Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Population
Population growth drivers in West Busselton are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends
West Busselton's population is estimated at around 9,485 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 616 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,869. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 9,302 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This equates to a density ratio of 1,161 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, West Busselton has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%, outpacing its SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 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 post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Demographic trends project an above median population growth for national regional areas. The West Busselton SA2 is expected to increase by 1,563 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.9% over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Recent residential development output has been above average within West Busselton when compared nationally
Based on AreaSearch analysis, West Busselton saw approximately 36 new home approvals annually from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling around 184 homes. As of FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.1 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed over these years. This indicates substantial demand outstripping supply, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.
The average expected construction cost for new dwellings was $423,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $243,000 in commercial approvals were registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of WA, West Busselton had 70.0% lower building activity per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties.
All recent building activity consisted of detached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with family homes suited for buyers seeking space. With around 538 people per dwelling approval, West Busselton shows a developed market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, West Busselton is projected to add 1,883 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
West Busselton has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally
Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are West Busselton Coastal Stabilisation, Halcyon Vasse, Vasse Estate, and Coastal Dune Resilience Project. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Busselton Margaret River Airport Expansion
The Busselton Margaret River Airport is advancing Phase 1 of its 2024 Master Plan, featuring a proposed $65 million terminal expansion to accommodate surging passenger demand from interstate and FIFO services. Key works for the 2025-2028 period include a new permanent passenger terminal, security screening upgrades, a new public car park, septic system improvements, and a ground service equipment storage facility. The project aims to cement the airport as a regional hub for international tourism and freight, supported by ongoing business case development and strategic government funding commitments.
Bunbury Offshore Wind Project (North)
The Bunbury Offshore Wind Project (North) is a proposed 1.5 GW offshore wind farm located at least 30km off the coast of Western Australia. Developed by a consortium led by EDF Renewables Australia and Ocean Winds, the project was officially granted a feasibility licence by the Federal Government in January 2026. This licence allows for seven years of detailed technical studies, environmental surveys, and community consultation. The project is a critical component of WA's energy transition, aiming to supply clean power to the South West Interconnected System as coal-fired plants retire.
Bunbury Offshore Wind Area
The Bunbury Offshore Wind Area is a declared offshore renewable energy zone covering 3,995 sq km in the Indian Ocean, located at least 30km off the coast of Bunbury, WA. The zone has a theoretical capacity of 11.4 GW. In January 2026, the Australian Government officially granted feasibility licenses to three major projects: Bunbury Offshore Wind Project North and Bunbury Offshore Wind Project South (both developed by Oceanex Energy with EDF Group) and the Westward Wind Project (developed by Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE). These projects are expected to deliver approximately 4 GW of clean energy, enough to power up to 2.9 million households, while creating roughly 7,000 construction jobs and 3,500 ongoing roles. The feasibility stage, lasting up to 7 years, involves detailed environmental assessments, marine surveys, and community consultation.
West Busselton Coastal Stabilisation
The project aims to provide longer-term coastal protection to mitigate the impacts of coastal hazards along the coast between King Street and Gale Street in Busselton, including the construction of low-profile Geotextile Sand Container groynes and beach nourishment with imported sand. The works are divided into two stages: Stage 1 (West Busselton - King Street to Vasse Drain) includes construction of 2 low-profile GSC groynes and beach nourishment with 3,000 cubic meters of imported sand, rescheduled to commence in February 2026 and complete by March 2026 due to supply delays. Stage 2 (West Busselton - Gale Street to King Street) includes construction of 5 low-profile GSC groynes, beach nourishment with 7,500 cubic meters of imported sand, and refurbishment of the King St GSC revetment, scheduled to commence in October 2025 and complete by mid-December 2025.
City of Busselton Local Planning Scheme No. 22
Comprehensive new local planning scheme for Busselton City including Dunsborough areas, supporting sustainable growth while retaining character and identity. Currently under EPA and WAPC review.
Busselton Water Supply Improvement
The Busselton Water Supply Improvement Project is a major infrastructure upgrade to secure the region's water supply. It involves equipping a new inland bore, constructing a new water treatment plant at Plant 8, and building two 7 ML treated water storage tanks to increase the storage capacity and improve reliability during peak demand. The project aims to address challenges from saltwater intrusion, declining rainfall, and increasing population, and will improve water security for over 28,000 people and enable 7,000 new connections.
Vasse Estate
Vasse Estate is an award-winning masterplanned residential community in Vasse, Western Australia (near Busselton), developed by Perron Developments and Stawell Pty Ltd. Delivered in stages (including completed Birchfield, ongoing Dawson, and future Armstrong), it features over 2,100 residential lots, a 200-unit lifestyle village, two primary schools, a college, Vasse Village town centre, Vasse Business Park, sports complexes, parks and trails. Ultimately supporting 6,500-7,500 residents, thousands of jobs and ongoing retail/commercial growth.
Bussell Highway Duplication
17-kilometre highway duplication between Bunbury and Busselton, completed April 2025. Includes new lanes, road improvements and bridge construction improving access to Dunsborough region. The project was delivered in two stages and provides safer overtaking opportunities, increased capacity and enhanced traffic flow for more than 15,000 vehicles daily.
Employment
Employment performance in West Busselton exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators
West Busselton has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. The lifestyle and retail sectors are notably present, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%.
In the past year, ending September 2025, employment growth was estimated at 6.5%. As of this date, 5,068 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.3% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard, at 55.7% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.
Retail trade is particularly specialized, 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 appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.5%, labour force grew by 5.9%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point decrease in unemployment. This contrasts with Rest of WA where employment rose by 1.4%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data
The suburb of West Busselton had a median taxpayer income of $45,277 and an average income of $59,796 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below the national average, with Rest of WA having a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $49,633 (median) and $65,548 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in West Busselton all fall between the 12th and 21st percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 27.5% of locals (2,608 people) earn within the $400 - 799 category, differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 category dominates with 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in West Busselton, with only 81.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
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 with the remaining 14.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro WA's dwelling structure which was 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Busselton stood at 38.6%, similar to Non-Metro WA's level. The area had 31.5% mortgaged dwellings and 29.9% rented properties. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in West Busselton was $340, compared to Non-Metro WA's $360. Nationally, West Busselton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,625 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $340 compared to the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational outcomes in West Busselton fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment
The area has university qualification rates at 16.4%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 30.4%.
Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in secondary education, 8.9% in primary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
The analysis of public transport in West Busselton indicates that there are 59 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes. The service is provided by two individual routes, which together offer 159 weekly passenger trips.
The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 263 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, across all routes, there are 22 trips per day, equating to roughly 2 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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. Private health cover stands at approximately 51% (around 4,831 people), lower than the Rest of WA's 53.6%.
The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health concerns (9.1%). About 63.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in the Rest of WA. West Busselton has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 22.7% (2,153 people), compared to 20.0% in the Rest of WA.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 had below average cultural diversity, with 81.7% of its population born in Australia, 89.3% being citizens, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 45.9% of West Busselton's population. Islam was overrepresented compared to Rest of WA, making up 0.8% versus 0.4%.
The top three ancestry groups were English (36.6%), Australian (28.9%), and Irish (7.8%). Notable divergences included Welsh at 0.8%, South African at 0.6%, and New Zealand at 0.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
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 figure of 40 and also above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 12.8% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up a smaller proportion at 10.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 10.1% to 11.8%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 10.9% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 12.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in West Busselton's age structure. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 56%, reaching 1,507 people from the current figure of 967. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 85 and over, as well as those aged 75 to 84.