Bunyip - Garfield

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

Bunyip - Garfield's population is around 10,419 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase from 9,868 people recorded in the 2021 Census. The ABS estimated resident population was 10,366 in June 2025, with an additional 102 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density of 28 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Bunyip - Garfield has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%, outperforming Greater Melbourne. Interstate migration drove much of this growth, accounting for approximately 45.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Bunyip - Garfield is expected to have an above median population growth, increasing by 1,546 persons to reach a total of 12,015 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.3% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Bunyip - Garfield among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Garfield in Bunyip has seen approximately 53 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 266 homes were approved, with an additional 29 approved so far in FY26. On average, around 3.2 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during these five years.

This indicates that supply is lagging behind demand, likely leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The construction cost of new properties averages $341,000. In terms of commercial approvals, $3.1 million has been registered in the current financial year, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bunyip-Garfield shows roughly half the construction activity per person and ranks among the 73rd percentile nationally for assessed areas. The new building activity is dominated by detached houses at 85.0%, with townhouses or apartments comprising the remaining 15.0%. This preserves the area's low-density nature, attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 174 people per dwelling approval, Bunyip-Garfield exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates indicate that Garfield in Bunyip is expected to grow by approximately 1,493 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers while potentially allowing growth to exceed current forecasts.

Bunyip - Garfield has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to affect this region. Notable projects include the Gippsland Line Upgrade at Bunyip and Longwarry Stations, Pakenham East Precinct (Honora Fields), Stockland Averley, and Ridgelea Estate - Pakenham East. 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Bunyip - Garfield well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Bunyip - Garfield has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs, notable in construction. Its unemployment rate was 3.0% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.6% over the past year. In December 2025, 5,867 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was 71.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 21.1% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction has a particularly strong presence, with an employment share 2.0 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 5.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 4.6% while labour force rose by 4.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, labour force expand by 2.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Bunyip - Garfield. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Bunyip - Garfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that Bunyip - Garfield SA2 has a median income of $53,265 and an average income of $65,875. This is lower than the national averages of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) for Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,389 (median) and $72,212 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Bunyip - Garfield SA2 ranks at the 59th percentile for household income ($1,897 weekly) and the 42nd percentile for personal income. The earnings profile indicates that 34.7% of locals (3,615 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is similar to the regional pattern where 32.8% fall within this range. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Bunyip - Garfield's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.9% houses and 2.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bunyip - Garfield stood at 37.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 49.9% and rented ones at 12.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000, while the median weekly rent was $311, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bunyip - Garfield's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $311 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 80.0% of all households, including 39.5% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 20.0%, with lone person households at 18.5% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Bunyip - Garfield aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (33.3%). Educational participation is high at 30.8%, with 11.5% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 9.8% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Bunyip - Garfield has 13 active public transport stops serving a mix of train routes. These stops are covered by 7 different routes that together facilitate 317 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents generally located 1003 meters away from the nearest stop. As a mainly residential region, most commuters travel outwards, primarily using cars (92%). On average, there are 2.2 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 21.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 45 trips per day, translating to roughly 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bunyip - Garfield'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

Health data for Bunyip - Garfield residents shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is at 52% of the total population (~5,407 people), slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.6 and 8.2% of residents respectively. 68.3% of residents declare no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, at 20.5% (2,133 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Senior health outcomes are above average and align with national rankings for the general population.

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

Bunyip-Garfield's population is predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 89.7% being citizens, 89.2% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the major religion, practiced by 50.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 43.0%. Ancestry-wise, Australians comprise 34.4%, English 30.6%, and Irish 9.3%.

Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented at 3.5% (regional average: 1.2%), Maltese at 0.5% (1.1%) and Italian at 3.0% (5.2%).

Bunyip - Garfield's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Bunyip-Garfield has a median age of 40, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38. The 65-74 age group is notably over-represented in Bunyip-Garfield at 11.6%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.4% to 7.0%, and the 65-74 cohort has increased from 10.1% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 11.4%, and the 25-34 group has dropped from 10.8% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Bunyip-Garfield's age profile will evolve significantly. The 65-74 age cohort is projected to expand by 414 people (34%), from 1,204 to 1,619. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort is projected to decline by 25 people.