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

The suburb of Donnybrook (WA) has an estimated population of around 3,385 as of May 2026, according to ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations. This figure represents an increase of 350 people (11.5%) compared to the 2021 Census count of 3,035 residents. The adjustment stems from a resident population of 3,357, as determined by AreaSearch after reviewing the June 2025 ERP data release from the ABS and incorporating 51 newly validated addresses since the Census date. This population level corresponds to a density of 137 persons per square kilometer, offering ample space per individual and potential for additional development. The suburb's 11.5% growth since the 2021 census outpaced both the SA3 area (9.3%) and the national average, establishing it as a leading growth location in the region. Recent population gains were largely attributed to interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 53.0% of the overall increase during the recent period.

Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for each SA2 area. For SA2 areas without this data, and for projections beyond 2032, growth rates by age cohort from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, utilizing 2022 data) are applied. Looking ahead, regional areas are projected to experience above-median population growth, with the suburb of Donnybrook (WA) expected to grow by 525 residents to 2041 based on aggregated SA2 projections, representing a total increase of 14.7% over the 16 years.

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

According to building approval figures from the ABS compiled for statistical areas, Donnybrook has recorded a yearly average of approximately 13 new dwelling approvals, resulting in an estimated 67 houses over the past 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 16 approvals have been logged. With an average of 4.9 individuals moving to the area for every constructed dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, supply is lagging significantly behind demand. This deficit generally intensifies buyer competition and exerts upward pressure on prices, even as new homes are built at an average estimated construction cost of $377,000—moderately higher than regional averages—which points to a focus on high-quality construction.

In comparison to the Rest of WA, Donnybrook registers about three-quarters the volume of new dwelling approvals per capita, placing in the 68th percentile of evaluated areas nationwide. Recent building approvals consist solely of detached houses, maintaining the low-density character of the locality and appealing to buyers seeking space. There are approximately 201 people for every dwelling approval, which indicates a growing market.

Future forecasts indicate Donnybrook will add 497 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Construction activity is keeping a reasonable pace with the projected population increase, though buyers may face rising competition as the number of residents grows.

Donnybrook has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning initiatives significantly shape regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 2 projects expected to influence the area. The key developments include the Donnybrook Town Centre Revitalisation Project, the Bridge Street Housing Project (Independent Living Units), the South West Interconnected System Transformation, and the WA Police Satellite Technology Upgrade, with details provided for the most relevant undertakings.

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 reveals Donnybrook recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

The local workforce is balanced between white and blue collar jobs, with industrial and manufacturing fields heavily represented. The unemployment rate stands at 4.0%, and employment expanded by an estimated 0.9% over the past year, according to aggregated statistical area data. In March 2026, 1,579 residents were employed. The unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than the Regional WA rate of 3.5%, and labor force participation is notably lower (60.0% compared to Regional WA's 65.6%). Census responses indicate that a minor 5.9% of residents worked from home, although this may have been influenced by pandemic lockdown measures.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, mining, and retail trade. The locality shows a strong concentration of employment in retail trade, with its share of jobs being 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training accounts for only 6.8% of local workers, which is below the 8.9% recorded in Regional WA. Comparing the census working population to the resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are limited.

Aggregated SALM and ABS data shows that over the 12-month period, employment rose by 0.9% and the labor force expanded by 1.4%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. In contrast, Regional WA saw employment contract by 0.1%, the labor force grow by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) provide further context for future demand. Mapped against the local employment profile, these five and ten-year projections show that while national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Applying these national projections to the local industry mix suggests employment should rise by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population projections.

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

Based on aggregated postcode level ATO data from the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Donnybrook had a median income of $45,210 and an average income of $58,545. These figures are below the national average and compare to $59,973 and $74,392 in Regional WA respectively. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $50,151 (median) and $64,944 (average). Census data places household, family, and personal incomes in the area between the 15th and 18th percentiles nationally. The largest cohort, representing 27.4% of taxpayers (927 residents), earns between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which aligns with the broader area where 31.1% fall into this bracket. Post-housing disposable income stands at 84.9%, ranking in the 20th percentile nationwide.

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

According to the latest Census, residential dwellings in Donnybrook consisted of 95.3% detached houses and 4.6% other options (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options in Regional WA. Outright home ownership in the area was significantly higher than the Regional WA average at 41.0%, while the remaining homes were either mortgaged (38.9%) or rented (20.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,486 was lower than the regional average of $1,560, whereas the median weekly rent of $300 was higher than the Regional WA average of $265. Locally, mortgage payments are lower than the national average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the Australian average of $375.

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

Family households represent the clear majority at 70.8%, consisting of couples without children (35.1%), couples with children (23.9%), and single parent households (10.5%). Non-family households make up 29.2% of the area, with lone persons accounting for 27.0% and group households representing 2.6%. The median household size is 2.4 residents, which is slightly lower than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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

The locality displays low levels of academic attainment, with university graduation rates (13.5%) falling well below the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 9.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (29.9%).

Student numbers are high, with 25.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. Primary school students represent 10.7% of the population, secondary students make up 8.2%, and tertiary students account for 1.4%.

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

Public transport services in the area include 1 active stop served by a mix of buses. This stop accommodates 2 routes that run a combined total of 22 weekly passenger trips. Public transport access is low, with residents living an average of 1169 meters from the closest stop. The area is predominantly residential, and most workers commute outside the suburb. Driving is the primary method of travel at 90%, while 5% of residents walk to work. The average vehicle ownership is 1.6 cars per home. A low 5.9% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which was potentially influenced by pandemic conditions.

Service frequency stands at an average of 3 daily trips per route, which translates to approximately 22 weekly passenger trips for each stop.

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

The community faces notable health challenges, based on mortality and chronic illness rates, with common conditions present across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is low at approximately 50% of the population (~1,707 people), compared to 56.4% in Regional WA and the national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues, affecting 11.2% and 9.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.8% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Residents of working age experience higher-than-average rates of chronic conditions. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 24.2% of the local population (819 people), which is higher than the regional proportion of 19.2%. Health outcomes for seniors are above average, ranking higher nationally than the general local population.

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

The suburb displays low levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 87.9% of the population, 80.9% of residents born in Australia, and 93.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 44.4% of the population. The most prominent overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.7% of the population, matching the 0.7% average in Regional WA.

English (36.0%), Australian (27.9%), and Scottish (8.3%) are the three most common ancestries. A few other groups show higher representation than the regional average, with New Zealanders at 1.0% (compared to 0.9% regionally), Italians at 4.7% (compared to 3.0%), and Welsh at 0.6% (compared to 0.6%).

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

The median age of 45 years is higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and the national median of 38 years. The cohort aged 75 - 84 is highly represented (8.2%), while the 45 - 54 age bracket is smaller (9.7%) compared to the wider region. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group increased from 9.2% to 12.4% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 11.7% to 9.7%. Future forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 39%, adding 163 residents to reach 583, while the 85+ and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to decrease.