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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Busselton's population is estimated at around 1,991 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 153 people (8.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,838 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,923 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 446 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Busselton has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 2.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 35.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 232 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 9.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers 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 FY26, 6 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 2.7 people moved to the area per new home constructed, indicating robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $576,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This year has seen $4.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential. When measured against Rest of WA, Busselton shows approximately 56% of the construction activity per person and places among the 86th percentile nationally, though recent periods have seen increased development activity. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing 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 198 residents by 2041, as estimated in the latest AreaSearch quarterly report. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Busselton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% 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.

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.

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

Busselton has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.2% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 6.1% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025976 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation in Busselton lags at 46.6%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction.

The area shows strong specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share of 2.0 times 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. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.1% and labour force by 5.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. 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 Busselton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national averages, with Rest of WA having a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of 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. Income brackets indicate that 33.9% of locals (674 people) are in the $400 - $799 category, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is highest at 31.1%. Economic circumstances reveal widespread financial pressure, with 44.0% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.9% of income remaining, 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 evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 70.9% houses and 29.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro WA's structure of 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings during the same period. In Busselton, home ownership stood at 43.2%, with mortgaged properties at 16.9% and rented ones at 39.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,635, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,733 recorded in June 2018. The median weekly rent figure in Busselton was $320, compared to Non-Metro WA's $360 and the national average of $375 as of March 2019. Nationally, Busselton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 54.3% of all households, including 12.0% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (28.3%).

In terms of school and university attendance, 19.9% of the community is involved, comprising 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

Transport analysis shows 34 operational transport stops in Busselton, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 4 distinct routes, collectively facilitating 341 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as good, with residents typically situated 238 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 48 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Busselton is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Busselton faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% (~988 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of WA's 53.6% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (9.6%), with 57.9% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in Rest of WA.

Busselton has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 34.0% (676 people), exceeding Rest of WA's 20.0%.

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 the wider region, with 85.0% of its population being citizens, 74.9% born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Busselton, comprising 48.7% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to Rest of WA, with 1.8% of Busselton's population identifying as Muslim.

The top three ancestry groups are English (37.6%), Australian (27.3%), and Scottish (8.2%). Notably, Dutch (1.8%) and Maori (0.7%) are overrepresented in Busselton compared to regional averages.

Busselton ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Busselton is 55 years, which is significantly higher than the average of 40 years in the Rest of WA and also above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 16.9% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 5.6%. The 65-74 concentration in Busselton is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.6% to 11.1%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.2% to 9.6%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 19.2% to 16.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Busselton. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 53%, adding 116 residents to reach a total of 338. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 15 to 24 age cohorts.