Brunswick (Vic.)

Detail

According to ABS population updates for the wider region and new address files validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Brunswick (Vic.) has an estimated population of 30,219 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 5,323 residents (21.4%) relative to the 24,896 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated based on a resident population estimate of 29,203 by Districts from the ABS June 2025 ERP data release, combined with an additional 1,758 validated new addresses since the Census. With this population level, the local density stands at 6,068 persons per square kilometer, placing the area in the top 10% of all national locations analyzed by Districts, highlighting the high demand for local land. The growth rate of 21.4% since the 2021 Census outpaced the state rate of 9.3% and the national benchmark, establishing the suburb as a regional growth leader. The expansion was largely fueled by overseas migration, which made up approximately 86.0% of the overall population gains lately, though natural increase and interstate migration also contributed positively.

Detail

Brunswick has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector being notably well-represented. The area has an unemployment rate of 5.9% and experienced an estimated employment growth of 3.8% over the past year, according to Districts data compiled from statistical areas. As of March 2026, there are 19,771 employed residents. The unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while the participation rate is exceptionally high at 78.7%, compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne. Census responses show that a high 50.7% of working residents worked from home, though this figure should be considered in light of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Detail

According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released by Districts for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Brunswick have a median income of $62,311 and an average income of $78,274. These figures are very high on a national scale, compared to a median of $57,688 and an average of $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at approximately $68,305 for the median and $85,804 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in Brunswick are highly ranked, placing between the 72nd and 85th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly bracket is the most common, accounting for of residents ( people), which closely aligns with the broader region where of the population falls into this category. High-income earners are well-represented, with of residents earning more than per week, pointing to substantial local purchasing power. High housing costs account for of incomes, but solid earnings keep disposable income at the st percentile nationally, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

Detail

At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Brunswick consisted of 35.3% houses and 64.8% other dwelling types such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative options, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings across metropolitan Melbourne. Homeownership rates in Brunswick trailed the metropolitan average, sitting at 24.2%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (26.7%) or tenants renting their homes (49.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment of $2,162 was higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $441, compared to $390 across metropolitan Melbourne. Nationally, Brunswick's mortgage repayments are notably higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are significantly above the national benchmark of $375.

Detail

Family households make up the majority of homes at 51.7%, consisting of couples with children at 16.8%, couples without children at 27.6%, and single parents at 5.8%. Non-family households account for the remaining 48.3% of the total, with single-person households representing 34.2% and share houses making up 14.1%. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Detail

Educational levels in Brunswick are significantly higher than broader averages, with 59.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% across Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This strong educational profile positions the community well for professional opportunities in knowledge industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 34.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 18.6% and graduate diplomas at 5.6%. Vocational training is held by 16.7% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 8.7%.

Detail

Public transport systems in Brunswick feature 115 active stops, including light rail and bus services. These stops are serviced by 12 routes, which support 10,249 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 143 meters from the nearest stop. Because it is a residential area, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private cars being the primary transport mode at 49%, followed by cycling at 13% and train travel at 11%. Car ownership averages 0.6 vehicles per household, which is below the metropolitan average. A high 50.7% of residents worked from home, according to 2021 Census figures, which may reflect pandemic-related restrictions.

Detail

Health indicators show positive outcomes for the population, with Districts analysis of mortality rates and medical diagnoses indicating results that match national averages. Typical health issues are distributed normally across both younger and older demographics, and private health insurance membership is high, covering approximately 58% of the population, which equates to about 17,442 residents.

Detail

Brunswick exhibits higher levels of cultural diversity than most local areas, with 31.5% of residents born outside Australia and 24.6% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 26.7% of the population. The most distinct religious overrepresentation relative to the wider city is Judaism, which accounts for 0.5% of residents compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

Detail

Brunswick has a median age of 33, making it younger than Greater Melbourne's median of 37 and Australia's national average of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Brunswick has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (32.3%) but a lower share of children aged 5 - 14 (4.8%). The concentration of young adults aged 25 - 34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. The demographic profile has grown younger since the 2021 Census, with the median age falling 1.1 years to 33 from 34. The 25 to 34 age bracket increased from 29.2% to 32.3% of the population, while the 5 to age bracket declined from to . Demographic models indicate the age profile will change by with the to cohort projected to grow by people (), rising from to .

Detail

Brunswick currently has an estimated 1,148 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 688 children aged 0-2 and 459 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 18% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 37% by 2041 (to approximately 1,570 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,169. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.