with an additional 23 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 2.6 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $446,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. This year, there have been $8.0 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burnside shows substantially reduced construction, with 55.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, this level is well above average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 117 people per dwelling approval, Burnside shows characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Burnside is projected to add 3,364 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers may result as the population expands.

Burnside has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Amora Estate Cairnlea, Taylors Creek Residential Estate, Western Freeway Upgrade from Melton to Caroline Springs, and Lake Caroline Master Plan & Activation Strategy. 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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Employment conditions in Burnside remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Burnside's workforce is skilled with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0%.

As of September 2025, there are 3,356 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is 0.6% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Burnside is lower at 59.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. Burnside has a particular specialization 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%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.0%, while labour force grew by 6.0%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and a smaller increase in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burnside's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income for Burnside SA2 was $45,747 and the average was $53,731 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since June 2022, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $51,310 (median) and $60,265 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 57th percentile ($1,871 weekly), while personal income sits at the 23rd percentile. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 34.9% of residents (2,333 people). High housing costs consume 16.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 57th percentile and 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

Burnside's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burnside was at 31.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.4% and rented ones at 10.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $1,800. The median weekly rent figure in Burnside was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $351. Nationally, Burnside's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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.

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 11.7% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 5.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 5.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Burnside has 20 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 1,499 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is deemed good, with residents on average being located just 210 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 214 trips across all routes, which equates to 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. However, older and at-risk cohorts show higher rates of these conditions. Approximately 47% (~3,142 people) of Burnside's total population has private health cover, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's 50.8%.

Nationally, the average is 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Burnside are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.2 and 6.9% of residents respectively. 73.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.7% across Greater Melbourne. As of 16.3% (~1,089 people) of Burnside's population is aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area require more attention than those of 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 population where 49.3% were born overseas, and 56.4% speak a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Burnside, with 60.5% of people identifying as such. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 5.9% versus 2.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (23.0%), Australian (12.1%), and English (10.3%). These figures differ from regional averages: Australian and English are lower, while Filipino (8.3%) is notably higher than the regional average of 3.4%. Maltese (5.9%) and Serbian (1.6%) also show notable overrepresentation compared to regional percentages.

Burnside's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Burnside's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely resembling Australia's figure of 38 years. The 15-24 age group constitutes 15.7%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 11.2%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 12.9% to 15.7%, whereas the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.2%, and the 55 to 64 group has fallen 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 increase by 59% (620 people), reaching a total of 1,670 from its current figure of 1,049.