Burnside Heights

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Burnside Heights' population is around 6520 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 143 people (2.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6377 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6499 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3260 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 62.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made 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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 1729 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 26.2% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Burnside Heights is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Burnside Heights has seen approximately three new homes approved annually, with seventeen homes approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. No new homes have been approved in FY26 so far. The population has fallen during this period, suggesting that new supply has kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $376,000. This year, $400,000 worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burnside Heights has seen significantly less construction activity, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, building activity has increased in recent years. Nationally, construction activity is higher than in Burnside Heights, suggesting possible development constraints. The new building activity consists of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 91.0% houses. This trend may indicate decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles seeking more diverse and affordable housing options.

With around 1219 people per dwelling approval, Burnside Heights reflects a highly mature market. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 1,708 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep up with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives are Kings Park Reserve Sports Facilities Upgrades, Taylors Creek Residential Estate, Aspire Community, and Modeina Estate. The following details projects likely most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis places Burnside Heights well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Burnside Heights has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 3.7%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

The area saw a 5.3% employment growth in the past year. As of September 2025, 3668 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Melbourne's rate and workforce participation at 70.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for Burnside Heights residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing, with a particular strength in the latter (2.0 times the regional level). However, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.7% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, labour force grew by 5.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burnside Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Burnside Heights SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,342 with the average level standing at $63,826. This is just below the national average and compares to levels of $54,892 and $73,761 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $60,950 (median) and $71,587 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household incomes rank at the 80th percentile ($2,246 weekly), though personal income ranks lower at the 49th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 39.6% of residents (2,581 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. Economic strength is evident through 31.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 16.3% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 79th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Burnside Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Burnside Heights' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census data, comprised 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burnside Heights was at 18.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 63.5% and rented ones at 17.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Burnside Heights was $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $351. Nationally, Burnside Heights' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 93.2% of all households, including 66.3% couples with children, 13.4% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 6.8%, with lone person households at 5.4% and group households making up 1.4% of the total. The median household size is 3.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.0.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 34.2%, surpassing the SA3 area average of 24.3% and Australia's rate of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 15.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 38.5% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 16.7% in primary education, 9.9% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Burnside Heights has 12 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that collectively facilitate 1,547 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents typically located 231 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 221 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 128 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burnside Heights's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Burnside Heights shows excellent health outcomes with common conditions seen across all ages.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% (~3,338 people), slightly lower than the SA2 average. Asthma and diabetes are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 6.5 and 4.2% of residents respectively. 81.4% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 73.7%. The area has 8.1% (524 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention despite being above average.

Burnside Heights 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 Heights has a high level of cultural diversity, with 49.9% of its population born overseas and 61.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Burnside Heights, accounting for 48.8% of people, while Buddhism, at 7.4%, is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.8%. The top three ancestry groups are Other (25.1%), Indian (10.3%), and Australian (9.8%).

Notably, Maltese (5.8%) and Spanish (1.3%) populations in Burnside Heights exceed regional averages, while Vietnamese (7.9%) is significantly higher than the regional average of 1.9%.

Burnside Heights's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Burnside Heights has a median age of 34 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burnside Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (20.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.1%). This concentration of 5-14 residents is significantly higher than the national average of 12.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, residents have aged by an average of 1.3 years, with the median age rising from 33 to 34 years. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 12.3% to 15.3%, while the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has risen from 12.8% to 14.9%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has decreased from 22.6% to 19.0%, and the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has dropped from 21.7% to 20.1%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Burnside Heights, with the strongest projected growth in the 15-24 age group, which is expected to increase by 45%, adding 445 residents to reach a total of 1,445. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 35-44 age groups are projected to see reductions in their numbers.