Is Burwood a Safe Suburb? 2025 Crime Data Report

Key Findings

Burwood is a compact, densely populated suburb in Sydney's inner west, just 13.5 km from the CBD. Covering only 2.45 km² with a population density of 7,452 people per square kilometre, it serves as a regional commercial centre with a major Westfield shopping complex, Burwood train station, and dozens of restaurants and retail outlets. These characteristics are central to understanding its crime profile: high-traffic commercial hubs consistently record elevated crime rates because statistics are calculated against the resident population, not the much larger number of shoppers, commuters, and workers who pass through each day.

The suburb's crime rate of 11,309 per 100,000 residents is approximately 70% above the NSW state average, making it one of the higher-crime suburbs in the greater Sydney area. However, raw numbers require context. Burwood's 2,061 recorded incidents include property offences concentrated around the commercial strip and train station — patterns common to every major suburban centre. For families living in the residential streets north or south of Burwood Road, the day-to-day safety experience can differ significantly from what headline statistics suggest.

This report analyses Burwood's 2025 crime data alongside property, education, and demographic indicators to help families make an informed assessment of whether the suburb's strong community, school access, and transport connectivity outweigh its elevated crime statistics. All crime data is sourced from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) for the 12 months ending September 2025.

Data Overview

The following table presents Burwood's key metrics across safety, property, demographics, and education. Crime data is from BOCSAR 2025. Property data is from Domain. Population and demographic data is from ABS Census 2021.

Sources: BOCSAR (crime), Domain (property), ABS Census 2021 (demographics), Google Maps / Transport NSW (commute times).

In-Depth Analysis

Crime Rate in Context

Burwood's crime rate of 11,309 per 100,000 residents is the most important number in this report — and also the most misunderstood. At 70% above the NSW state average, it places Burwood in the "above average crime" band (8,600–13,000 per 100K) among NSW suburbs. The 84th percentile ranking means that approximately 84% of NSW suburbs have lower crime rates.

However, three contextual factors are essential for accurate interpretation:

• Commercial centre effect: Burwood is a major retail and dining hub with Westfield Burwood drawing tens of thousands of visitors daily. Crime statistics are calculated per resident population (18,224), not the much larger effective daytime population. Theft, fraud, and property crimes concentrated around commercial zones inflate the per-capita rate significantly. This pattern is consistent across all major suburban centres — purely residential suburbs naturally record lower rates.
• Population density: At 7,452 people per km², Burwood is one of Sydney's most densely populated suburbs. Higher density correlates with higher recorded crime rates across virtually all Australian suburbs, as more people in close proximity means more interactions, more reporting, and more opportunities for property crime.
• Compact area: Burwood covers just 2.45 km². A relatively small number of incidents can produce a high per-capita rate when spread across a small resident base. The 2,061 incidents should be compared not just per capita but in absolute terms — many larger suburbs record more total incidents but appear safer because of their larger populations.

What Types of Crime Occur?

While detailed crime category breakdowns for Burwood are not available in the current dataset, BOCSAR data for similar inner-west commercial centres consistently shows that property crimes — shoplifting, vehicle break-ins, and fraud — dominate the statistics. Violent crimes against persons typically represent a smaller share of total incidents in suburbs with this profile. Families living in residential streets away from the commercial strip generally experience a different safety environment than the overall statistics suggest.

Property Market

Burwood's property market reflects its premium inner-west location and strong community appeal. At approximately $3.3M, the median house price is more than double the Sydney median of approximately $1.5M, placing Burwood in the 94th percentile for house prices across NSW. This premium pricing means families investing in a Burwood home are paying top-tier prices and should factor the suburb's safety profile into their assessment.

Units offer a more accessible entry point at approximately $960K (74th percentile), reflecting the large number of apartment complexes in the area. Rental costs are significant: a 2-bedroom unit averages $875 per week, while 3-bedroom units average $1,050 per week (Domain).

