Burwood East
Statistical Area - sa2

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 12,348 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,673 people 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 480 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,898 persons per square kilometer. Burwood East's 15.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (8.3%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 74.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, resulting in an increase of 28.1% 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 averaged approximately 127 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 639 homes. As of FY26, 21 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated 2.2 new residents per year during this period. The average construction cost value for these dwellings was $339,000.

In FY26, there have been $18.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating 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 level is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 26.0% standalone homes and 74.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 74.0% houses. With around 313 people per dwelling approval, Burwood East indicates a developing market. Population forecasts suggest that Burwood East will gain approximately 3,475 residents by 2041.

Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Burwood East has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could impact the local area's performance. Key initiatives include the Tally Ho Major Activity Centre Structure Plan, SRL East - Works Package F - Stations - Glen Waverley to Box Hill, East Burwood Reserve Master Plan, and Blackburn South Exclusive Townhouse Collection. The following list details those most likely to be 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 strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0% over the past year.

In June 2025, 6,321 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Melbourne's at 4.6%. However, workforce participation was lower at 57.8%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food services, 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%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force grew by 3.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and a higher unemployment rate increase of 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Burwood East's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Burwood East's median income among taxpayers was $45,312 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $60,119 during the same period. In Greater Melbourne, these figures were $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $50,822 and $67,429 based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranked at the 42nd percentile ($1,610 weekly), with personal income at the 24th percentile. The largest income segment comprised 30.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (3,729 residents). This aligns with the metropolitan region where this cohort represented 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.8% of income remaining, 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). This compares to Melbourne metro's 60.2% houses and 39.8% 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, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,300. The median weekly rent figure in Burwood East was $439, compared to Melbourne metro's $412. Nationally, Burwood East's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,147 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Burwood East features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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 is notably high, with 42.5% of residents aged 15 years and over having university qualifications compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 13.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational pathways account for 22.6% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and over, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 11.8%. Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.2% in tertiary education, 7.2% in primary education, and 6.1% pursuing secondary education.

There are seven schools operating within Burwood East educating approximately 1,945 students, with above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1082). The educational mix includes two primary schools, three secondary schools, and two K-12 schools.

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 different routes that together facilitate 4,296 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 224 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 613 trips per day, equating to approximately 67 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burwood East's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Burwood East. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~6,112 people), compared to 56.0% across Greater Melbourne.

Nationally, the average is 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.2 and 6.2% of residents respectively. A total of 73.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.9% across Greater Melbourne. As of 2016, 22.4% of Burwood East's residents are aged 65 and over (2,768 people), which is higher than the 17.7% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in Australia, with 56.5% of its residents 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 the population. However, Buddhism is more prevalent in Burwood East compared to Greater Melbourne, with 8.5% of the population identifying as Buddhist, compared to a regional average of 6.0%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese heritage is the most common in Burwood East at 25.3%, followed by English at 13.5%, which is lower than the regional average of 18.7%, and Other at 11.9%. Notably, Greek (7.8% vs 3.0%), Sri Lankan (1.5% vs 0.8%), and Vietnamese (2.1% vs 1.3%) ethnic groups are overrepresented in Burwood East compared to Greater Melbourne.

Burwood East's median age exceeds 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 figure of 38. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 75-84 age group is notably over-represented in Burwood East at 8.6%, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 9.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.9% to 16.5% of the population, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 12.5% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.8% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Burwood East's age profile will significantly evolve, with the 85+ age cohort projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 603 people (108%) from 560 to 1,164.