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 Nov 2025, the population of Bunyip is estimated at around 3,280, reflecting an increase of 149 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.8% change from the previously reported population of 3,131. The latest estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and their examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, showing an estimated resident population of 3,220 for Bunyip. This level of population results in a density ratio of 135 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, Bunyip has demonstrated steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%, outpacing state averages. Interstate migration contributed approximately 40% of overall population gains during recent periods, while natural growth and overseas migration also played positive roles.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, they employ VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Bunyip is expected to experience above median population growth, increasing by 568 persons to reach a total of 3,848 by 2041, reflecting a 17.2% increase over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bunyip when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Bunyip averaged around 18 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), approximately 94 homes were approved, with another 3 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over this period attracted an average of 3 new residents.

The average construction cost value for these dwellings was $440,000, aligning with regional trends. This financial year (FY-26), Bunyip has registered $1.0 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bunyip records around 56% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 72nd percentile nationally for areas assessed.

New building activity consists of approximately 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Bunyip has around 180 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Latest AreaSearch quarterly estimates forecast Bunyip to gain approximately 527 residents by 2041. 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 top 50% nationally

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

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

Bunyip has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 2.2% and estimated employment growth of 4.3% in the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 1,769 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.5% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade, with construction employment at 2.0 times the regional average. However, professional & technical jobs comprise only 5.2% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, labour force by 4.4%, resulting in a slight unemployment rise of 0.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bunyip's industry mix suggests 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

Bunyip's median taxpayer income was $51,262 and average income was $74,993 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is higher than national averages, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. Based on a 12.16% increase since FY2022 using the Wage Price Index, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $57,495 (median) and $84,112 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Bunyip's household income ranks at the 61st percentile ($1,927 weekly), while personal income is at the 44th percentile. Income analysis shows that 33.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the region where 32.8% fall into this bracket. 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

In Bunyip, as per the latest Census evaluation, 98.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 1.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types of dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bunyip stood at 34.5%, higher than Melbourne metro's rate. The majority of Bunyip dwellings were mortgaged (54.0%), with the rest rented (11.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Bunyip was $1,950, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $1,866. Weekly rent median in Bunyip was $320, lower than Melbourne metro's $361. 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 79.2% of all households, including 39.6% that are couples with children, 30.3% that are couples without children, and 8.8% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.8%, with lone person households at 19.1% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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 at 31.5%, comprising primary education (11.7%), secondary education (10.5%), and tertiary education (2.7%).

Columba Catholic School and Bunyip Primary School serve a total of 438 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1003) indicating balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Bunyip indicates that there are four active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. A total of twelve individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 376 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as limited, with residents typically located 793 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 53 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 94 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bunyip'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

Bunyip's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, featuring common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts. Approximately 56% (~1,851 people) of Bunyip's total population has private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 51.6%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (8.6%) and asthma (8.0%), while 68.5% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 70.3% in Greater Melbourne. Bunyip has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.6% (642 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 13.7%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly mirroring the general population's health profile.

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 born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 48.2% of Bunyip's population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.1% of Bunyip's population identifying as such.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.7%), English (31.5%), and Irish (9.6%). Divergences include Dutch (3.3%), Maltese (0.7%), and Polish (0.7%) being overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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 years at 38 years as of a certain date. This figure is also equivalent to Australia's median age of 38 years. Comparing Bunyip with Greater Melbourne, Bunyip had a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 years (7.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 years (10.2%). From the 2021 Census to another date, the percentage of residents aged 75-84 years increased from 6.3% to 7.7%, while the percentage of those aged 65-74 years grew from 8.5% to 9.6%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 years decreased from 12.0% to 9.9%. By another date, Bunyip's age composition is expected to change significantly. The demographic shift will be led by the 75-84 age group, which is projected to grow by 57%, reaching 396 people from 252. This growth is part of a broader aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above comprising 72% of the projected population growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts.