Buninyong
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Buninyong's population was approximately 7,412 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 151 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,261. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,358 in June 2024 and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 143 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 70.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in Buninyong's top quartile of non-metropolitan areas, with an expected increase of 2,212 persons to 2041 based on the latest numbers, representing a total increase of 29.1% over the 17-year period.

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 granted approximately 20 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 104 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. The population has decreased during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $446,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year, $5.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Buninyong has markedly lower building activity (77.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This level is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in the area has been detached houses, maintaining its 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 Buninyong's quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate an increase of 2,158 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include the Buninyong Botanic Gardens Landscape Masterplan and Gong Reservoir Wall Reconstruction, Buninyong Heritage Swimming Baths Conservation Works, Buninyong Community Road Safety Upgrades, and Buninyong Pump Track Upgrade. The following list details those 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.

The labour market strength in Buninyong positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Buninyong has a well-educated workforce with high representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, significantly lower than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

In June 2025, 62.9% of Buninyong's residents participate in the workforce, compared to the regional average of 57.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade, with notable concentration in education & training at 1.7 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, accounting for only 1.6% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 7.2%, while labour force increased by 6.8%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.9% with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Buninyong's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Buninyong's median income among taxpayers was $54,138 and average income stood at $68,291 in the financial year 2022. These figures are higher than national averages of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively for the Rest of Vic. Based on a 12.16% increase according to the Wage Price Index from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $60,721 and average income would be around $76,595. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Buninyong cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 32.4% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is similar to the metropolitan region's 30.3%. After housing costs, residents retain 89.4% of their income. Buninyong'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

The dwelling structure in Buninyong, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic had 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Buninyong was at 44.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (40.9%) or rented (14.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,662, higher than Non-Metro Vic's average of $1,499. The median weekly rent in Buninyong was $330, compared to Non-Metro Vic's $300. Nationally, Buninyong's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,662 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 21.1%, consisting of 19.2% lone person households and 2.0% group households. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is 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 exceeds broader benchmarks, with 34.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria 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 prominent, with 32.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 21.3%. Educational participation is 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.

Buninyong's three schools have a combined enrollment of 767 students as of the latest data. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1022) with balanced educational opportunities. All three schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents are 10.3, lower than the regional average of 18.0, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by nine different routes that together facilitate 914 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is moderate, with residents on average located 424 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 130 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Buninyong's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Buninyong's health data shows positive outcomes for its residents, with common health conditions being relatively standard across different age groups. Approximately 54% (~3,980 people) have private health cover, compared to Victoria's average of 50.9%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.5 and 8.3% of residents respectively. Around 68.4% report being free from medical ailments, higher than the Rest of Vic.'s 62.3%. Residents aged 65 and over make up 19.5% (1,446 people) of Buninyong's population, compared to Victoria's average of 17.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in Buninyong are notably strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Buninyong, as per the census data from 2016, had a population with 89.5% born in Australia, 92.3% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.7% of Buninyong's population, compared to 45.0% across the Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.0%), Australian (30.2%), and Irish (11.5%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher in Buninyong at 10.3%, compared to 9.2% regionally. Dutch ancestry stood at 2.0% versus 2.1% regionally, while Croatian ancestry was recorded at 0.5% against the regional average of 0.4%.

Buninyong hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

In Buninyong, the median age is 42 years, similar to the Rest of Vic's average of 43, but considerably older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are particularly prominent at 16.3%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 8.4% compared to the Rest of Vic. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 13.0% to 16.3%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.8% to 5.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 13.7% to 11.7%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 15.8% to 14.3%. Population forecasts for Buninyong indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly at 107%, adding 665 residents to reach a total of 1,287.