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 Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Bunyip is estimated at around 3,344, reflecting an increase of 213 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,131. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,265 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 138 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Bunyip has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%, outpacing the state. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 40.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors. 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 with adjustments made employing 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb with an expected growth of 569 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 13.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Bunyip among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bunyip has recorded approximately 20 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 100 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.8 people per year moved to the area for each new home constructed during this period, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $440,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $858,000 in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to Greater Melbourne. Bunyip records about 60% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 82nd percentile of areas assessed nationally, with development activity increasing recently.

Recent construction comprises 84.0% detached houses and 16.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's low density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 124 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Bunyip to add 465 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Bunyip has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect this region: Gippsland Line Upgrade - Bunyip and Longwarry Stations. Other notable projects include Warragul and Drouin Precinct Structure Plan, Additional VLocity Trains, and Victorian Desalination Plant Expansion. The following details those most relevant.

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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 2.2% unemployment rate and an estimated 4.4% employment growth in the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of September 2025, 1,734 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.5%, below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Home workership stands at 19.8% based on Census responses. Leading industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services have a limited presence at 5.2%, compared to the regional 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Over the past year, employment increased by 4.4% while labour force grew by 4.5%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, with unemployment rising to 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bunyip's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.2% in five years and 12.9% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Bunyip had a median taxpayer income of $51,262 and an average income of $74,993 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national averages, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $55,491 and the average income $81,180. According to the 2021 Census, Bunyip's household income ranks at the 61st percentile ($1,927 weekly) and personal income at the 44th percentile. Income brackets show that 33.6% of the population (1,123 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.5% of income remains for other expenses. Bunyip'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

Bunyip's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.3% houses and 1.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bunyip stood at 34.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.0% and rented ones at 11.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Melbourne metro's $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 lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 79.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children (39.6%), couples without children (30.3%), and single parent families (8.8%). Non-family households make up the remaining 20.8%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 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 operating within its boundaries. These offer a mix of train services and are served by five distinct routes in total. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 296. Transport accessibility is assessed as limited, with residents generally situated 793 meters away from the nearest transport stop. Primarily residential, Bunyip sees most residents commuting outward, with cars being the predominant mode of transportation at a rate of 95%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 2.0, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.8% of Bunyip's residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 42 trips per day, translating to roughly 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 shows positive outcomes for Bunyip residents.

AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions largely aligned with national benchmarks. Common health issues were seen across both young and elderly residents. Private health cover was high at approximately 56% of the total population (~1,887 people). The most prevalent medical conditions were mental health issues (8.6%) and asthma (8.0%). A significant portion, 68.5%, declared themselves free from medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. Bunyip has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.5% (685 people) compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Senior health outcomes are above average, ranking in line with the general population nationally.

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 citizens and 90.9% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 97.9%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 48.2%, while Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1% compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (34.7%), English (31.5%), and Irish (9.6%) were the top groups, significantly higher than regional averages of 18.4%, 20.1%, and 4.2% respectively. Dutch (3.3%), Maltese (0.7%), and Polish (0.7%) were notably overrepresented compared to regional figures of 1.2%, 1.1%, and 0.8%.

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

The median age in Bunyip was close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 at the time of the data. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bunyip had a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (7.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.8%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Census, the population aged 65-74 grew from 8.5% to 10.1%, while the 75-84 age group increased from 6.3% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 12.0% to 9.3%, and the 25-34 age group decreased from 10.9% to 9.8%. By 2041, Bunyip's population is expected to shift significantly in terms of age composition. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 53%, reaching 398 people from 260. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 73% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 0-4 is expected to decrease by 13%.