West Busselton

Population growth drivers in West Busselton are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

West Busselton's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 9,115. This figure reflects an increase of 246 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,869. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 8,884 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of 88 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of approximately 1,115 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, West Busselton has demonstrated a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing around 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Demographic trends project an above median population growth for the suburb until 2041, with an expected increase of 1,590 persons reflecting a total increase of 25.0% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in West Busselton shows around 36 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 184 homes. So far in FY2025-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 5.1 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually between FY2020-21 and FY2024-25. The average construction value of new dwellings is $423,000.

In this financial year, there have also been $2.4 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the Rest of WA, West Busselton has seen substantially reduced construction, with 70.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes.

With around 969 people per approval, West Busselton indicates a mature, established area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, West Busselton is projected to add 2,280 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones include West Busselton Coastal Stabilisation, Halcyon Vasse, Vasse Estate, and Home HQ Busselton. The following details projects of greatest relevance.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates West Busselton maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

West Busselton has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The lifestyle and retail sectors are prominent.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.2%, matching Rest of WA's rate. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.9%. There are 5,005 residents in work, with a workforce participation rate of 55.7%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Retail trade is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 2.7% compared to Rest of WA's 9.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 5.9%, labour force by 5.4%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. Rest of WA saw employment growth of 1.1% and labour force growth of 0.5%, with a 0.6 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Busselton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

West Busselton's median taxpayer income in financial year 2022 was $45,277 and the average was $59,796, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is below the national average of $61,837 for median income and $94,318 for average income as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in their 2020-21 Income Statement. Comparing this with Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163 shows a contrast. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for West Busselton as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,706 (median) and $68,287 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that in West Busselton, household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 12th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the predominant cohort spans 27.5% of locals (2,506 people) with incomes in the $400 - 799 category, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

In West Busselton, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.7% of dwellings were houses while 14.3% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro WA's figures of 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in West Busselton was 38.6%, similar to Non-Metro WA's rate. Mortgaged dwellings made up 31.5% and rented dwellings accounted for 29.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,625, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure stood at $340 compared to Non-Metro WA's $360. Nationally, West Busselton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents being less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 64.4% of all households, including 22.8% couples with children, 30.3% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.6%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (30.4%). Educational participation is high at 26.0%, comprising secondary education (9.8%), primary education (8.9%), and tertiary education (2.0%).

West Busselton has a robust school network of 6 institutions educating approximately 3,362 students, with typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 989) and balanced opportunities. The schools include 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. The area functions as an education hub with a high density of school places per resident (36.9), 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 in West Busselton shows 60 active transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two individual routes that together provide 159 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 263 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 22 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

West Busselton faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 51% (~4,643 people) have private health cover, lower than the state average. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health issues (9.1%). However, 63.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in the rest of WA. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 22.7% (2,069 people), higher than the state average of 20%.

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

West Busselton's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 81.7% born in Australia, 89.3% being citizens, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.9%. Islam, however, was overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to the Rest of WA's 0.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (36.6%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (7.8%). Notable differences existed in Welsh (0.8% vs regional 0.7%), South African (0.6% vs 0.6%), and New Zealand (0.8% vs 1.0%) representation.

West Busselton hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

West Busselton has a median age of 46, which is higher than the Rest of WA's figure of 40 and above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years make up 12.8% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years comprise 10.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of 15 to 24-year-olds has increased from 10.1% to 11.8%, and the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.9% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Busselton's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 63%, reaching 1,512 people from the current figure of 929. Conversely, numbers in the 85+ age range are projected to fall by 3%.