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's population is around 6,524 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 147 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,377 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,499 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,262 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, which 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 1,729 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 26.1% 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 around 3 new homes approved each year, with 17 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 1 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $376,000. Additionally, $400,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Relative to Greater Melbourne, Burnside Heights shows substantially reduced construction. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity shows 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 91.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 1219 people per dwelling approval, Burnside Heights reflects a highly mature market.

Looking ahead, Burnside Heights is expected to grow by 1,704 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Burnside Heights has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Kings Park Reserve Sports Facilities Upgrades, Taylors Creek Residential Estate, Aspire Community, and Modeina Estate, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 assessment positions Burnside Heights ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Burnside Heights possesses a well-educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and 3.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,659 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 26.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and transport, postal & warehousing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.7% versus the regional average of 10.1%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.7% and the labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Burnside Heights. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Burnside Heights's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23, the Burnside Heights SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $57,685 with the average level standing at $66,919. This is in line with national averages and compares to levels of $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,444 (median) and $72,440 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes rank exceptionally at the 80th percentile ($2,246 weekly), though personal income ranks lower at the 49th percentile. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 39.6% of residents (2,583 people), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. Economic strength emerges 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

Dwelling structure within Burnside Heights, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Burnside Heights lagged that of Melbourne metro, at 18.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (63.5%) or rented (17.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was in line with the Melbourne metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Burnside Heights's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 93.2% of all households, comprising 66.3% couples with children, 13.4% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 6.8%, with lone person households at 5.4% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. The median household size of 3.6 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (34.2% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA3 area average of 24.3% and the Australian average (30.4%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 25.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (15.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 38.5% of residents 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

Public transport analysis reveals 14 active transport stops operating within Burnside Heights, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 918 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 230 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 26.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 131 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 65 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burnside Heights's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Burnside Heights, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population and closer to the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,399 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and diabetes, impacting 6.5% and 4.2% of residents, respectively, while 81.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 8.9% of residents aged 65 and over (577 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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 is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 49.9% of its population born overseas and 61.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Burnside Heights is Christianity, which makes up 48.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 7.4% of the population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Burnside Heights are Other, comprising 25.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 14.6%, Indian, comprising 10.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.2%, and Australian, comprising 9.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 18.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 5.8% of Burnside Heights (vs 1.1% regionally), Spanish at 1.3% (vs 0.4%) and Vietnamese at 7.9% (vs 1.9%).

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

Burnside Heights's median age of 35 years stands slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 as well as somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 5 - 14 age group shows strong representation at 19.1% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. This 5 - 14 concentration is well above the national 12.1%. In the period since 2021, residents have aged by 1.7 years on average, with the median rising from 33 to 35. Key changes show the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.3% to 16.1% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort increased from 12.8% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 22.6% to 18.1% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 21.7% to 19.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Burnside Heights. The 15 to 24 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 37%, adding 393 residents to reach 1,445. In contrast, both 5 to 14 and 35 to 44 age groups will see reduced numbers.