Burwood (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Burwood are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Burwood's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 14,997. This figure represents a growth of 2,661 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,336. The increase is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 14,918 in June 2024 and an additional 163 validated new addresses post-Census. Burwood's population density stands at 2,975 persons per square kilometer, placing it among the top quarter of locations assessed by AreaSearch nationally. The area's growth rate of 21.6% since the 2021 Census surpassed both the SA4 region (8.3%) and national averages, indicating strong population growth leadership. Overseas migration contributed approximately 97.5% of Burwood's overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch projects future population trends using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted via weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Burwood is forecasted to increase its population by 4,835 persons, reflecting a total gain of 31.7% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Burwood among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Burwood has averaged approximately 74 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 372 homes were approved, with an additional 87 approved so far in FY26. Historically, around four new residents have arrived per year for each dwelling constructed over these five years.

This demand significantly exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value for new properties is $453,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $62.6 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burwood has approximately two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 55th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. Current building activity shows a skew towards compact living, with 34.0% detached dwellings and 66.0% attached dwellings.

This shift from the current housing mix of 55.0% houses reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 276 people per dwelling approval, Burwood's population is projected to grow by 4,756 residents by 2041, as estimated by AreaSearch's latest quarterly report. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Burwood has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 16 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the 145-155 Burwood Highway Development, Suburban Rail Loop East - Burwood Station, 133 Burwood Highway Development, and Warrigal Road Cycling Infrastructure. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Burwood shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Burwood has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.7%. As of that date, 8,463 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate matched Greater Melbourne's figure of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Burwood was lower than Greater Melbourne's at 59.1% compared to 64.1%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Accommodation & food services showed particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level, while construction had limited presence at 6.2% compared to the regional figure of 9.7%. The ratio of workers per resident was 0.6 as at the Census, indicating a higher level of local employment opportunities than usual. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, while labour force grew by 3.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1 percentage point. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points over the same period. State-level data for Victoria up to 25-Nov-2025 showed employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nationally, employment growth was 0.14%, and the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-2025 suggest that over five years, employment is projected to expand by 6.6% nationally, with Burwood's employment expected to increase by a similar weighted figure of 6.8%. Over ten years, national employment growth is forecast at 13.7%, and Burwood's employment is estimated to grow by 13.9%.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022 shows Burwood SA2 had a median income of $44,956 and an average income of $65,067 among taxpayers. Nationally, the median was approximately $48,314 with an average of $72,745. Greater Melbourne's median was $54,892 and average was $73,761. As of September 2025, estimates suggest Burwood's median income would be around $50,423 and average $72,979, based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year ending June 2022. Census data indicates individual incomes lag at the 17th percentile ($637 weekly), while household income is at the 39th percentile. The earnings profile shows that 27.6% of residents (4,139 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 79.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Burwood displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Burwood's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 55.4% houses and 44.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Compared to Melbourne metro's 60.2% houses and 39.8% other dwellings, Burwood had a higher proportion of non-house dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood stood at 31.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.2% and rented ones at 41.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,457, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,300. Weekly rent median was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $412. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 60.5% of all households, including 25.4% couples with children, 22.5% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.5%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households comprising 9.9%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Educational achievement in Burwood places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Burwood's educational attainment notably exceeds broader benchmarks. As of a recent report, 47.3% of residents aged 15+ hold university qualifications, surpassing Australia's national average of 30.4% and Victoria's state average of 33.4%. This high level of educational attainment positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 28.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%).

Vocational pathways account for 20.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 10.0%. Educational participation is notably high, with 37.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 18.2% in tertiary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 6.1% pursuing primary education.

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

Burwood has 76 active public transport stops offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These are served by 16 different routes that together facilitate 6,532 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents situated an average of 204 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 933 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 85 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burwood'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 shows strong health metrics in Burwood. Prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but nears national averages for older and at-risk groups.

Private health cover rate stands at approximately 52% (around 7,783 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.0%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 7.4 and 6.1% of residents respectively. About 74.4% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 73.9%. Burwood has 13.9% seniors (2,089 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 17.7%. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention compared to the broader population.

Burwood 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 49.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 50.7% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Burwood, accounting for 39.2% of people. However, Buddhism is overrepresented, comprising 7.3% of the population compared to 6.0% across Greater Melbourne.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (21.1%), English (16.4%), and Australian (14.7%). Notably, Sri Lankan (1.7%) and Greek (3.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Burwood compared to regional averages of 0.8% and 3.0%, respectively, while Indian ethnicity is also higher at 5.9% versus the regional average of 3.7%.

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

Burwood's median age in 2021 was 31 years, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burwood had a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (28.7%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.6%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds was significantly higher than the national average of 12.5%. Between 2021 and the present, younger residents have caused the median age to decrease by 2.4 years to 31. During this period, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 increased from 21.1% to 28.7%, while those aged 25-34 rose from 19.3% to 20.4%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 decreased from 10.8% to 8.8%, and those aged 5-14 dropped from 8.4% to 6.6%. Population forecasts for Burwood indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, expanding by 1,398 people (46%) from 3,054 to 4,453.