Council (LGA) · Area profile
Burnside
28 km²
Far wealthier than the typical South Australian suburb, Burnside is an affluent and highly educated community. The area is defined by a mature population, with a typical resident aged 44 and a significant proportion of seniors. This prosperity is reflected in the high number of university degrees and a strong presence of professional and managerial workers. Situated near the city, it is a very walkable place where high incomes and a diverse, international population create a distinctive residential character.
An affluent area whose schools serve an equally well-off community.
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The population is noticeably older than the national figure, with 23.4% of residents aged 65 and over. While the total population grew by 9.1% since 2011 to reach 46,030, the proportion of children under 15 remains slightly below the Australian average.
Burnside has a strong international character, with 33.0% of people born overseas, which is well above the national figure. English, Australian, and Chinese are the most common ancestries.
Reflecting its overseas births, 27.5% of residents use a language other than English at home, a figure well above the state and national averages. Mandarin is the most common non-English language.
A growing number of residents identify as having no religion, rising 17 points since 2011 to 43.9%. This is well above the national figure, though it remains a little below the state average.
Educational attainment is far above the national average, with 47.8% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. High school completion is also very high, with 77.6% of residents finishing Year 12.
Incomes are much higher than in most other areas, with 32.0% of households earning $3,000 or more a week. The typical family income of $2,686 is well above both the state and national figures.
Residents report better health than most areas; the 26.3% who have a long-term health condition is well below the state average. Similarly, those needing help with daily activities is lower than most areas.
Community engagement is high, with 21.7% of people volunteering, which is well above the national figure. There is also a higher rate of unpaid care and housework compared to most areas.
The First Nations community is small, representing 0.4% of the population. However, First Nations residents in Burnside have a much higher typical household income and higher Year 12 completion rates than those in most other areas.
Family units are common, with 63.1% of households consisting of couples with children. One-parent families are much less common here than in most other areas.
Home ownership is strong, with 42.8% of homes owned outright, far above the national figure. While typical weekly rents are higher than most areas, the typical monthly mortgage payment is also among the highest in the region.
The area is very well connected, with a short 9-minute drive to the city and high public transport use. Working from home is also more common here than in the state average.
Burnside is a dynamic area where 38.9% of people moved in the last five years. Recent overseas arrivals make up 16.7% of the population, which is higher than the national average.
The workforce is dominated by professionals and managers, with 39.9% of residents working in professional roles. Most residents are employed in health care, professional services, or education.
Burnside is ranked among the most advantaged areas in the country, receiving the highest possible score for overall advantage, job skills, and access to resources.
The area experiences a milder climate than the state average, with a lower average maximum temperature of 21.7 degrees and higher annual rainfall.
Burnside is very walkable, with a score of 7.8. Almost all homes are within a 15-minute walk of a park, and the vast majority are close to public transport, health services, and groceries.