East Bunbury

An assessment of population growth drivers in East Bunbury reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, East Bunbury's population is estimated at around 4,353. This reflects an increase of 334 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,019. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,334 following examination of the ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,236 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, East Bunbury has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing the non-metro area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

All drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for national non-metropolitan areas, with East Bunbury expected to increase by 816 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 18.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees East Bunbury recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

East Bunbury recorded around 4 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 23 homes. In FY-26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated about 16.1 new residents annually.

This outpaces supply, typically driving up prices and intensifying buyer competition. New homes are constructed at an average cost of $453,000. Compared to the rest of WA, East Bunbury has significantly reduced construction activity, with only 82.0% of the regional per capita average. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, though development activity has increased recently. The area's established nature is also evident in its location having approximately 413 people per dwelling approval.

New development consists of 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% medium to high-density housing, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, East Bunbury is expected to grow by 825 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

East Bunbury has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Frank Buswell Foreshore Redevelopment, Withers Renewal Program, Glen Iris Village, and Parade Hotel Carpark Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

East Bunbury has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

East Bunbury's workforce comprises a mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. Its unemployment rate is 4.2%, and employment has grown by 5.7% in the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of June 2025, 2,325 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, 1.0% above Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation is lower at 56.4% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with healthcare particularly notable at 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.8%, contrasting with the region's 9.3%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.7% and labour force grew by 5.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1%, labour force grow by 0.5%, and unemployment fall by 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local projections suggesting East Bunbury's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

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

East Bunbury's median income among taxpayers was $47,826 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $61,477 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average income of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for East Bunbury's median income would be approximately $54,617 as of September 2025, with the average estimated at $70,207 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in East Bunbury fall between the 12th and 24th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $400 - 799 dominates with 28.7% of residents (1,249 people), unlike surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates at 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in East Bunbury, with only 83.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

East Bunbury's dwelling structure in 2016 comprised 77.6% houses and 22.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 88.1% houses and 11.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Bunbury stood at 37.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented ones at 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,470, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,616. Median weekly rent in East Bunbury was $300, matching Non-Metro WA's figure but significantly below the national average of $375. Nationally, East Bunbury's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,470 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

East Bunbury features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.7% of all households, including 19.0% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 38.3%, with lone person households at 35.0% and group households making up 3.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.0%, considerably lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 33.9%.

A significant 22.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 7.9% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education. Educational institutions include Cooinda Primary School and Bunbury Catholic College, serving a total of 1,223 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1010) with balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary and one secondary institution providing conventional educational provision. The area functions as an education hub with 28.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 17.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis indicates 30 active stops operating in East Bunbury, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are serviced by five individual routes, collectively offering 321 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 208 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 45 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately ten weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in East Bunbury is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

East Bunbury faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% (around 2,246 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 54.1%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health concerns (8.6%). Approximately 64.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.4% in Rest of WA. East Bunbury has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.8% (1,079 people), versus Rest of WA's 17.6%. Health outcomes among seniors in East Bunbury are above average, exceeding the general population's health metrics.

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

East Bunbury, surveyed in 2016, had a population with 80.1% born in Australia, 88.6% being citizens, and 91.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 48.9%. The 'Other' religious category showed an overrepresentation of 1.2%, compared to 0.6% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (32.1%), Australian (28.2%), and Scottish (7.2%). Notably, Italian (6.7%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 4.8%. Maori and Polish also showed similar representation to regional averages at 1.0% each.

East Bunbury hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

East Bunbury's median age is 46, which is higher than Rest of WA's figure of 40 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-olds are particularly prominent at 8.6%, while the 5-14 group is comparatively smaller at 8.6% compared to Rest of WA. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.8% to 14.2% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.9% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.7% to 8.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in East Bunbury's age structure. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 47%, adding 290 people and reaching 909 from 618. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 75 to 84 cohorts.