Burwood East (Vic.)

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Based on demographic assessments of ABS statistics for the surrounding region, alongside new addresses verified by Districts subsequent to the Census, the suburb of Burwood East has a population estimated to stand at approximately 12,465 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 1,790 people (16.8%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 10,675 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 12,460, determined by Districts following analysis of the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and an additional 482 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population scale translates to a density ratio of 2,926 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Burwood East in the highest quartile among nationwide locations examined by Districts. The 16.8% growth of the suburb of Burwood East since the 2021 census was higher than the SA4 region (8.9%) and the state, establishing it as a local growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver, accounting for roughly of the overall population gains in recent times, though other factors, including interstate migration and natural growth, also remained positive.

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Burwood East is characterised by a highly qualified labor force with strong representation in professional services, an unemployment rate of 5.4%, and an estimated job growth rate of 1.6% over the past year, according to Districts regional data aggregations. In March 2026, 6,416 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 0.6% higher than the Greater Melbourne rate of 4.8%, and labor force participation was notably lower (62.6% compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne). Census records indicate that a high 34.2% of residents worked from home, although this should be viewed in light of Covid-19 restrictions.

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The most recent postcode-level ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 shows that incomes in Burwood East are lower than the national average, with a median of $45,312 and an average of $60,119. This is below the Greater Melbourne figures of $57,688 for median income and $75,164 for average income. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index rise of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $49,671 for median income and $65,902 for average income as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household income is in the 42nd percentile ($1,610 weekly), while personal income sits in the 24th percentile. The largest group of residents, comprising 30.2% of locals (3,764 people), falls into the $1,500 - 2,999 band, similar to the regional distribution where fall in the same bracket. Affordability pressures are significant, leaving only of income after housing costs, placing the area in the nd percentile, while the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile for income.

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The mix of housing in Burwood East at the time of the latest Census was 73.9% standalone houses and 26.1% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, compared to Melbourne metro's split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Burwood East was significantly higher than the Melbourne metropolitan average, standing at 44.3%, while the remaining homes were mortgaged (29.2%) or rented (26.6%). The median monthly mortgage payment was higher than the Melbourne metro average of $2,000 at $2,147, and the median weekly rent was $439 compared to the metro median of $390. Nationally, mortgage payments in Burwood East are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 72.3%, consisting of couples with children (33.7%), couples without children (26.5%), and single parent households (10.8%). Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.7%, with lone person households making up 22.5% and group households accounting for 5.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, matching the average for Greater Melbourne.

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Educational qualifications in Burwood East are higher than regional and national averages, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This educational pattern positions the local population well for professional and technical roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 26.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees (13.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational training accounts for 22.6% of qualifications among those aged 15+, which includes advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (11.8%).

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Public transport networks include 64 active stops in Burwood East, providing a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 15 separate routes, which combine to support 4,326 weekly passenger trips. Access to transport is rated as good, with residents living an average of 224 meters from the nearest stop. As the area is predominantly residential, most workers commute out of the suburb, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel at 82%, followed by train at 8%. Households own an average of 1.3 cars. A high proportion of residents, 34.2%, worked from home (according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions).

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Health assessments indicate good overall health profiles in Burwood East, based on Districts research into mortality and chronic disease trends, with both younger and older cohorts showing a low incidence of common health issues. The rate of private health insurance coverage is relatively low at approximately 51% of the population (~6,312 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

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Burwood East ranks among the most culturally diverse locations in Australia, with 56.5% of residents using a language other than English at home and 53.5% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 43.5% of the population. However, Buddhism shows the most significant overrepresentation, accounting for 8.5% of residents compared to 4.2% in Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 40 in Burwood East is slightly higher than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and the national median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, the 75 - 84 age bracket is overrepresented at 8.3% of the population, while children aged 5 - 14 are underrepresented at 9.3%. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 14.9% to 17.3% of the population, and the 85+ bracket has grown from 3.5% to 4.6%. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 12.8% to 10.8%, and the 55 to 64 group fell from to . Demographic modeling projects that the age distribution will shift by with the to cohort expected to grow by people () from to .

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Burwood East currently has an estimated 448 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 269 children aged 0-2 and 179 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 5% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 12% by 2041 (to approximately 500 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 927. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.