Busselton Surrounds

Busselton Surrounds lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Busselton Surrounds' population is around 14,013 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,113 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,900. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,611 in June 2024 and an additional 566 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 11.4 persons per square kilometer. Busselton Surrounds' growth of 17.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 62.6% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and post-2032 estimations, AreaSearch uses growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on demographic trends, an above median population growth is projected for regional areas. The area is expected to increase by 3,025 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 18.7% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Busselton Surrounds was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Busselton Surrounds has recorded approximately 196 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25 inclusive, a total of 981 homes have been approved, with an additional 56 approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, around 2.1 people moved to the area per new home constructed, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $425,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This year alone, $47.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, pointing to robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of WA, Busselton Surrounds has seen slightly more development, at 19.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, construction activity has eased recently.

This level is substantially higher than the national average, indicating strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 87 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Busselton Surrounds will gain 2,617 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Busselton Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 40 projects likely to affect the area. Key projects include Dunsborough Lakes Primary School, Dunsborough Lakes Residential Estate, Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct, and Dunsborough Precinct Structure Plan Amendment 52. 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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Employment conditions in Busselton Surrounds rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Busselton Surrounds has an educated workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. The unemployment rate was 1.2% as of September 2025, lower than Rest of WA's 3.3%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.2%. As of that date, 8,078 residents were employed with a workforce participation rate of 63.5%, compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading industries for employment among residents are construction, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. Accommodation & food had particularly high concentration with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Mining was under-represented with only 6.4% of Busselton Surrounds' workforce compared to Rest of WA's 11.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Employment increased by 6.2% over a 12-month period, while labour force also grew by 6.2%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Rest of WA had employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Busselton Surrounds. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Busselton Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2022 shows that median income in Busselton Surrounds SA2 is $51,212 and average income stands at $76,945. This contrasts with Rest of WA's median income of $57,323 and average income of $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes are approximately $58,484 (median) and $87,871 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Busselton Surrounds cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 33.7% of locals (4,722 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the broader area where 31.1% occupy this range. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Busselton Surrounds, as recorded at the latest Census, consisted of 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Busselton Surrounds was at 40.5%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (40.0%) or rented (19.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,993, above Non-Metro WA's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Non-Metro WA's $360. Nationally, Busselton Surrounds' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 77.3% of all households, consisting of 33.9% couples with children, 35.3% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 19.7% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Busselton Surrounds shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Busselton Surrounds is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. Specifically, 29.5% of residents aged 15 years and over hold university qualifications, compared to 17.6% in the Rest of WA and 18.0% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.2% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15 years and over holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 14.2% and certificates at 26.8%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.9% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows 88 active transport stops operating within Busselton Surrounds, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by 2 individual routes, collectively offering 126 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1160 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop.

Busselton Surrounds's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Busselton Surrounds shows excellent health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover is high at approximately 58% (~8,099 people), compared to WA's 52.6%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (7.9%) and mental health issues (6.5%). 73.8% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of WA's 69.5%. 19.7% are aged 65 and over (2,760 people). Seniors' health outcomes exceed the general population in key metrics.

Busselton Surrounds ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Busselton Surrounds had cultural diversity below average, with 86.7% of its population being citizens, 77.8% born in Australia, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 40.5%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (35.3%), Australian (28.6%), and Irish (8.2%). New Zealanders were notably overrepresented at 1.2% (vs regional 1.0%), South Africans at 0.9% (vs 0.6%), and French at 0.8% (vs 0.7%).

Busselton Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Busselton Surrounds was 43 years as of a certain date, which was modestly higher than Rest of WA's average of 40 years and well above Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of WA average, the 35-44 age cohort was notably over-represented in Busselton Surrounds at 15.2%, while the 25-34 age group was under-represented at 10.3%. Between the 2021 Census and a certain later date, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 7.7% to 9.4% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.1% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 14.8% to 13.1%, and the 65 to 74 age group dropped from 13.3% to 12.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Busselton Surrounds, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to expand by 688 people (48%) from 1,444 to 2,133, while the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 22 people.