Busselton

An assessment of population growth drivers in Busselton reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Busselton's estimated population is around 1,993 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 155 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,838. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,923 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 446 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Busselton has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%, outpacing its SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 35.0% during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch uses ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an increase just below the median for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to gain 220 persons by 2041, reflecting a total growth of 10.0% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Busselton recorded around 14 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 71 homes. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. An average of 2.7 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, reflecting robust demand that underpins property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $576,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $4.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential. When measured against the Rest of WA, Busselton shows approximately 56% of the construction activity per person while it places among the 86th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (71.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 103 people per dwelling approval, Busselton shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections show Busselton adding 199 residents by 2041 (from 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.

Busselton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely affecting the region: City of Busselton Local Planning Scheme No. 22, Busselton Health Campus Expansion, Brown Street Busselton, and Home HQ Busselton. The following details those most relevant.

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Busselton has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Busselton has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.4% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation). As of September 2025977 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 57.9%, lower than Rest of WA's 67.2%. Only 6.5% of residents work from home (Census responses). Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. Busselton shows strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share twice the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.8% compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. From September 2024 to September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.4%, labour force grew by 5.5%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.9 percentage points (AreaSearch analysis). Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Busselton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (simple weighting extrapolation).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Busselton has a median taxpayer income of $42,807 and an average income of $56,535 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national averages of $59,973 (median) and $74,392 (average). Using the Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $46,925 (median) and $61,974 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Busselton fall between the 2nd and 14th percentiles nationally. The predominant income bracket in Busselton is $400 - $799, with 33.9% of locals earning within this range, compared to the regional lead of $1,500 - $2,999 at 31.1%. Economic circumstances indicate financial pressure, with 44.0% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability is a significant issue, with only 79.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Busselton, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.9% houses and 29.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Busselton stood at 43.2%, with mortgaged properties at 16.9% and rented ones at 39.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,635, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in Busselton was $320, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Busselton's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,635 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $320 compared to the national figure of $375.

Busselton features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 54.3% of all households, including 12.0% that are couples with children, 33.4% that are couples without children, and 7.6% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 45.7%, with lone person households at 43.0% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Busselton exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 18.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 9.0% and certificates for 28.3%.

School and university attendance encompasses 19.9% of the community, including 7.2% in secondary education, 6.2% in primary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Busselton has 34 active public transport stops, served by four routes offering 341 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop is 238 meters. Most residents commute outward. Car usage dominates at 87%, with 5% walking and 4% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 6.5% of residents work from home.

Service frequency is 48 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Busselton is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Busselton faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~989 people), compared to 56.4% across Rest of WA, which aligns with the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.6 and 9.6% of residents respectively, while 57.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of the latest data, 33.0% of Busselton's residents are aged 65 and over (657 people), higher than the 19.2% in Rest of WA, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Busselton records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Busselton's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, as 85.0% of residents are citizens, 74.9% were born in Australia, and 93.3% speak English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, accounting for 48.7%. Islam is overrepresented at 1.8%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

Top ancestral groups include English (37.6%), Australian (27.3%), and Scottish (8.2%). Notably, Dutch are slightly overrepresented at 1.8% versus 1.5% regionally, while South African and Maori representations differ marginally from regional averages.

Busselton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Busselton is 55 years, significantly higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented in Busselton at 16.7%, compared to the Rest of WA average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 5.5%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, Busselton's median age has dropped by 1.2 years to 55 from 56. The 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.6% to 12.0%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.6% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 19.2% to 16.7% and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 12.4% to 11.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes for Busselton, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 41%, reaching 337 people from 239. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 75 to 84 cohorts.