Dunsborough

Dunsborough lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses confirmed by AreaSearch following the Census, the suburb of Dunsborough has a population projected to be close to 7,938 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 1,525 people (23.8%) since the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 6,413 people. The adjustment is calculated from the resident population of 7,841, calculated by AreaSearch through analysis of the most recent ERP statistics from the ABS (June 2025) and a further 393 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population translates to a density ratio of 493 persons per square kilometer, leaving substantial room for each resident and potential space for subsequent expansion. The 23.8% growth in the suburb of Dunsborough since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%), as well as the Rest of WA, establishing it as a leader in regional growth. Population expansion in the area was chiefly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 63.0% of total population additions in recent times, though all components including overseas migration and natural growth made positive contributions.

AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for individual SA2 districts, published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For any SA2 districts lacking this information, and to calculate expansion across all zones in the years after 2032, AreaSearch applies the growth rates by age group provided by the ABS in its most recent Greater Capital Region forecasts (published in 2023, utilizing 2022 data). Factoring in the anticipated demographic transitions, an above median population expansion of regional zones throughout the country is anticipated, with the suburb of Dunsborough predicted to grow by 1,589 persons to 2041 based on compiled SA2-level projections, representing a rise of 18.8% in total over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Dunsborough was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Based on AreaSearch research of ABS building approvals, distributed from statistical zone records, the locality has averaged approximately 112 new home approvals annually, with a total of 564 dwellings approved over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 72 during FY-26 so far. With an average of 2.6 new residents added for every dwelling constructed over the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating robust demand that underpins property values, new residential properties are being constructed at an average value of $782,000, indicating that developers are focusing on the upscale market with high-end projects. Furthermore, $27.8 million in commercial approvals have been logged during the current financial year, showing moderate commercial construction activity.

In comparison to Rest of WA, the locality displays moderately higher new dwelling approvals (26.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), ensuring healthy consumer choice while reinforcing existing property values, although construction momentum has declined lately. This volume is notably higher than the national average, indicating strong developer interest in the region. Upcoming construction consists of 89.0% detached dwellings and 11.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the low density character of the vicinity with an emphasis on stand-alone houses designed to attract buyers seeking space. With roughly 90 individuals for each dwelling approval, the locality displays the hallmarks of an expanding area.

Subsequent projections indicate the locality will gain 1,492 residents by 2041 (derived from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly calculation). At current building rates, new housing supply is expected to easily satisfy demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating expansion beyond current population forecasts.

Dunsborough has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Few factors can affect the trajectory of a locality as much as alterations to local public works, major construction projects, and zoning plans. In total, 8 projects have been logged by AreaSearch as having a probable effect on the locality. Key initiatives include Dunsborough Lakes Primary School, Dunsborough Lakes Residential Estate, Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct, and Dunsborough Precinct Structure Plan Amendment 52, with the accompanying catalog highlighting the ones expected to be of greatest significance.

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Employment performance in Dunsborough ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

The locality contains a highly educated workforce, with the tourism and hospitality sectors heavily represented, an unemployment rate of only 1.2%, and 1.8% in estimated job expansion over the previous year, according to AreaSearch compilations of statistical zone data. As of March 2026, 4,389 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below the rate in Regional WA of 3.5%, and labor force participation is close to normal (70.5% compared to Regional WA's 65.6%). According to Census surveys, a moderate 14.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 quarantine measures should be taken into account.

Jobs held by residents are concentrated in accommodation & food, construction, and health care & social assistance. The locality exhibits a specific concentration of employment in accommodation & food, with a share that is 2.2 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented, making up only 1.7% of the local workforce compared to 9.3% in Regional WA. The mostly residential neighborhood seems to present few local employment options, as shown by the ratio of Census working population to resident population.

According to AreaSearch research of SALM and ABS statistics, compiled from broader statistical units, the 12-month period experienced an employment increase of 1.8% alongside a labor force expansion of 1.8%, while unemployment remained virtually unchanged. This stands in contrast to Regional WA, where employment dropped by 0.1%, the workforce grew by 0.3%, and unemployment climbed by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 can supply additional context regarding potential future demand in the locality. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been aligned with the local employment profile to estimate growth trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, expansion rates vary widely across industry sectors. Mapping these industry-specific forecasts to the local employment structure indicates local jobs should rise by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The income level in the locality is exceptionally high on a national scale according to the latest ATO records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income of taxpayers in the locality is $51,386 and the average income is $77,207, which contrasts with Regional WA benchmarks of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Factoring in a Wage Price Index expansion of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current calculations place these figures at approximately $57,002 (median) and $85,646 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and individual incomes in the locality sit around the 56th percentile nationally. Examining the income brackets, the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common, accounting for 35.2% of residents (2,794 people), which is similar to regional proportions where 31.1% are in this category. Financial pressure from housing costs is significant, with only 83.5% of income left over, placing the area in the 49th percentile, while its SEIFA income score falls into the 7th decile.

