Bunbury (WA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Bunbury's population is estimated at around 4,420 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 472 people (12.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,948 people in the Bunbury (WA) statistical area (Lv2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,407 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 922 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bunbury's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in Jun 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in Dec 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of locations outside capital cities is projected. The Bunbury (WA) area is expected to grow by 565 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.1% in total 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

Bunbury averaged around 21 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 107 homes were approved, with another 27 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 1.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past five financial years.

The supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average value of $445,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

There have been $11.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating 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. 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 314 residents through to 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Bunbury has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely impacting 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 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 highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, lower than the Rest of WA's 3.3%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.5% based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 2,401 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 0.4% below the regional average. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, health care & social assistance has a higher representation in Bunbury at 1.6 times the regional level compared to agriculture, forestry & fishing which is lower at 1.4%.

With a worker-to-resident ratio of 2.1:1, Bunbury functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the past year, employment increased by 6.5% while labour force grew by 5.4%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw lower growth rates and a smaller drop in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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. These figures are among the highest in Australia, contrasting with the Rest of WA's median income of $59,973 and average income of $74,392. According to the Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $71,266 (median) and $91,608 (average). In the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 70th percentile ($923 weekly), while household income was at the 42nd percentile. The largest income segment comprised 30.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,334 residents). After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remained for other expenses. Bunbury's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Bunbury displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with strong rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Bunbury, as per the latest Census, consisted of 48.8% houses and 51.2% other dwellings including semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership stood at 36.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.0% and rented ones at 38.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, while the median weekly rent was $330. Nationally, Bunbury's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bunbury features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a median household size of 2.0 people

Family households account for 56.8% of all households, including 17.0% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 43.2%, with lone person households at 39.1% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people.

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

Bunbury's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 31.3% hold university qualifications, compared to 17.6% in the rest of WA and 18.0% in the SA4 region. 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 aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 23.7%.

A substantial 23.0% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 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's public transport system operates 42 active stops, all served by buses. These stops are covered by 21 different routes, together facilitating 2,412 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 281 meters to the nearest stop.

The service runs approximately 344 trips daily across all routes, translating to about 57 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bunbury is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Bunbury faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 60% of Bunbury's total population has private health cover, equating to 2,668 individuals. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis and mental health concerns, affecting 9.7% and 9.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.6% report no medical ailments, contrasting with the 0% reported for the Rest of WA. Bunbury has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.2%, or 1,069 people, compared to the general 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 population, as per a study conducted in 2016-2020, showed above average cultural diversity with 10.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 27.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 48.1%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to no representation regionally in Rest of WA during the same period.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (22.6%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Welsh (0.8%) was overrepresented compared to regional data, as were South African (0.8%) and Polish (0.9%) populations during this time frame.

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

Bunbury's median age of 48 years is notably higher than Rest of WA's 40 years, which is also considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA average, Bunbury has a notably over-represented 65-74 cohort at 13.6%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 6.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 11.5% to 14.6% of Bunbury's population, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 4.5% to 3.2%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 15.9% to 14.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Bunbury's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 275 people (43%), from 645 to 921. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 5-14 cohorts.