South Bunbury

South Bunbury has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, South Bunbury's estimated population was 9,064 as of Feb 2026. This showed an increase of 254 people from the 2021 Census figure of 8,810. The rise was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 9,032 in Jun 2024 and 35 additional validated addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 1,403 persons per square kilometer, higher than national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch employs ABS Greater Capital Region projections from 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population growth is projected to be above median for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, South Bunbury is expected to grow by 1,407 persons, reflecting a total increase of 17.9%.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, South Bunbury has experienced around 27 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 137 homes. So far in FY-26, 16 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has attracted approximately 2.6 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating solid demand that supports property values. The average expected construction cost value of new homes over this period is $445,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $45.6 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of WA, South Bunbury has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 37th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice which supports interest in existing dwellings. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving South Bunbury's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (74.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The location has approximately 450 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Looking ahead, South Bunbury is expected to grow by 1,618 residents through to 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the area. Key projects include Bunbury Regional Hospital Redevelopment, Bunbury Ocean Pool, SWAMS Health Hub and Community Centre, Hands Oval Redevelopment. The following list details those likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis places South Bunbury well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

South Bunbury has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.8%. As of September 2025, there were 5,092 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is 0.5% lower than the Rest of WA's rate.

The workforce participation was 69.8%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. According to Census responses, 5.9% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. South Bunbury has a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.3% of South Bunbury's workforce compared to 9.3% in Rest of WA. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 6.8%, while labour force grew by 5.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.0 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Bunbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 reports South Bunbury's median income among taxpayers at $55,714 and average at $71,617. This is higher than the national average. The Rest of WA has a median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,074 (median) and $78,507 (average). The 2021 Census figures rank South Bunbury's personal income at the 47th percentile ($791 weekly) and household income at the 31st percentile. Income distribution shows 28.6% of locals (2,592 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with broader regional trends of 31.1%. After housing expenses, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses. South Bunbury's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

In South Bunbury, as per the latest Census evaluation, 73.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 26.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. South Bunbury's home ownership rate was higher at 36.2%, with mortgaged properties making up 32.2% and rented dwellings accounting for 31.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, exceeding Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in South Bunbury was $300, compared to Non-Metro WA's $265. Nationally, South Bunbury's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 62.0% of all households, including 22.3% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up 38.0%, comprising 35.0% lone person households and 3.1% group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

South Bunbury's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 22.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (30.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.5% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 82 active transport stops operating within South Bunbury. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 8 individual routes that collectively provide 696 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 165 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 5.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 99 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

South Bunbury's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

South Bunbury's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is very high, with approximately 56% of the total population (~5,042 people) having it. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (8.6%). 65.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Rest of WA. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. 20.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,821 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

South Bunbury's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 79.5% born in Australia and 88.2% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 91.8%. Christianity dominated religiously, at 49.1%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.0% regionally. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.8%), Australian (26.3%), and Irish (8.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh at 0.9% (vs regional 0.6%), Polish at 1.1% (vs 0.5%), and Italian at 5.4% (vs 3.0%).

South Bunbury hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in South Bunbury is 43 years, which is slightly higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and well above the Australian median of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented in South Bunbury at 15.8%, compared to the Rest of WA average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 10.7%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the median age has dropped by 1.2 years to 43 from 44. The 25 to 34 age group has increased from 11.4% to 15.8% of the population during this period. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has declined from 4.2% to 2.5%, and the 65 to 74 age group has dropped from 12.2% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for South Bunbury indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 676 people (47%) from 1,432 to 2,109. Conversely, both the 15-24 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in number.