Bunyip

Bunyip lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, AreaSearch estimates the population of the suburb of Bunyip to be around 3,461 people. This figure represents an increase of 330 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,131 people. The current resident population is estimated at 3,444 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 142 persons per square kilometer. Bunyip's population growth rate of 10.5% since the 2021 census exceeds both the state average of 9.3% and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 40.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

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, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing 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 these projections, the suburb of Bunyip is expected to grow by 544 persons to reach a total population of 3,985 by the year 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 15.2% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bunyip among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Bunyip has seen approximately 20 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 104 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed attracted about 3.8 new residents yearly during these five years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, likely putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes was $440,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $858,000, indicating Bunyip's residential nature.

Comparatively, Bunyip has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person when measured against Greater Melbourne. Nationally, it ranks in the 84th percentile among assessed areas. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. Recent construction comprises 86% detached dwellings and 14% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Bunyip's low-density character with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 118 people per dwelling approval, Bunyip exhibits growth area characteristics. Future projections estimate Bunyip adding 527 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Bunyip has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Key projects include Gippsland Line Upgrade - Bunyip and Longwarry Stations, Warragul and Drouin Precinct Structure Plans, Additional VLocity Trains, and Victorian Desalination Plant Expansion. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Bunyip performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Bunyip's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector stands out with a 2.3% unemployment rate and 6.1% employment growth in the past year, as per AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025, Bunyip has 1,875 employed residents, an unemployment rate of 2.5%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne at 69.9%. Home workership stands at 19.8% based on Census responses, considering Covid-19 impacts. Key industries are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade, with construction being particularly strong at twice the regional level. Professional & technical services are underrepresented at 5.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparisons. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 6.1% while labour force grew by the same rate, with unemployment unchanged. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw 2.4% employment growth, 2.8% labour force expansion, and a 0.3 percentage point unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts suggest national employment will grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bunyip's industry mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Bunyip's median income is $51,262 and the average income stands at $74,993. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Bunyip would be approximately $56,193 (median) and $82,207 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data indicates that Bunyip's household income ranks at the 61st percentile ($1,927 weekly), while personal income sits at the 44th percentile. Income brackets show that 33.6% of Bunyip's population (1,162 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions where 32.8% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.5% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The latest Census evaluation of Bunyip's dwelling structures showed 98.3% houses and 1.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bunyip was at 34.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.0% and rented ones at 11.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Bunyip was $320, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bunyip's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 79.2% of all households, including 39.6% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 20.8%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households making up 1.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Bunyip aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 15.7%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (34.0%). Educational participation is high, with 31.5% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.7% in primary, 10.5% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 10.5% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bunyip has four active public transport stops, offering a mix of train services. Five routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 296 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 793 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to Bunyip's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 42 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 74 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bunyip's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Bunyip residents shows positive outcomes overall.

AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions were generally in line with national benchmarks. Common health conditions were seen across both young and old age groups. Private health cover was high at approximately 56% of the total population, around 1,953 people. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues (8.6%) and asthma (8.0%). About 68.5% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among working-age individuals were typical. Bunyip has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (699 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Senior health outcomes were above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Bunyip's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.6% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.9%), speaking English only at home (97.9%). Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 48.2% of Bunyip's population. However, Judaism is overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (34.7%) and English (31.5%) are the top groups in Bunyip, significantly higher than regional averages of 18.4% and 20.1%, respectively. Irish ancestry also stands out at 9.6%. Other notable divergences include Dutch at 3.3% (regional: 1.2%), Maltese at 0.7% (regional: 1.1%), and Polish at 0.7% (regional: 0.8%).

Bunyip's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Bunyip is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and is similarly equivalent to Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bunyip has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (7.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.0%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the percentage of Bunyip's population aged 75 to 84 increased from 6.3% to 7.9%, while the percentage of those aged 65 to 74 rose from 8.5% to 10.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 decreased from 12.0% to 9.9%. By 2041, Bunyip's age composition is expected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 75 to 84 is projected to increase by 54%, reaching 422 from 273. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 71% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the numbers in the 0 to 4 age range are expected to decrease by 30%.