Burwood East

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Burwood East's population is around 12,386 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,711 people (16.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,675 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,366 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 481 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,907 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Burwood East's 16.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 74.4% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 3,457 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 27.8% in total 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 around 127 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 639 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 29 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.2 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $339,000. There have also been $18.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burwood East has slightly more development (35.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, though construction activity has eased recently. This level is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 74.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 313 people per dwelling approval, Burwood East shows a developing market.

Population forecasts indicate Burwood East will gain 3,437 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects 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, 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.

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, an unemployment rate of 5.0%, and 2.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,407 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.3% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (62.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 34.2% 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 professional & technical services. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 7.1% versus the regional average of 9.7%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.0% while the labour force increased by 2.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Burwood East. 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 Burwood East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Burwood East SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Burwood East SA2's median income among taxpayers is $48,529 and the average income stands at $63,006, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,533 (median) and $68,204 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 42nd percentile ($1,610 weekly), while personal income sits at the 23rd percentile. The data shows the largest segment comprises 30.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,740 residents), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 42nd percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Burwood East, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 73.9% houses and 26.1% 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 Burwood East was higher than that of Melbourne metro, at 44.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.2%) or rented (26.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Melbourne metro average at $2,147, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $439, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Burwood East's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 72.3% of all households, comprising 33.7% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households at 22.5% and group households comprising 5.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches 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 significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. 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+ – advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (11.8%).

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

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

Public transport analysis reveals 64 active transport stops operating within Burwood East, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 15 individual routes, collectively providing 4,326 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 224 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A high 34.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect 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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Burwood East, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~6,242 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.2% and 6.2% of residents, respectively, while 73.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 23.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,852 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, though they 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 is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 56.5% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 53.5% born overseas. The main religion in Burwood East is Christianity, which makes up 43.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 8.5% 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 Burwood East are Chinese, comprising 25.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 6.5%; English, comprising 13.5% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 20.1%; and Other, comprising 11.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Greek is notably overrepresented at 7.8% of Burwood East (vs 2.7% regionally), Sri Lankan at 1.5% (vs 0.8%), and Vietnamese at 2.1% (vs 1.9%).

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

With a median age of 40, Burwood East is somewhat higher than the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and similarly marginally higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (8.7% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (9.2%). In the period since 2021, 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 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 10.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Burwood East's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, growing by 610 people (30%) from 2,013 to 2,624.