Donnybrook (WA)

Donnybrook 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 November 2025, Donnybrook's population is estimated at around 3,277 people. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,035 people, marking a rise of 242 individuals (8.0%). AreaSearch validated this estimate using ERP data released by ABS in June 2024 and additional new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 133 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Donnybrook has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data, and growth rates by age cohort provided by ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023). Looking ahead, regional areas are projected to have above median population growth. By 2041, the suburb of Donnybrook is expected to increase by 562 persons, reflecting a total increase of 16.2% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Donnybrook shows around 13 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 66 homes were approved, with an additional three approved so far in FY26. This results in an average of about 3.5 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $377,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In the current financial year, Donnybrook has recorded approximately $2.4 million in commercial development approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential growth.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Donnybrook has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 70th percentile of areas assessed by AreaSearch. However, construction activity has intensified recently in the area. All new constructions in Donnybrook have been detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This is reflected in the ratio of around 189 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate that Donnybrook will gain approximately 532 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development in the area is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Donnybrook has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are 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.

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

Donnybrook's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 6.6%.

As of June 2025, 1,560 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, 0.7% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 53.6% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, mining, and retail trade. Retail trade stands out with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average, while education & training shows lower representation at 6.8% versus the regional average of 8.9%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 6.6%, while labour force grew by 5.7%, reducing unemployment by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures: employment rose by 1.1%, labour force grew by 0.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Donnybrook's employment should increase by 5.3% in five years and 11.8% in ten years.

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

Donnybrook's median income among taxpayers was $45,210 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $58,545 during the same period. These figures compare to Rest of WA's median and average incomes of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Donnybrook would be approximately $51,630 (median) and $66,858 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Donnybrook all fall between the 15th and 18th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 27.4% of locals (897 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the broader area where 31.1% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally.

Donnybrook is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Donnybrook's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 95.3% houses and 4.6% other dwellings, compared to Non-Metro WA's 95.2% houses and 4.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Donnybrook was 41.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.9% and rented ones at 20.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,486, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,387. Median weekly rent in Donnybrook was $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $250. Nationally, Donnybrook's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,486 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 27.0% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.3.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (29.9%).

Educational participation is high at 25.4%, including 10.7% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 1.4% in tertiary education. Donnybrook's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 574 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 991) indicating balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 2 primary schools and 1 K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 17.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.6, suggesting Donnybrook serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

The analysis of public transport in Donnybrook has found that there is one active transport stop currently operating. This stop serves a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes providing service. Together, these routes offer 22 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1169 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 3 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Donnybrook is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges for Donnybrook, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately half of the total population (~1,653 people) has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.2% of residents) and mental health issues (9.3%). A majority, 62.8%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 65.4% in the rest of WA. Donnybrook has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.0% (753 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population health metrics.

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 the report dated 25th June 20XX, exhibited lower than average cultural diversity. The population composition showed that 87.9% were Australian citizens, with 80.9% born in Australia and 93.7% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.4% of Donnybrook's inhabitants.

Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 0.7%, slightly higher than the regional average of 0.6%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (36.0%), Australian (27.9%), and Scottish (8.3%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: New Zealanders constituted 1.0% compared to 0.8% regionally, Italians made up 4.7% versus 4.3%, and Welsh residents were at 0.6%.

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

Donnybrook's median age is 45 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 12.6% of the population, while the 45-54 age group comprises 9.9%, which is smaller than in Rest of WA. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 9.2% to 11.7% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 11.8% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 11.7% to 9.9%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 13.8% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Donnybrook, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to grow by 49%, adding 188 residents to reach a total of 572. In contrast, population declines are projected for those aged 65 to 74 and 75 to 84 years.