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

The mix of housing types in the locality, as measured in the most recent Census, consisted of 90.2% houses and 9.8% other options (duplexes, townhouses, apartments, 'other' residences), compared to Regional WA's distribution of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options. At the same time, the rate of home ownership in the locality matched that of Regional WA at 34.7%, while the remaining properties were either under mortgage (43.7%) or occupied by renters (21.6%). The median monthly home loan payment in the area was significantly higher than the Regional WA average at $1,885, while the median weekly lease cost was recorded at $450, compared to Regional WA figures of $1,560 and $265. Across the country, mortgage costs in the locality exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and lease costs are substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Families make up the vast majority of households at 75.3%, consisting of 33.5% couples with offspring, 31.8% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent households. Non-family households represent the remaining 24.7% of homes, with single person households accounting for 21.2% and share houses making up 3.6% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.6 individuals is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Dunsborough shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Academic achievement in the locality is significantly higher than broader regional markers, with 28.6% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees compared to 17.6% in Rest of WA and 18.0% in the SA4 region. This high level of education positions the locality well to benefit from knowledge-based industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational and technical training is also highly represented, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (14.4%) and certificates (28.1%).

School enrollment is remarkably strong, with 30.9% of residents presently taking part in structured learning. This comprises 14.1% in primary school, 8.9% in high school, and 2.3% enrolled in higher education.

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

Public transit assessment indicates there are 62 active passenger stops operating within the locality, consisting of a combination of buses. These stops are served by 2 distinct routes, which together provide 126 passenger journeys each week. Transit availability is classified as good, with residents generally living 227 meters away from the closest transit stop. Because it is mainly a residential community, most employed residents travel outside the area for work, and the car remains the primary mode of travel at 90%. Household car ownership averages 1.5 per home. Roughly 14.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Transit frequency averages 18 runs per day across all routes, which equals roughly 2 weekly runs per individual stop.

Dunsborough's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Public health records show exceptional outcomes throughout the locality, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, which reveal very low rates of common illnesses across all age groups, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is very high at roughly 58% of the total population (~4,592 people).

The most frequent health issues in the district were arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 7.4 and 6.3% of residents respectively, whereas 74.6% reported having no medical conditions whatsoever, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 19.6% of the local population (1,555 people). Health results for these older residents are especially favorable, with national standings generally matching the trends seen in the wider local population.

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

The locality is below the average level of cultural variation, with citizens making up 85.9% of the population, 76.8% of residents born locally in Australia, and 93.4% using only English at home. The predominant faith in the locality was Christianity, which is practiced by 39.2% of local residents. The most noticeable disproportion, however, was in Judaism, which makes up 0.1% of the local population compared to none across Regional WA.

Looking at ancestral roots (the country of birth of residents' parents), the three most common backgrounds in the locality are English at 34.3%, Australian at 28.4%, and Irish at 8.1%. Furthermore, there are visible variations in the shares of other ancestral groups: New Zealand is highly represented at 1.3% of the locality (compared to 0.9% across the region), South Australian at 1.1% (compared to 0.6% regionally) and Welsh at 0.8% (compared to 0.6% regionally).

Dunsborough's median age exceeds the national pattern

Having a median age of 41, the suburb of Dunsborough is very close to the Regional WA median of 40 and slightly older than the national benchmark of 38. The 35 - 44 age cohort is highly represented at 16.9% relative to Regional WA, while the 55 - 64 demographic is less common at 9.9%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has expanded from 7.6% to 9.9% of the population. On the other hand, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 15.9% to 14.0% and the 65 to 74 group fell from 11.9% to 10.8%. Demographic modeling indicates the age structure of the suburb of Dunsborough will experience major shifts by 2041. Steering this transition, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to expand by 42% (368 people), rising to 1,250 from 881. In contrast, the population in the 15 to 24 age range is expected to decrease by 8.