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 Nov 2025, Donnybrook's population is estimated at around 3161 people. This reflects a growth of 126 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3035 people. The current resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 3124, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 128 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Donnybrook has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53% to 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 post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends project an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Donnybrook is expected to grow by 574 persons, reflecting a total increase of 20.9% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Donnybrook had around 10 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 54 homes. By FY26, three approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built annually between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply.

New homes are constructed at an average value of $377,000, reflecting quality-focused development. Compared to the Rest of WA, Donnybrook has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 64th percentile nationally. However, recent periods have seen increased activity, suggesting possible planning constraints in the area. All new construction consists of detached dwellings, preserving Donnybrook's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 221 people per approval.

AreaSearch projects Donnybrook to grow by 660 residents by 2041, potentially leading to housing supply struggles and heightened buyer competition at current development rates.

Donnybrook has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

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

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

Donnybrook's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 3.6% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 7.1% over the preceding year.

As of this date, 1,588 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.4% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation was lower at 53.6%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, mining, and retail trade, with retail trade notably concentrated at 1.2 times the regional average. Education & training had a limited presence at 6.8% compared to the regional average of 8.9%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 7.1%, while labour force grew by 6.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment grow by 1.4%, labour force expand by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Donnybrook, median income is $45,210 and average income is $58,545. This is lower than national averages of $67,948 (median) and $77,126 (average). In Rest of WA, median income is $59,973 and average income is $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Donnybrook would be approximately $49,559 and average income would be $64,177 by that date. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Donnybrook fall between the 15th and 18th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 27.4% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with this range also being the largest segment in the region at 31.1%. After housing costs, 84.9% of income remains, which ranks at the 20th percentile nationally.

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

Donnybrook's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 95.3% houses and 4.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 95.2% houses and 4.9% 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, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,387. The median weekly rent figure in Donnybrook was recorded at $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 substantially below the national figure of $375.

Donnybrook has a typical household mix, with a higher-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 making up 2.6%. 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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 29.9%.

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

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

Transport analysis indicates one active transport stop operating within Donnybrook. This stop serves a mix of buses, with two individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes offer 22 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1169 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating 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. Private health cover stands at approximately 50% of the total population (around 1,594 people), lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.2% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 9.3%). Conversely, 62.8% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly below the Rest of WA's figure of 65.4%. Donnybrook has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.0% (727 people). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with its population comprising 87.9% citizens, 80.9% born in Australia, and 93.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Donnybrook, accounting for 44.4% of the population. However, there was an overrepresentation in Other religions, making up 0.7% compared to the Rest of WA's 0.6%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (36.0%), Australian (27.9%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.0%, Italians at 4.7%, and Welsh at 0.6% compared to regional averages.

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 shows that those aged 65-74 make up a particularly prominent group at 12.6%, while the 45-54 age group is comparatively smaller at 9.9% than in the Rest of WA region. Between 2021 and now, the population of individuals aged 25 to 34 has grown from 9.2% to 11.7%, while those aged 35 to 44 have increased from 11.8% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 11.7% to 9.9%, and the 65-74 age group has dropped from 13.8% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for Donnybrook in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to grow by 55%, adding 205 residents to reach a total of 575. In contrast, numbers in the 85+ age range are expected to fall by 7%.