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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Dunsborough's population is estimated at around 8,100 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,687 people (26.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,413 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,517 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 391 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 503 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Dunsborough's 26.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the Rest of WA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,679 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Dunsborough recorded around 117 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 585 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 45 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.9 new residents was associated with each dwelling constructed. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, maintaining stable market conditions.

The average construction value for new homes is $782,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $27.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of WA, Dunsborough shows moderately higher construction activity, at 31.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though recent construction activity has eased.

Nationally, construction activity in Dunsborough is substantially higher, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 91 people per dwelling approval, Dunsborough shows characteristics of a growth area. The latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate projects Dunsborough to add 952 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may affect the region. Notable projects include Dunsborough Lakes Primary School, Dunsborough Lakes Residential Estate, Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct, and Dunsborough Precinct Structure Plan Amendment 52, with the following list detailing those most likely to be 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 an educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 6.2%. As of September 2025, 4,272 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, lower than Rest of WA's 3.3%.

Workforce participation is high at 72.3% compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. About 14.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors are accommodation & food, construction, and health care & social assistance. Dunsborough specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share twice the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.7% compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited as working population differs from resident population. Over a year, employment and labour force increased by 6.2%, with unemployment unchanged. This contrasts with Rest of WA where employment grew by 1.4% and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Dunsborough's employment mix indicates local growth could be around 5.9% in five years and 12.5% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Dunsborough had a high national income level according to 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, compared to figures for Rest of WA's of $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. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Dunsborough clustered around the 56th percentile nationally. Income distribution showed that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 35.2% of residents (2,851 people), mirroring regional levels where 31.1% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Dunsborough's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 90.2% houses and 9.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Dunsborough was 34.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.7% and rented ones at 21.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,885, higher than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. Median weekly rent in Dunsborough was $450, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, Dunsborough's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,885 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 21.2% and group households comprising 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

Educational attainment in Dunsborough is notably high, with 28.6% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the broader benchmarks of 17.6% for the Rest of WA and 18.0% for the SA4 region. The area's educational advantage is evident in its distribution of qualifications: Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 42.5% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications.

This includes advanced diplomas held by 14.4% of residents and certificates held by 28.1%. Educational participation is high in Dunsborough, with 30.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (14.1%), secondary education (8.9%), and tertiary education (2.3%).

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

Dunsborough has 62 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 area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 227 meters from the nearest stop. Most Dunsborough residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (90% of journeys). On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 14.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately two 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results for Dunsborough, according to AreaSearch's assessment completed on 27th March 2023.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~4,685 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.4 and 6.3% of residents respectively, while 74.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. As of March 2023, 18.4% of residents were aged 65 and over (1,490 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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. English was spoken at home by 93.4%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 39.2% of Dunsborough's population.

Notably, Judaism, which is not present regionally (0.0%), made up 0.1% of Dunsborough's population. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.3%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (8.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: New Zealanders comprised 1.3% in Dunsborough compared to 0.9% regionally, South Africans made up 1.1% versus 0.6%, and Welsh people accounted for 0.8% versus 0.6%.

Dunsborough's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Dunsborough is 40 years, aligning with the average of Rest of WA but slightly exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 35-44 are particularly prominent, making up 17.3% of the population, while those aged 55-64 comprise a smaller proportion at 9.9%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 7.6% to 9.3%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 10.2% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 15.9% to 13.8%, and the 65 to 74 group has fallen from 11.9% to 10.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Dunsborough's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase by 316 people, from 955 to 1,272, a rise of 33%. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.