Buninyong

Population growth drivers in Buninyong are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Buninyong's population is estimated at approximately 3,599 people, a decrease of 198 individuals compared to the 2021 Census figure of 3,797. This estimation is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, which indicated a resident population of 3,576 for Buninyong and its surrounding areas. The population density stands at around 141 persons per square kilometer as of November 2025. Overseas migration contributed significantly to population growth in Buninyong, accounting for approximately 70% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for areas not covered by ABS data.

These projections indicate a significant population increase in Buninyong, with an expected expansion of 1,073 persons to the year 2041, reflecting a total increase of 35.5% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Buninyong is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Buninyong has experienced around 10 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 53 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with 1 already approved in FY-26. The population decline in the area suggests new supply is likely keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $818,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year, $5.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating Buninyong's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Buninyong records markedly lower building activity, 77.0% below regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, the level is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 950 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Buninyong adding 1,276 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Buninyong has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Five projects have been identified by AreaSearch that may impact the area's performance: Buninyong Heritage Swimming Baths Conservation Works, Buninyong Botanic Gardens Landscape Masterplan, Gong Reservoir Wall Reconstruction, Buninyong Community Road Safety Upgrades, and Buninyong Pump Track Upgrade.

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

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Buninyong ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Buninyong has a well-educated workforce. Essential services sectors are well represented.

The unemployment rate is 1.6%. Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 7.1%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 1894 residents are in work. The unemployment rate is 2.2% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is 60.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in education & training, health care & social assistance, and construction. Education & training has particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.9% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 7.1% while labour force increased by 6.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Buninyong. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Buninyong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not accounting for localised population projections.

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

Buninyong had a median taxpayer income of $55,012 and an average income of $69,393 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than the national averages for both median ($48,741) and average incomes ($60,693). By September 2025, based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,701 (median) and $77,831 (average). The 2021 Census shows that Buninyong's household, family, and personal incomes are around the 50th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 28.2% of Buninyong residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which aligns with the regional trend where this income band represents 30.3%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Buninyong is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Buninyong, as per the latest Census, 96.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic., where 85.6% were houses and 14.5% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Buninyong stood at 48.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.7% and rented ones at 13.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. The median weekly rent in Buninyong was $305, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Buninyong's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $305 compared to the national figure of $375.

Buninyong features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.0% of all households, including 34.6% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for 23.0%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, higher than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Buninyong shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Buninyong's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 36.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 24.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 22.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 20.8%. Educational participation is notably high, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.2% in primary, 9.4% in secondary, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Buninyong Primary School serves the local area, with an enrollment of 589 students as of a recent date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with an ICSEA score of 1049, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. Secondary options are available in surrounding areas.

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

Buninyong has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 7 different routes that together facilitate 609 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is moderate, with residents on average being located 433 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 87 trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 33 weekly trips per individual stop.

Buninyong's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Buninyong's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 54% (~1952 people) of Buninyong's total population has private health cover, compared to 50.9% in the rest of Victoria. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.8%) and mental health issues (8.4%). Around 67.5% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 62.3% in the rest of Victoria. Buninyong has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.1% (~831 people), compared to 17.8% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming those of the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Buninyong placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Buninyong had a cultural diversity score below the average, with 90.0% of its population born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, accounting for 47.1% of Buninyong's population, compared to 45.0% across the rest of Victoria. Regarding ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three groups in Buninyong were English with 31.1%, Australian with 30.1%, and Irish with 12.4%.

Notably, Scottish representation was higher at 11.4% compared to the regional average of 9.2%, Dutch representation was lower at 1.8% versus 2.1%, and Hungarian representation was slightly higher at 0.3% compared to 0.2%.

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

Buninyong's median age of 45 years exceeds Rest of Vic.'s 43, and is considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Vic. average, Buninyong has a notably higher proportion of 5-14 year-olds (15.6%) but fewer 25-34 year-olds (6.6%). From 2021 to present, Buninyong's 15 to 24 age group grew from 9.4% to 12.8%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.5% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 14.1% to 12.3%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 17.1% to 15.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Buninyong's age profile will evolve significantly, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to expand by 272 people (115%) from 237 to 510.