Buninyong

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

Buninyong's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 7,586. This figure represents an increase of 325 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,261. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,358 in June 2024 and the addition of 49 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 147 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential for further development. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.5% to recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered, they utilise Victorian State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics predict a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas. Buninyong is expected to grow by 2,212 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 26.1% over these 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 approximately 20 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 104 homes. As of FY-26, seven approvals have been recorded. Despite a fall in population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average expected construction cost for new dwellings is $446,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

Additionally, $5.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting Buninyong's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Buninyong records significantly lower building activity, at 77.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, Buninyong also records a lower level of building activity, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in Buninyong has been 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 population per dwelling approval is 568 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Buninyong's population is forecasted to gain 1,984 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 8 projects potentially affecting this region. Notable ones are Buninyong Botanic Gardens Landscape Masterplan (2019-2021) and Gong Reservoir Wall Reconstruction (scheduled for completion in 2023), Buninyong Heritage Swimming Baths Conservation Works (commenced in June 2022), Buninyong Community Road Safety Upgrades (planned for 2023-2024), and Buninyong Pump Track Upgrade (initially proposed for late 2021 but delayed). The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Buninyong significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Buninyong has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of September 2025, showing an employment growth of 2.0% over the past year. This is below Rest of Vic.'s unemployment rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Buninyong was 65.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 24.1% of residents worked from home as of September 2025, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, Buninyong has a high concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 1.6% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, while labour force increased by 1.6%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years. Applying these projections to Buninyong's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

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

Buninyong SA2's median income among taxpayers was $55,575 and average income was $70,860 in the financial year 2023, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures compare to Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, estimated median income for Buninyong SA2 as of September 2025 is approximately $60,160, with average income projected to be around $76,706. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Buninyong cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 32.4% of individuals (2,457) earn between $1,500 - $2,999 annually, aligning with metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 30.3%. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 89.4% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. Buninyong SA2'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

Buninyong's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s housing structure was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Buninyong stood at 44.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.9% and rented dwellings at 14.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Buninyong was $1,662, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Buninyong was $330, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s $285 and significantly below the national average of $375. Nationally, Buninyong's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

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

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

Buninyong's educational attainment is notably high with 34.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the Rest of Vic. and 24.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.5% and certificates for 21.3%. Educational participation is high in Buninyong, 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

Buninyong has 37 active public transport stops serviced by five routes, offering 827 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 424 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars at a rate of 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 24.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 118 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 54% of the total population (~4,104 people), compared to 50.5% across Rest of Vic.. The most common medical conditions in the area were asthma (8.5%) and mental health issues (8.3%). A total of 68.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of 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 Rest of 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, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 89.5% of residents born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, followed by 44.7%. Compared to Rest of Vic., this was slightly lower than the regional average of 47.3%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (31.0%), Australian (30.2%), and Irish (11.5%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher at 10.3% compared to 8.8%, Dutch at 2.0% versus 1.7%, and Croatian at 0.5% against 0.4%.

Buninyong's median age exceeds the national pattern

Buninyong has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than Victoria's average of 43 but higher than Australia's national average of 38. The 15-24 age group comprises 16.5% of Buninyong's population, compared to the Rest of Victoria's figure. However, the 75-84 cohort makes up only 6.2%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.0% to 16.5%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 4.8% to 6.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 11.4%, and the 5-14 age group has fallen from 15.8% to 14.0%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Buninyong's age profile by 2041, with the 25-34 cohort expected to grow strongly at a rate of 86%, adding 594 residents to reach a total of 1,287.