Burwood (Vic.)

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Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside recent address verifications by Districts following the census, indicates that the suburb of Burwood (Vic.) has a population of approximately 18,552 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 3,405 residents (22.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 15,147 individuals. The shift is calculated from a resident population count of 18,506, projected by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) combined with 182 validated new addresses registered since the Census. This population level yields a density of 3,051 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of national areas assessed by Districts. The 22.5% expansion rate in the suburb of Burwood (Vic.) since the 2021 census outpaced the state growth of 9.3% and the countrywide average, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion in the locality was mostly propelled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 96.0% of total demographic gains in recent times.

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Burwood has a highly qualified workforce with significant representation in professional services, an unemployment rate of 5.0%, and an annual employment growth estimate of 2.3% according to Districts regional data aggregation. In March 2026, 10,280 residents were employed, while the jobless rate was 0.2% higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, and labor participation was below average (65.3% versus 70.2% for Greater Melbourne). Census data indicates that a high proportion of residents (35.6%) worked from home, though this may reflect COVID-19 restriction impacts.

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According to the latest postcode-level ATO data compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, the median taxpayer income in Burwood is $47,385 and the average is $68,119. This is roughly in line with the national average, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,943 for the median and $74,672 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports household income at the 46th percentile ($1,684 weekly) and personal income at the 25th percentile. Income distribution shows the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the largest with 27.7% of residents (5,138 people), compared to regional figures where this group accounts for . Housing affordability is highly constrained, with of income remaining, placing the area at the rd percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the locality in the th decile for income.

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According to the last Census, the housing mix in Burwood consisted of 58.0% separate houses and 42.0% semi-detached dwellings, apartments, or other structures, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings across the Melbourne metro area. Home ownership rates matched the wider Melbourne metro level at 32.0%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (28.6%) or renting (39.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,500, which is higher than the Melbourne metro average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent stood at $411, compared to $390 for the Melbourne metro area. Nationally, Burwood's mortgage costs are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent costs exceed the national average of $375.

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Family households represent 63.0% of the total, consisting of 27.8% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 10.5% single parents. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.0%, with single person homes at 27.8% and shared group households making up 9.2%. The median household size of 2.5 residents is slightly below the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Educational qualification levels in Burwood are higher than wider averages, with 48.0% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% across VIC. This education profile positions the community well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (15.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational training is held by 20.7% of residents aged 15 and over, comprising advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (10.0%).

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Public transit networks include 81 active stops in Burwood, comprising light rail and bus options. These stops are served by 16 distinct routes, which accommodate 8,591 passenger trips per week. Transit access is favorable, with residents living an average of 219 meters from their closest stop. Due to the residential nature of the area, most workers travel out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 76%, followed by trains at 8% and buses at 6%. Household car ownership averages 1.2 vehicles. A total of 35.6% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Health outcomes in Burwood are above average based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic illness, with common conditions showing low prevalence in the general community and matching national averages among older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is slightly above the typical SA2 average at approximately 54% of the population (roughly 9,973 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

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Burwood displays high levels of cultural diversity, with 46.9% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 48.8% born overseas. The most common religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 39.9% of the local population. However, the most significant variance from the regional average is in Buddhism, which accounts for 7.0% of residents compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 32 years in the suburb of Burwood (Vic.) is younger than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and the national average of 38. Compared to the Melbourne region, the suburb of Burwood (Vic.) has a higher proportion of residents aged 15 - 24 (26.5%) and fewer aged 5 - 14 (7.2%). The 15 - 24 demographic is higher than the national share of 12.7%. Recent post-census data indicates that younger residents have reduced the median age by 2.3 years to 32. Significant shifts show the 15 to 24 cohort rising from 19.9% to 26.5% of the population, and the 25 to 34 age group increasing from 18.2% to . Conversely, the to group fell from to and the to group decreased from to . Projections indicate that the demographic profile of the suburb of Burwood (Vic.) will change by . The to cohort is expected to grow the fastest at , adding residents to reach a total of .

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Burwood currently has an estimated 649 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 391 children aged 0-2 and 261 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 7% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 770 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,009. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.5 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.