Buninyong

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

As of November 2025, Buninyong's population is estimated at around 3,890, reflecting an increase of 93 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,797. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,756 in June 2024 based on ABS ERP data and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 152 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the Buninyong (SA2) is forecasted to expand by 1,081 persons, reflecting a total increase of 25.5% 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 11 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 56 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved so far in FY-26. This level of new supply is likely keeping up with demand despite population decline, offering good choice to buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $818,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $806,000 have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Buninyong records markedly lower building activity, 76.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Nationally, Buninyong also reflects lower building activity, indicating 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 845 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Buninyong adding 993 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are the Buninyong Botanic Gardens Landscape Masterplan (scheduled 2021-2023) and Gong Reservoir Wall Reconstruction (commencing Q4 2022), Buninyong Heritage Swimming Baths Conservation Works (started Jul 2021, completion expected Dec 2022), Buninyong Community Road Safety Upgrades (planned for 2023-2025), and Buninyong Pump Track Upgrade (commenced Jun 2022, due for completion in early 2023).

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 well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%.

As of September 2025, 1,904 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is at 60.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in education & training, health care & social assistance, and construction, particularly notable in the former with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.9% versus the regional average of 7.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.8% while labour force increased by 1.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

The median taxpayer income in Buninyong is $55,012, with an average of $69,393, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, compared to Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $59,550 (median) and $75,118 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Buninyong are around the 50th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 captures 28.2% of Buninyong's community (1,096 individuals), 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. 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 3.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 85.6% houses and 14.5% 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 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 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 comprise the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households at 1.6%. 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

Educational attainment in Buninyong is notably high. As of the latest data, 36.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 24.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.4%) and graduate diplomas (6.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.0% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.2% and certificates for 20.8%. Educational participation is 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together facilitate 522 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents on average being located 433 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 74 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 29 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 match national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

Private health cover is held by approximately 54% of Buninyong's total population (~2,110 people), compared to 51.9% in the Rest of Victoria. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.8%) and mental health issues (8.4%). A majority, 67.5%, report being completely free from medical ailments, higher than the 62.3% across the Rest of Victoria. Buninyong has a larger proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.0% (894 people), compared to the state average of 17.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in Buninyong are particularly strong, performing better than 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, as per the census data from June 2016, showed a lower than average cultural diversity. It was reported that 90.0% of its population were born in Australia, with 93.4% being citizens and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was found to be the predominant religion in Buninyong, accounting for 47.1% of the population, which is slightly higher than the 45.0% average across the Rest of Vic..

The top three ancestry groups based on country of birth of parents were English (31.1%), Australian (30.1%), and Irish (12.4%). Some notable differences in ethnic group representation included Scottish, which was overrepresented at 11.4% compared to the regional average of 9.2%, Dutch at 1.8% versus 2.1%, and Hungarian at 0.3% against 0.2%.

Buninyong hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Buninyong's median age, at 45 years, is slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and considerably older than Australia's national norm of 38. Compared with the Rest of Vic. average, Buninyong has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 5-14 (15.6% locally) but a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (6.6%). Between 2021 and present, the population aged 15 to 24 grew from 9.4% to 12.7%, while the 75 to 84 age group 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 change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow substantially, increasing by 253 people (99%) from 256 to 510. In contrast, the 55 to 64 cohort shows minimal growth of just 5% (25 people).