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 November 2025, Dunsborough's estimated population is around 7,809, reflecting a 21.8% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,413. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 7,609 based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 390 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 485 persons per square kilometer. Dunsborough's growth exceeded the national average (8.9%) and was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 63.0% of overall population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for areas not covered by the first set of projections. Considering these projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 1,684 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.0% over the 17 years.

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 area expected to increase by 1,684 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 16.0% 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 indicates that Dunsborough recorded approximately 121 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 607 homes. As of FY-26, 29 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand in the market, with stable conditions. The average construction value for new homes was $782,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In this financial year, $33.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of WA, Dunsborough shows moderately higher construction activity, with 36.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. Dunsborough reflects a developing area with around 70 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 1,250 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Dunsborough has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could impact the region. Notable ones are Dunsborough Lakes Primary School, Dunsborough Lakes Residential Estate, Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct, and Dunsborough Precinct Structure Plan Amendment 52. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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The exceptional employment performance in Dunsborough places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Dunsborough's workforce is well-educated with a prominent tourism and hospitality sector. The unemployment rate was 1.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 5.3%.

As of June 2025, 4,155 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, lower than Rest of WA's 3.2%. Workforce participation is 63.4%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key employment sectors include accommodation & food, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.7% of local workers, below Rest of WA's 9.3%.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, labour force grew by 5.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1%, labour force grow by 0.5%, with a decrease in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Dunsborough's employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022. Dunsborough's median income among taxpayers was $51,386 with an average of $77,207. These figures were among the highest in Australia, compared to Rest of WA's $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. Based on a 14.2% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,683 (median) and $88,170 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Dunsborough cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The data shows 35.2% of the population fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, with 2,748 individuals. This mirrors the surrounding region where 31.1% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 49th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dunsborough's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 90.2% houses and 9.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 89.8% houses and 10.1% 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 $1,733. Median weekly rent in Dunsborough was $450, compared to Non-Metro WA's $360. 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 constitute 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, which is 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. Among residents aged 15 and above, 28.6% have university qualifications, compared to 17.6% in the rest of Western Australia (WA) and 18.0% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 42.5% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 14.4% and certificates for 28.1%.

Educational participation is high, 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. Dunsborough Primary School and Our Lady of the Cape Primary School serve a total of 1,054 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1066. Both schools focus exclusively on primary education; secondary options are available in nearby areas.

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 transport system is considered good, with residents typically living 227 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 18 trips per day across all 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

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Dunsborough, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 58% of the total population (4,517 people), compared to 52.6% across the rest of WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.4 and 6.3% of residents respectively. A total of 74.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across the rest of WA. As of 18.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,475 people), which is lower than the 20.0% in the rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in 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, as per a study, had low cultural diversity with 85.9% citizens, 76.8% born in Australia, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 39.2%. Judaism showed overrepresentation at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

In ancestry, English (34.3%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (8.1%) were the top groups. Notable differences existed in New Zealand (1.3% vs regional 1.0%), South African (1.1% vs 0.6%), and Welsh (0.8% vs 0.7%) ethnicities.

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

Dunsborough has a median age of 41, close to Rest of WA's figure of 40 and slightly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 35-44 age group is strongly represented at 16.9%, compared to Rest of WA's figure. However, the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 9.9%. According to the 2021 Census, Dunsborough has seen changes in its younger age groups: the 15 to 24 group grew from 7.6% to 9.3%, and the 25 to 34 group 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%. Demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Dunsborough's age profile by 2041. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 44%, reaching 1,281 people from the current 890. Meanwhile, population declines are anticipated for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups.