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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of East Bunbury is around 4,366. This figure reflects an increase of 347 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 4,267 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,240 persons per square kilometer, which is above average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, East Bunbury has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outperforming the Rest of WA. Overseas migration contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although 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. Looking ahead, demographic trends project an above median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of East Bunbury is expected to expand by 754 persons to reach a total of 5,120 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 17.3% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in East Bunbury according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

East Bunbury recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 24 homes. In FY26, so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built between FY21 and FY25 accommodated around 15.5 new residents per year.

Demand significantly exceeded new supply during this period, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers focused on the premium market with high-end developments, as indicated by an average construction value of $453,000 per home. In FY26, East Bunbury recorded $637,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of WA, East Bunbury showed substantially reduced construction activity, with 81.0% below the regional average per person between FY21 and FY25. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

However, construction activity has intensified recently. Recent construction in East Bunbury comprised 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. As of FY25, the location had approximately 668 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, East Bunbury is expected to grow by 756 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

East Bunbury has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects expected to impact the area. Notable ones are Glen Iris Village, Frank Buswell Foreshore Redevelopment, Withers Renewal Program, and Parade Hotel Carpark Development. The following list outlines those considered most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in East Bunbury shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

East Bunbury has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar employment. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented in the area. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.9%.

There was an estimated employment growth of 6.1% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In East Bunbury, 2,339 residents are currently employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is 0.6% higher than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. The workforce participation in East Bunbury is slightly lower at 65.0%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%.

According to Census responses, only 4.4% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. East Bunbury has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share that is 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 0.8% of East Bunbury's workforce compared to 9.3% in Rest of WA. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 6.1%, while labour force grew by 6.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide further insight into potential future demand within East Bunbury. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to East Bunbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years. It is important to note that this extrapolation is illustrative and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows East Bunbury had a median taxpayer income of $47,826 and an average income of $61,477. Nationally, the averages were $59,973 (median) and $74,392 (average). By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%, median income is estimated at $52,427 and average at $67,391. Census 2021 data ranks East Bunbury's household, family, and personal incomes between the 12th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows 28.7% of residents earn $400 - $799 weekly, compared to 31.1% in the region earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. Housing affordability is severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, 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, as per the latest Census, was 77.6% houses and 22.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Bunbury was 37.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented ones at 30.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,470, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. Median weekly rent in East Bunbury was $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, East Bunbury's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,470 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 at 3.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, 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 has university qualification rates of 13.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. 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, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (33.9%). A total of 22.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 7.9% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

A substantial 22.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.9% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

East Bunbury has 30 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 333 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is deemed good, with residents typically residing 208 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward daily. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 90% of residents. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 47 trips per day, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in East Bunbury are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

East Bunbury's health indicators show below-average outcomes. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at 52% (~2,253 people), compared to 56.4% in Rest of WA. The most common conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (8.6%). 64.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in Rest of WA. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.2% (1,056 people), compared to 19.2% in Rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 80.1% born in Australia, 88.6% being citizens, and 91.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 48.9%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to 0.7% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (32.1%), Australian (28.2%), and Scottish (7.2%). Notable divergences included Italian (6.7% vs regional 3.0%), Maori (1.0% vs 1.0%), and Polish (0.9% vs 0.5%).

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

East Bunbury has a median age of 46, which is higher than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 are particularly prominent, making up 14.8% of the population, while those aged 5-14 make up a smaller proportion at 8.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the median age has decreased by one year to 46, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. This change can be attributed to several key changes in age group percentages: the 25-34 cohort increased from 11.8% to 14.8%, while the 35-44 cohort rose from 10.9% to 12.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 9.7% to 8.2%, and the 75-84 group decreased from 9.5% to 8.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that East Bunbury's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 39%, adding 254 residents to reach a total of 901. In contrast, the 75-84 cohort is expected to decline by six people.