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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Dunsborough statistical area is around 8,096. This figure reflects a growth of 1,683 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,413. The resident population estimate of 7,517 by AreaSearch in Jun 2024, along with additional validated new addresses since the Census date, contributes to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 503 persons per square kilometer. Dunsborough's growth rate of 26.2% since the 2021 census exceeds the national average (9.7%) and that of non-metro areas. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers such as overseas migration and natural growth also contributing positively.

AreaSearch adopts 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 post-2032 growth, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering these projections, the Dunsborough SA2 is expected to increase by 1,690 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Dunsborough among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Dunsborough recorded around 117 residential properties granted approval per year from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 585 homes over these five financial years. So far in FY-26, 45 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.9 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

The average construction value of new homes was $782,000 during this period. In FY-26, $27.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to the rest of WA, Dunsborough shows moderately higher construction activity, with 31.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This is substantially higher than the national average, indicating strong developer confidence in the location.

New development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving Dunsborough's low-density nature. With around 91 people per dwelling approval, Dunsborough exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Dunsborough is projected to add 969 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Eight projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include Dunsborough Lakes Primary School, Dunsborough Lakes Residential Estate, Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct, and Dunsborough Precinct Structure Plan Amendment 52. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Dunsborough rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Dunsborough has a well-educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.1% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 6.2%.

As of September 2025, 4,280 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, below Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation is 63.4%, comparable to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Employment is concentrated in accommodation & food, construction, and health care & social assistance. Dunsborough specializes in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 1.7% compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as seen by Census working population vs resident population counts. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 6.2%, with labour force also growing by 6.2%, and unemployment remaining stable. This contrasts with Rest of WA, where employment grew by 1.4% and labour force expanded by 1.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dunsborough's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.9% in five years and 12.5% in ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Dunsborough had a high national income level according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $51,386 and the average income stood at $77,207. These figures compared to those for Rest of WA's which were $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,329 (median) and $84,634 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Dunsborough clustered around the 56th percentile nationally. The income distribution showed that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 35.2% of residents (2,849 people), which was similar to regional levels where 31.1% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe in Dunsborough, with only 83.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Dunsborough's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 90.2% houses and 9.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dunsborough stood at 34.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.7% and rented ones at 21.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, above Non-Metro WA's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Dunsborough was $450, compared to Non-Metro WA's $360. Nationally, Dunsborough's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 75.3% of all households, including 33.5% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 21.2% and group households making up 3.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

In Dunsborough, the educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 28.6% have university qualifications, compared to 17.6% in the rest of Western Australia and 18.0% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 42.5% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 14.4% and certificates for 28.1%.

Educational participation is high in the area, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.1% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Dunsborough has 60 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 126 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the service is rated as good, with residents on average located 227 meters from their nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across both routes, resulting in approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Dunsborough's health outcomes data shows excellent results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 58%, or about 4,683 people, compared to 53.6% in the rest of WA.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.4 and 6.3% of residents respectively, while 74.6% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in the rest of WA. As of 2021, 18.9% of Dunsborough's residents are aged 65 and over (1,530 people), lower than the 20.0% in the rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors in Dunsborough are particularly strong, outperforming general population health metrics.

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

Dunsborough's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.9% of its population being Australian citizens and 76.8% born in Australia. A majority, 93.4%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 39.2% of Dunsborough's population.

While Judaism made up only 0.1% of the population, this was similar to the 0.1% found across the rest of WA. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.3%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (8.1%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.3%, compared to 1.0% regionally, as were South Africans at 1.1% versus 0.6%, and Welsh people at 0.8% against 0.7%.

Dunsborough's median age exceeds the national pattern

Dunsborough's median age is 41, closely matching Rest of WA's figure of 40 and slightly exceeding the national norm of 38. The 35-44 age group makes up 16.9%, higher than Rest of WA, while the 55-64 cohort comprises 9.9%. Post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 7.6% to 9.3%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 10.2% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 15.9% to 14.1%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Dunsborough's age profile. Notably, the 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 39%, reaching 1,280 people from 922. Declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 5 to 14 cohorts.