Education Options

Burwood is home to two secondary schools that offer distinct educational pathways:

Scores based on AU Guide's HSC scoring method, incorporating 2025 HSC results including Distinguished Achievers, All-Round Achievers, and Top Achievers data.

MLC School is a standout performer with an AU Guide score of 77.47 and 119 Distinguished Achievers in the 2025 HSC — making it one of the stronger independent girls' schools in the inner west. It offers a K–12 pathway, allowing families to secure a single school from kindergarten through to Year 12. Southern Cross Catholic College, while scoring lower on HSC metrics, provides a coeducational Catholic option for senior students (Years 9–12). Families seeking additional school options can look to neighbouring suburbs such as Strathfield and Concord, which offer further government and independent schools within easy reach.

Demographics and Community

Burwood's Chinese-ancestry population of 48.3% (8,801 residents) makes it the top-ranked suburb in NSW by Chinese population proportion (ABS Census 2021). This is not merely a statistical note — it translates into a deeply established Chinese community with practical daily-life benefits:

• Multiple Asian supermarkets and grocery stores along Burwood Road
• Dozens of Chinese, Korean, and other Asian restaurants
• Bilingual services at local medical practices and real estate agencies
• Chinese community associations, language schools, and cultural events
• Mandarin and Cantonese widely spoken in shops and public spaces

For families relocating from China or other Asian countries, Burwood offers one of the smoothest cultural transitions of any Sydney suburb. The community infrastructure means new residents can access essential services in their preferred language from day one.

Regional Comparison

To put Burwood's crime rate in perspective, it is useful to compare it against both the NSW state average and the broader context of inner-west and eastern Sydney suburbs. The following table provides a framework for understanding where Burwood sits relative to key benchmarks:

Burwood's crime rate of 11,309 places it firmly in the "above average" band but below the "high crime" threshold of 13,000. Suburbs that function as major commercial and transport centres typically fall into this band regardless of their socioeconomic profile. Purely residential suburbs — particularly those without train stations or significant retail — tend to cluster in the lower bands.

For families comparing Burwood to other popular Chinese-community suburbs, the key consideration is the trade-off between commercial convenience and crime statistics. Suburbs with less commercial activity generally record lower crime rates but may offer fewer amenities, dining options, and community services. Burwood's exceptional Chinese community infrastructure exists precisely because of its commercial centre status — the same factor that elevates its crime figures.

What This Means for Families

Burwood's crime data tells a nuanced story. Here is what families should consider when evaluating the suburb:

The Safety Trade-Off

Burwood's 84th percentile crime ranking means it is statistically less safe than most NSW suburbs. However, "less safe" in the context of a major commercial centre does not necessarily translate to "dangerous for residents." The bulk of recorded incidents are concentrated around the commercial zone, particularly Burwood Road and the Westfield shopping centre precinct. Families living in quieter residential streets — particularly north of the railway line or in the heritage conservation area — typically report a different experience from the statistical headline.

The Value Proposition

At approximately $3.3M for a house, Burwood is not a bargain suburb. Families paying this premium should weigh the safety profile against the suburb's genuine strengths:

• Transit access: 21-minute train ride to the CBD — among the fastest commutes in Sydney's inner west
• Community: The strongest Chinese community infrastructure in NSW, with 48.3% Chinese ancestry
• Education: Direct access to MLC School (AU Guide score: 77.47), plus multiple school options in neighbouring suburbs
• Amenities: Westfield Burwood, dozens of restaurants, medical services, and bilingual professional services
• Rental option: Units at approximately $960K or rent at $875–$1,050/week provide alternatives to the $3.3M house market

Practical Safety Tips

For families choosing Burwood, these data-informed strategies can help mitigate the elevated crime statistics:

• Location within the suburb matters: Residential streets away from the commercial strip typically experience lower crime rates. Consider streets north of the railway line or in established heritage areas.
• Secure parking: Vehicle-related crime is common in commercial centres. Off-street or garage parking significantly reduces risk.
• Building security: For unit buyers, prioritise buildings with secure access, CCTV, and on-site management — features that are standard in newer developments.
• Community engagement: Burwood's strong community networks, including WeChat groups and local associations, provide practical safety information and neighbourhood watch functions.

