Burwood East

Burwood East has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Burwood East's population was 12,386 as of February 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents a 16.0% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,675 people. The growth is inferred from an estimated resident population of 12,366 in June 2024 and 481 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 2,907 persons per square kilometer, placing Burwood East in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth exceeded the national average (9.9%) since the 2021 census. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 for areas not covered by this data, adjusted using 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 projected demographic shifts, Burwood East is forecasted to have a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas, with an expected growth of 3,457 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 27.8% over the 17 years.

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

Burwood East has averaged approximately 127 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 639 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 25 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated 2.2 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for these new homes is $339,000.

In the current financial year, there have also been $18.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burwood East has shown slightly more development, with 35.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although construction activity has eased recently. Nationally, Burwood East's level of development is substantially higher, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. The new development consists of 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 74.0% houses. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

With around 313 people per dwelling approval, Burwood East shows a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Burwood East is forecasted to gain approximately 3,437 residents by 2041. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to affect the region. Notable ones include SRL East - Works Package F - Stations - Glen Waverley to Box Hill, Tally Ho Activity Centre Structure Plan, East Burwood Reserve Master Plan, and Mirrabooka Reserve Pavilion Redevelopment. The following list details those 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.

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

Burwood East has a highly educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1% over the past year. In September 2025, 6,409 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was in line with Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

However, workforce participation lagged significantly at 62.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 34.2% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area demonstrated notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction showed lower representation at 7.1% versus the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 3.1% while labour force increased by 3.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Burwood East. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Burwood East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Burwood East SA2 had median taxpayer income of $48,529 and average income of $63,006 in financial year 2023. This is lower than Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $52,533 and average income $68,204, accounting for an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranked at the 42nd percentile ($1,610 weekly), with personal income at the 23rd percentile. The largest income segment comprised 30.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,740 residents). This aligns with Greater Melbourne where this cohort also represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 42nd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Burwood East's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.9% houses and 26.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood East stood at 44.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.2% and rented ones at 26.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,147, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Weekly rent was recorded at $439, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Burwood East's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Burwood East features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households compose 72.3% of all households, including 33.7% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 22.5% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Educational attainment in Burwood East shows significant superiority over broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 42.5% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's national average of 30.4% and Victoria's state average of 33.4%. This educational advantage is evident in various qualification types: Bachelor degrees lead at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational pathways account for 22.6% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas comprising 10.8% and certificates making up 11.8%.

Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.2% pursuing tertiary education, 7.2% in primary education, and 6.1% engaged in secondary education.

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

Burwood East has 64 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 15 routes, providing 4,326 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 224 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 82%, while train usage stands at 8%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 34.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 618 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 67 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burwood East's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Burwood East shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have a low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 50% (~6,242 people) of Burwood East residents have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.2%) and asthma (6.2%), while 73.6% of residents report having no medical ailments. This compares to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Burwood East has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 23.0% (2,852 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Burwood East has a high level of cultural diversity, with 56.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 53.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Burwood East, accounting for 43.5% of people. Buddhism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 8.5% of Burwood East's population.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese people comprise 25.3%, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 6.5%. English ancestry makes up 13.5%, lower than the regional average of 20.1%. Other ancestry comprises 11.9% of Burwood East's population. Some ethnic groups are notably divergent in their representation: Greek at 7.8% (vs regional 2.7%), Sri Lankan at 1.5% (vs regional 0.8%), and Vietnamese at 2.1% (vs regional 1.9%).

Burwood East's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Burwood East has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, Burwood East has an over-representation of the 75-84 age cohort (8.7% locally), while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented (9.2%). Between 2021 and the present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.9% to 16.3% of the population, while the 85+ cohort increased from 3.5% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 12.8% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Burwood East's age profile will significantly evolve. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 610 people (30%), growing from 2,013 to 2,624.