Donnybrook (WA)

Population growth drivers in Donnybrook are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Donnybrook (WA) is around 3,192. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 3,035 people, marking a growth of 157 individuals or approximately 5.2%. AreaSearch validated this estimate following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 55 new addresses since the Census date. This population level results in a density ratio of 129 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Donnybrook has exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outperforming the SA3 area. The primary driver behind this population growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises 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 ahead, an above median population growth is projected for Australian non-metropolitan areas. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Donnybrook (WA) is expected to grow by 574 persons to reach a total population of approximately 3,766 by the year 2041, reflecting an increase of around 19.8% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Donnybrook shows approximately 10 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 54 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded.

Each dwelling built attracts an average of 4.3 people per year to the area. This demand significantly outpaces supply, potentially increasing competition among buyers and upward pressure on prices. The average construction cost value for new homes is $377,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. Compared to the Rest of WA, Donnybrook has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it ranks in the 64th percentile of areas assessed. However, recent periods have seen increased development activity. This activity remains below average nationally, indicating the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Donnybrook consists of detached dwellings, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The population per approval is around 221 people, reflecting a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Donnybrook is expected to grow by 632 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Donnybrook has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Donnybrook Town Centre Revitalisation Project, Bridge Street Housing Project (Independent Living Units), Bunbury Regional Hospital Redevelopment, and South West Interconnected System Transformation. The following list 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Donnybrook maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Donnybrook has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate was 3.7% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 7.1% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 1,590 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%.

Workforce participation was similar to Rest of WA's 67.2%. Census responses indicated a low 5.9% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, mining, and retail trade. Retail trade had notably high concentration with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

However, education & training had limited presence with 6.8% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 7.1%, while labour force increased by 6.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.7 percentage points, compared to Rest of WA where employment grew by 1.4% and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Donnybrook. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Donnybrook's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that income in Donnybrook is lower than average on a national basis. The median income is $45,210 and the average income stands at $58,545. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures where the median income is $59,973 and the average income is $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Donnybrook would be approximately $49,559 (median) and $64,177 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Donnybrook all fall between the 15th and 18th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 27.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (874 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally.

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

As per the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures in Donnybrook consisted of 95.3% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Donnybrook was at 41.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.9% and rented ones at 20.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,486, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent figure for Donnybrook was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Donnybrook's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Donnybrook has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.8% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Donnybrook fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (29.9%). Educational participation is high at 25.4%, comprising primary education (10.7%), secondary education (8.2%), and tertiary education (1.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows one active transport stop operating in Donnybrook. This stop serves a mix of buses on two individual routes, collectively offering 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1169 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, only 5.9% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Donnybrook 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 (~1,610 people), compared to 56.4% in Rest of WA and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.2%) and mental health issues (9.3%), while 62.8% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Rest of WA. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than the average. The area has 22.1% of residents aged 65 and over (705 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Donnybrook ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Donnybrook, as per data analysis, had a cultural diversity level below average. Its population composition was predominantly citizens at 87.9%, with 80.9% born in Australia and 93.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 44.4%.

The 'Other' category, however, showed an overrepresentation in Donnybrook at 0.7%, compared to the regional average of 0.7%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (36.0%), Australian (27.9%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notably, New Zealand (1.0% vs 0.9%), Italian (4.7% vs 3.0%), and Welsh (0.6% vs 0.6%) ethnicities had higher representations compared to regional averages.

Donnybrook hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Donnybrook's median age in 2021 was 45 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 and Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile showed that those aged 65-74 were particularly prominent, making up 12.2% of the population, while the 45-54 age group was comparatively smaller at 9.6%. Between 2021 and the present day, Donnybrook's median age has decreased by 1.1 years to 45 from a previous high of 46. During this period, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 9.2% to 12.3%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.8% to 13.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 11.7% to 9.6%, and the 65 to 74 age group dropped from 13.8% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for Donnybrook in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to grow by 47%, adding 184 residents to reach a total of 577. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age cohort is projected to decline by 5 people.