Who Should Consider Burwood?

Burwood is best suited for families who prioritise Chinese community infrastructure, CBD proximity, and school access over pure safety statistics. It is particularly well-matched for:

• Recently arrived families from China seeking a culturally familiar environment
• Families with daughters who want access to MLC School's K–12 pathway
• Professional couples who rely on the train for CBD commuting
• Families who value walkable access to Asian dining, groceries, and bilingual services

Families who prioritise safety above all other factors may find better-suited options in lower-crime residential suburbs, though these will typically offer fewer community amenities and longer commutes. Use the AU Guide NSW suburb directory to compare suburbs across all dimensions.

FAQ

Is Burwood a safe suburb to live in?

Burwood's crime rate of 11,309 per 100,000 residents (BOCSAR 2025) is approximately 70% above the NSW state average of 6,635, placing it in the 84th percentile for crime. This means roughly 84% of NSW suburbs have lower crime rates. However, Burwood is a major commercial centre, and a significant portion of recorded incidents relate to property crime in the commercial zone rather than residential streets. Day-to-day safety for residents in quieter streets can differ substantially from the headline statistics.

Why is Burwood's crime rate so high?

Three main factors drive Burwood's elevated crime rate: (1) its function as a major commercial hub with Westfield Burwood attracting large volumes of foot traffic; (2) its very high population density of 7,452 per km² in a compact 2.45 km² area; and (3) its train station and transport interchange, which increases transient populations. Crime rates are calculated per resident population, so the large number of daily visitors inflates the per-capita figure.

How does Burwood's crime compare to nearby suburbs?

Burwood's crime rate is above the NSW average of 6,635 per 100,000. Suburbs functioning as similar commercial centres tend to record elevated crime statistics compared to purely residential suburbs. Families comparing options should look at each suburb's specific data on the AU Guide NSW suburb profiles, keeping in mind that commercial activity, population density, and transport infrastructure all influence recorded crime rates.

What are the best schools in Burwood?

Burwood has two secondary schools: MLC School (Independent, Girls, K–12) with an AU Guide score of 77.47 and 119 HSC Distinguished Achievers in 2025, and Southern Cross Catholic College (Catholic, Coed, Years 9–12) with a score of 25.95. MLC School is one of the stronger independent girls' schools in Sydney's inner west. Additional school options are available in neighbouring suburbs including Strathfield and Concord.

Is Burwood good for Chinese families?

Burwood has the highest Chinese-ancestry proportion of any suburb in NSW at 48.3% (8,801 residents, ABS Census 2021). It offers extensive Chinese community infrastructure including Asian supermarkets, Chinese restaurants, bilingual medical and professional services, community associations, and language schools. For families seeking a culturally familiar environment with Mandarin and Cantonese widely spoken, Burwood is arguably the strongest option in Sydney.

How much does it cost to live in Burwood?

The median house price in Burwood is approximately $3.3M (Domain), more than double the Sydney median of approximately $1.5M. Units are more accessible at approximately $960K. Rental costs for a 2-bedroom unit average $875 per week, while 3-bedroom units average $1,050 per week. Burwood is in the 94th percentile for house prices across NSW, reflecting its premium inner-west location and strong demand from the Chinese community.

How far is Burwood from Sydney CBD?

Burwood is approximately 13.5 km from Sydney CBD. By public transport, the train from Burwood station takes approximately 21 minutes to reach the city. Driving takes approximately 25 minutes. Burwood station is on the Inner West & Leppington and T2 Inner West lines, providing frequent services throughout the day.

Data Sources

• NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) — Crime rate and incident data, 12 months ending September 2025
• Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) — Census 2021 population, ancestry, and demographic data
• Domain — Median property prices and rental data
• AU Guide HSC Scoring Methodology — School performance scores based on 2025 HSC results
• Transport NSW — Public transport commute times