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 May 2026, is approximately 15,525. This figure represents an increase of 3,189 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,336. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,480 in June 2025 and an additional 172 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,080 persons per square kilometer, placing Burwood in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Between 2021 and May 2026, Burwood's growth rate of 25.9% exceeded both its SA4 region (8.9%) and the state level, indicating it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 98.4% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses 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 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. By 2041, Burwood is projected to have a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas, with an expected growth of 4,414 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 28.1% over the 16-year period.

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

Burwood averaged approximately 74 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 372 homes were approved, with an additional 101 approved so far in FY26. Each year, on average, around four new residents arrived per dwelling constructed during these five financial years.

This significant demand outpaces supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties was $453,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY26, commercial approvals totaled $62.6 million, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burwood has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 55th percentile nationally when assessed for new dwellings approved. Currently, 34.0% of new building activity involves detached dwellings, with 66.0% being attached dwellings.

This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 55.0% houses. With around 276 people per dwelling approval, Burwood exhibits a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Burwood's population is forecasted to grow by 4,369 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Burwood has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include 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 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's workforce is highly educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.2% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.5%.

In December 2025, 8,452 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Burwood was 63.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 33.7% of residents worked from home. Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered when interpreting this data.

Leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area showed strong specialization in accommodation & food services with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Construction had limited presence with 6.2% employment compared to 9.7% regionally. The ratio of workers to residents was 0.6 as at the Census, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 2.5% while labour force grew by 2.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 2.4%, labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Burwood. These projections suggest national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Burwood'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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Burwood SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $46,183 and an average of $66,071. Nationally, this is slightly lower than the average. Greater Melbourne had a median income of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $50,626 (median) and $72,427 (average). 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 (4,284 people) fall into 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Burwood's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 55.4% houses and 44.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood was 31.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.2% and rented ones at 41.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,457, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Burwood was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Education attainment in Burwood is notably high, with 47.3% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications, compared to the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian state average of 33.4%. This educational advantage suggests strong preparation 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 years and above, with advanced diplomas making up 10.8% and certificates representing 10.0%.

Educational participation is high in Burwood, 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 75 active public transport stops, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are served by 16 routes, collectively providing 8,591 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains dominant at 74%, followed by train at 8% and bus at 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 33.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,227 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 114 weekly trips per individual stop.

Burwood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Burwood's health outcomes show notable results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low, particularly among younger cohorts.

Private health cover is at approximately 52%, slightly below the average SA2 area (56.7%) across Greater Melbourne. The total population in Burwood is around 8,057 people. Mental health issues and asthma were found to be the most common conditions, affecting 7.4% and 6.1% of residents respectively. About 74.4% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Burwood has around 13.3% (2,069 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but rank lower nationally than those of 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, comprising 39.2% of people. However, Buddhism is overrepresented, making up 7.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (21.1%), English (16.4%), and Australian (14.7%). Notably, Sri Lankan, Greek, and Indian ethnicities are also overrepresented in Burwood at 1.7%, 3.7%, and 5.9% respectively.

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

Burwood's median age is 30 years, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Burwood has a higher percentage of 15-24 year-olds (28.7%) but fewer 5-14 year-olds (6.2%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows that younger residents have lowered the median age by 2.9 years to 30. Notably, the percentage of 15-24 year-olds has increased from 21.1% to 28.7%, while the 25-34 cohort has risen from 19.3% to 22.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 10.8% to 8.3%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 8.4% to 6.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Burwood, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 cohort at 41%, adding 1,417 residents to reach a total of 4,908.