Buninyong

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Buninyong is around 3,890, reflecting a 2.4% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,797 people. This change is inferred from the resident population estimate of 3,756 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 152 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting projections for Buninyong based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made via weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, demographic trends forecast a significant population increase in Buninyong, with an expected expansion of 1,065 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a total increase of 23.9% over the 17 years from 2026 to 2041.

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 experienced around 11 dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years 2021 and 2025, approximately 56 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved in the current financial year 2026. Despite population decline, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $818,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In the current financial year, commercial approvals totalled $806,000, reflecting Buninyong's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Buninyong records significantly lower building activity, 76.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, Buninyong's level is also lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints.

All new construction has comprised detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 843 people. Future projections estimate Buninyong will add 931 residents by 2041. 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Area infrastructure performance is significantly influenced by changes to local projects and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include the Buninyong Botanic Gardens Landscape Masterplan (2018) and Gong Reservoir Wall Reconstruction, Buninyong Heritage Swimming Baths Conservation Works (commencing 2020), Buninyong Community Road Safety Upgrades (scheduled for completion in late 2021), and Buninyong Pump Track Upgrade (planned for early 2022). The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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 highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.6% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 1,917 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.1% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation stood at 64.0%, slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Census responses indicated that 23.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. The leading employment industries were education & training, health care & social assistance, and construction. Notably, Buninyong had a strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.9% compared to Regional Vic.'s average of 7.5%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8%, and employment declined by 0.6% in Buninyong, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a drop in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage point. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provided insight into potential future demand within Buninyong. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, indicated that national employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Buninyong's employment mix suggested that local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Buninyong suburb's median taxpayer income was $55,012 with an average of $69,393 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is slightly above the national average compared to Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,550 (median) and $75,118 (average), considering an 8.25% growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Buninyong align with the national 50th percentile. The earnings band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 28.2% of Buninyong's community (1,096 individuals), similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 30.3%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.8% of income, indicating 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 Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% 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 Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Buninyong was $305, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Buninyong's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households making up 1.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Buninyong is notably high, with 36.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the broader benchmarks of 21.7% for the Rest of Vic., and 24.6% for the SA4 region. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its strong position for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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 years and over holding these qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 12.2%, while certificates make up 20.8%. Educational participation is high in Buninyong, with 31.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.2% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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. These are served by three routes offering a total of 522 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated moderate with residents typically located 433 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Buninyong's residential nature, with cars being the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 23.8% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes is an average of 74 trips per day, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

Buninyong's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Buninyong, as per AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low incidence of common health conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 54% of the total population (around 2,110 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.8 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.5% report no medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (902 people). Seniors' health outcomes are notably strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 showed cultural diversity below average levels, with 90.0% of its population born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Buninyong, comprising 47.1% of people, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (30.1%), and Irish (12.4%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 11.4%, compared to the regional average of 8.8%. Dutch ancestry was also slightly higher at 1.8% versus 1.7% regionally, while Hungarian ancestry was marginally higher at 0.3% against 0.2%.

Buninyong hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Buninyong's median age, at 44 years, is comparable to Regional Vic.'s 43 and significantly higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Buninyong has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.2%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has increased from 9.4% to 12.8%, while those aged 75-84 have risen from 5.5% to 7.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has decreased from 14.1% to 11.8%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 17.1% to 15.0%. By 2041, Buninyong's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 83%, increasing from 280 to 513 residents. The 65-74 age group will also grow, albeit more modestly, with an increase of 4% or 24 residents.