Buninyong

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

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Buninyong's population is estimated at approximately 3,890 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents an increase of 93 people (2.4%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,797. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,756 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 152 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth in the area, contributing approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas across the nation is forecast. The suburb of Buninyong is expected to expand by 1,076 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.2% in total over the 17 years.

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 from statistical area data indicates Buninyong has experienced approximately 11 dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 56 homes were approved, with 3 more approved in FY-26 as of current figures. The area's population decline suggests new supply is meeting demand, offering buyers good choice.

Average construction cost value for new dwellings is $818,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market. Commercial approvals registered this financial year totalled $806,000, reflecting Buninyong's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Buninyong records significantly lower building activity, 76.0% below regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, Buninyong also reflects market maturity with possible development constraints.

All new construction has been detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 845 people. Future projections suggest Buninyong will add approximately 981 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones are Buninyong Botanic Gardens Landscape Masterplan and Gong Reservoir Wall Reconstruction, Buninyong Heritage Swimming Baths Conservation Works, Buninyog Community Road Safety Upgrades, and Buninyong Pump Track Upgrade. 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.

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

Buninyong has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.7% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In September 2025, 1,903 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Vic.'s at 61.4%. Approximately 23.8% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in education & training, health care & social assistance, and construction. Notably, education & training employment levels were at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.9% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, while labour force increased by 1.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Buninyong. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Buninyong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Buninyong suburb has a median taxpayer income of $55,012 and an average income of $69,393, based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is slightly above the national average. Rest of Vic., however, has a lower median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,550 (median) and $75,118 (average), considering an 8.25% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to 2021 Census figures, Buninyong's household, family, and personal incomes align with the national 50th percentile. Income brackets show that 28.2% of Buninyong residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually (1,096 individuals), which is similar to the regional trend where this cohort represents 30.3%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.8% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. Buninyong'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

Buninyong's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.5% houses and 3.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro Vic.'s structure of 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 Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Buninyong was $305, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Buninyong's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 make up the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger 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 is notably high, with 36.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 24.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 33.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding such 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.

Educational participation is notably high, 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 operational public transport stops. These are served by three distinct routes offering a total of 522 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as moderate with residents typically being located 433 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most inhabitants commute outward and cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 96%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 23.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 74 trips daily across all routes, 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. AreaSearch's assessment shows low prevalence of common health conditions among both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 54% (~2,110 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.8%) and mental health issues (8.4%). About 67.5% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. Buninyong has 23.2% residents aged 65 and over (902 people), with health outcomes among seniors ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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 level below average, with 90.0% of its population born in Australia and 93.4% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 97.7%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 47.1%, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (30.1%), and Irish (12.4%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher at 11.4% than the regional average of 8.8%. Dutch ancestry stood at 1.8%, slightly above the regional 1.7%, and Hungarian ancestry was at 0.3%, compared to the region's 0.2%.

Buninyong hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Buninyong's median age of 44 years is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Buninyong has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 9.4% to 13.1%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 5.5% to 7.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has declined from 14.1% to 11.9%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 17.1% to 15.3%. By 2041, Buninyong's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 87%, adding 244 people and reaching a total of 525. The 65-74 age group will also grow, but at a more modest rate of 6%, with an increase of 33 residents.