Bunbury (WA)

Population growth drivers in Bunbury are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Bunbury's population is estimated at 4,421 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 473 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,948. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,407 following examination of ABS ERP data release in Jun 2024 and validation of 12 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 923 persons per square kilometer. Bunbury's growth of 12.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 9.9%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Projected demographic shifts indicate above median growth for locations outside capital cities. The suburb of Bunbury (WA) is projected to grow by 569 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Bunbury recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Bunbury shows an average of around 21 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 107 homes were approved, with a further 27 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 1.6 new residents arrived per new home.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $445,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, there have been $11.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Recent construction comprises 94.0% detached houses and 6.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Bunbury's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (49.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. With around 224 people per dwelling approval, Bunbury shows a developing market. Looking ahead, Bunbury is expected to grow by 312 residents through to 2041, as estimated by AreaSearch's latest quarterly report. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Bunbury has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 20 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront, Prinsep Street Streetscape, Bunbury Ocean Pool, and Boulters Heights: A New Chapter Begins. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment environment in Bunbury shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Bunbury has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.5% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 2,408 residents employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.3% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

The workforce participation rate is 62.6%, slightly below Rest of WA's 67.2%. According to Census responses, only 7.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing show lower representation at 1.4% versus the regional average of 9.3%.

There are 2.1 workers for every resident, indicating Bunbury functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 6.5%, and labour force grew by 5.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bunbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Bunbury suburb has a median taxpayer income of $65,012 and an average income of $83,569 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $71,266 (median) and $91,608 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 70th percentile ($923 weekly), while household income sits at the 42nd percentile. The largest segment of income distribution comprises 30.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,335 residents). After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Bunbury displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Bunbury, as per the latest Census, consisted of 48.8% houses and 51.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bunbury stood at 36.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.0% and rented ones at 38.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in Bunbury was recorded at $330, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Bunbury's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bunbury features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 56.8 percent of all households, including 17.0 percent that are couples with children, 31.3 percent that are couples without children, and 7.7 percent that consist of single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 43.2 percent, with lone person households at 39.1 percent and group households comprising 4.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Bunbury performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

In Bunbury, residents aged 15 and above have a notably higher educational attainment than broader averages. Specifically, 31.3% of residents hold university qualifications, surpassing the Rest of WA's 17.6% and SA4 region's 18.0%. This high level of education positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.8%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.8% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.1% and certificates for 23.7%. Furthermore, a significant portion of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 23.0% engaged in this process. This includes 8.7% in secondary education, 6.2% in primary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Bunbury has 42 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 21 different routes that together facilitate 2,412 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as good, with residents typically located 281 meters from the nearest one. Most residents commute outward due to Bunbury's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 84%, while 9% opt for walking. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 344 trips per day, equating to approximately 57 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bunbury's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows positive outcomes for Bunbury residents. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population, but higher among older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Private health cover is exceptionally high, with approximately 60% of the total population (2,669 people) having it, compared to 56.4% across Rest of WA. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.7% and 9.7% of residents respectively. 65.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,025 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Rest of WA but ranks lower nationally compared to the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Bunbury was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bunbury's cultural diversity was above average, with 10.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.1% born overseas. Christianity dominated the religious landscape, accounting for 48.1%. Judaism, however, was notably overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.0% in the Rest of WA.

In ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.7%), Australian (22.6%), and Irish (9.4%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Welsh at 0.8% (vs regional 0.6%), South African at 0.8% (vs 0.6%), and Polish at 0.9% (vs 0.5%).

Bunbury hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Bunbury's median age is 48 years, which is notably higher than Rest of WA's 40 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA average, Bunbury has a notably over-represented 25-34 cohort (15.6%) and an under-represented 5-14 year-old group (6.8%). Between 2021 and present, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.3 years to 48 years. Specifically, the 25-34 age group has grown from 11.5% to 15.6%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 14.6% to 13.0% and the 85+ group dropped from 4.5% to 3.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Bunbury, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 34%, adding 233 residents to reach 923. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 5-14 cohorts.