Buninyong

Population growth drivers in Buninyong are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Buninyong's population is around 7,586 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 325 people (4.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,261 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,358 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 147 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 70.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 2,212 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 26.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Buninyong, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Buninyong has recorded around 20 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling 104 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $446,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $5.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., Buninyong records markedly lower building activity (77.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 568 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Buninyong will gain 1,984 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Buninyong has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Buninyong Botanic Gardens Landscape Masterplan and Gong Reservoir Wall Reconstruction, Buninyong Heritage Swimming Baths Conservation Works, Buninyong Community Road Safety Upgrades, and the Buninyong Pump Track Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 reveals Buninyong significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Buninyong features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. As of December 2025, 3,893 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (66.1% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 24.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 1.6% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7% combined with employment decreasing by 0.5%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Buninyong. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Buninyong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The Buninyong SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $55,575 and an average of $70,860 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is above the national average, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,160 (median) and $76,706 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Buninyong cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate 32.4% of the population (2,457 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 89.4% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Buninyong, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Buninyong was higher than that of Regional Vic., at 44.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.9%) or rented (14.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Vic. average at $1,662, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $330, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Buninyong's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Buninyong features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 78.9% of all households, comprising 36.6% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 21.1%, with lone person households at 19.2% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Buninyong exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Buninyong significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 34.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 21.7% in Rest of Vic. and 24.6% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (21.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 6.5% 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 reveals 37 active transport stops operating within Buninyong. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 827 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 424 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 24.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 118 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Buninyong's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Buninyong, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~4,104 people), compared to 50.5% across Regional Vic..

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.5% and 8.3% of residents, respectively, while 68.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,483 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Buninyong is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Buninyong was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.5% of its population born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Buninyong is Christianity, which makes up 44.7% of people in Buninyong, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Buninyong are English, comprising 31.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 10.3% of Buninyong (vs 8.8% regionally), Dutch at 2.0% (vs 1.7%) and Croatian at 0.5% (vs 0.4%).

Buninyong's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 41 years, Buninyong's median age is somewhat lower than the Regional Vic. average of 43 yet modestly exceeds the 38-year national average. The 15 - 24 age group shows strong representation at 16.5% compared to Regional Vic., whereas the 75 - 84 cohort is less prevalent at 6.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 13.0% to 16.5% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.8% to 6.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 11.4% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 15.8% to 14.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Buninyong's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 86%, adding 594 residents to reach 1,287.