Buninyong

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

Based on ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026, the estimated population of Buninyong is around 3,857. This reflects an increase of 60 people (1.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,797. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 3,857 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 151 persons per square kilometer. Buninyong's growth rate of 1.6% since the census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the Rest of Vic (4.3%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, 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, adjusting using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Buninyong is forecasted to expand by 1,091 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 28.3% in total over the 16-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Buninyong has seen around 11 new homes approved per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 56 homes were approved, with another 5 so far in FY-26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $818,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $806,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Buninyong records lower building activity, with 75.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. New construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 835 people. Looking ahead, Buninyong is expected to grow by 1,091 residents through to 2041, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases if current development rates continue.

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

Five projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: 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.

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 with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.4% as of December 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 1,922 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 2.3 percentage points below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation was broadly similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, a moderate 23.8% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents comprised education & training, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area showed particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.9% versus the regional average of 7.5%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8%, while employment declined by 0.6%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Buninyong's employment mix indicated 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.

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

The suburb of Buninyong had a median taxpayer income of $55,012 and an average of $69,393 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is above Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. By March 2026, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $60,304 and an average of $76,069 in Buninyong. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Buninyong are around the 50th percentile nationally. Incomes between $1,500 - 2,999 capture 28.2% of the community (1,087 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region 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 structure, as per the latest Census, had 96.5% houses and 3.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with 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, exceeding Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The 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 comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is 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+ holding university qualifications compared to the broader benchmarks of 21.7% in Rest of Vic. and 24.6% in 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 prominent, with 33.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas comprise 12.2% and 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. The area's transport accessibility is rated moderate with residents typically located 433 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature, with cars being the dominant mode at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 23.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency is 74 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per stop.

Buninyong's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Buninyong. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 54% of the total population (~2,092 people), compared to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The most common medical conditions were arthritis (8.8%) and mental health issues (8.4%). A total of 67.5% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Health outcomes among the working-age population were broadly typical. As of 2021, 23.9% of residents were aged 65 and over (921 people). Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 lower cultural diversity, with 90.0% born in Australia, 93.4% being citizens, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, at 47.1%, compared to 47.3% regionally. Top ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (30.1%), and Irish (12.4%).

Notably, Scottish (11.4%) and Dutch (1.8%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 8.8% and 1.7%, respectively. Hungarian was also slightly overrepresented at 0.3%.

Buninyong hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Buninyong's median age is 45 years, which is slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s 43 and considerably older than the national average of 38. The proportion of residents aged 5-14 in Buninyong is notably higher at 15.0% compared to the Regional Vic. average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 6.8%. Between 2021 and the present day, the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 9.4% to 12.0%, and the 75 to 84 age group has risen from 5.5% to 7.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has decreased from 17.1% to 15.0%, and those aged 55 to 64 have dropped from 14.1% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Buninyong's age profile. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 92% from 262 to 503 people. In contrast, the 55-64 age group shows minimal growth of just 10%, increasing by 45 people.