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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Busselton Surrounds has a population of around 14,245 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,345 people (19.7%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 11,900 people. This shift is estimated using the ABS estimated resident population of 14,066 from June 2025 and 592 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. The population level results in a density ratio of 11.6 persons per square kilometer, ensuring a spacious environment for residents. The area's 19.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.3%) and the Rest of WA, placing it as a leading growth zone. The expansion was chiefly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately 57.6% of the gains, though other elements such as overseas migration and natural growth also made positive contributions.

AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For SA2 regions lacking this dataset, and to project demographic change beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the latest Greater Capital Region projections published by the ABS in 2023 using 2022 data. Looking at future demographic patterns, population growth for regional locations is projected to exceed the national median, with this specific territory expected to add 2,722 persons by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP population statistics, representing a cumulative increase of 17.9% over the 16 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 an average of approximately 196 new dwelling approvals annually, summing to 981 homes over the last 5 financial years. In FY-26 to date, 114 approvals have been logged. Over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, an average of 2.2 people relocated to the district for every new home built, pointing to robust demand that sustains local property values. Newly constructed residences carry an average value of $425,000, indicating a developer focus on high-end, premium projects. Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $47.3 million this financial year, highlighting substantial local business investments.

In comparison to the Rest of WA, Busselton Surrounds displays moderately elevated development activity, running 18.0% above the regional average per capita over the 5 year timeframe. This rate provides home buyers with options while supporting values for existing properties, even though building rates have slowed recently. This level of activity is considerably higher than the national standard, pointing to strong developer confidence. The composition of new building approvals is 90.0% standalone homes and 10.0% attached dwellings, maintaining a low-density profile focused on detached residences for buyers seeking space. With roughly 90 people per dwelling approval, the region displays characteristics typical of an expanding growth corridor.

Projections for the future indicate that Busselton Surrounds will add 2,543 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly figures. With the current pace of construction, housing supply is expected to align well with demand, supporting favorable buyer conditions and potentially enabling growth that outpaces current forecasts.

Busselton Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes to infrastructure, major local projects, and planning changes have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects that are likely to influence the area. Principal developments include Dunsborough Lakes Primary School, Dunsborough Lakes Residential Estate, Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct, and the Dunsborough Precinct Structure Plan Amendment 52, with details on the most relevant initiatives provided below.

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

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

The local workforce is highly educated, with the construction industry showing exceptionally strong representation. The area features an unemployment rate of only 1.3% and experienced 0.8% estimated growth in employment over the past year. In March 2026, there were 7,929 employed residents, and the unemployment rate sat 2.2% lower than the Regional WA rate of 3.5%. Participation in the labor force is relatively standard at 69.7%, compared to 65.6% across Regional WA. According to Census records, a moderate 18.4% of working residents performed their duties from home, though the influence of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions should be kept in mind.

The primary employment sectors for residents are construction, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The local economy is highly specialized in accommodation & food, with an employment share that is 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, mining is underrepresented, employing only 6.4% of the Busselton Surrounds workforce compared to 11.7% in Regional WA. Even though local job opportunities are present, the comparison of the Census working population against the local population indicates that many residents commute to other districts for work.

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the 12-month period saw employment rise by 0.8% alongside a 0.9% increase in the labor force, leaving the unemployment rate virtually unchanged. By comparison, Regional WA recorded a 0.1% decrease in employment and a 0.3% increase in the labor force, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 offer additional perspective on potential future demand in Busselton Surrounds. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. While national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely by industry. Applying these industry-specific projections to the Busselton Surrounds workforce mix suggests local employment is set to grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, noting that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes that does not incorporate localized population growth models.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's compilation of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, the Busselton Surrounds SA2 recorded a median taxpayer income of $52,472, with the average income at $77,430. This represents a very high national level, compared to $59,973 and $74,392 respectively across Regional WA. Incorporating Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $58,207 for median income and $85,893 for average income as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports that household, family, and personal incomes in Busselton Surrounds place around the 59th percentile nationally. Income distribution figures show that 33.7% of the population (4,800 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is similar to the regional average of 31.1% in this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 85.4% of their income for other living costs, and the area's SEIFA index for income ranks it in the 7th decile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Busselton Surrounds consisted of 91.0% standalone houses and 9.0% alternative housing options (semi-detached, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to Regional WA's split of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Busselton Surrounds stood well above the Regional WA level at 40.5%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (40.0%) or rented (19.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly above the Regional WA average at $1,993, while the median weekly rent was $420, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, mortgage payments in Busselton Surrounds are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels are substantially above the national average of $375.

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

Family households make up 77.3% of the total households, consisting of 33.9% couples with children, 35.3% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.7%, with single-person households representing 19.7% and group households making up 2.9%. The median household size of 2.6 people is larger than the Regional 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 qualification rates in Busselton Surrounds are significantly higher than regional averages, with 29.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 17.6% in the Rest of WA and 18.0% in the SA4 region. This high qualification rate positions the community well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 22.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Technical qualifications are also highly represented, with 41.0% of the population aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (14.2%) and certificates (26.8%).

Participation in education is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal studies. This cohort includes 12.9% in primary school, 9.0% in high school, and 2.4% undertaking tertiary education.

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

Analysis of the public transport network shows 94 active transit stops within Busselton Surrounds, composed of bus services. These stops are served by 2 separate routes, providing 126 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility is rated as limited, with residents living an average of 1160 meters from their nearest transit stop. Because the area is primarily residential, most workers commute out of the district, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 89%, while 5% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 cars per home, which is above the regional average. About 18.4% of residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Service frequency averages 18 trips daily across all transport routes, which translates to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual transit stop.

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

Health profiles in Busselton Surrounds are exceptionally positive based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease indicators, showing a very low incidence of common health issues across all age groups. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 58% of the population (~8,262 people) covered.

The primary medical conditions identified in the area are arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 7.9% and 6.5% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 73.8% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 69.3% in Regional WA. The working-age population is particularly healthy with a low frequency of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 20.6% of the population (2,938 people), which is higher than the Regional WA average of 19.2%. Senior health profiles are very strong, with national rankings aligning closely with those of the broader community.

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 displays a low level of cultural diversity, with 86.7% of the population holding citizenship, 77.8% born in Australia, and 94.6% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, representing 40.5% of the population. The most prominent disproportionate religious representation is Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population compared to 0.0% across Regional WA.

Looking at ancestral backgrounds (parents' country of birth), the top three groups in Busselton Surrounds are English (35.3%), Australian (28.6%), and Irish (8.2%). There are also notable differences in other backgrounds: New Zealand ancestry is overrepresented at 1.2% (vs 0.9% regionally), South Australian ancestry is at 0.9% (vs 0.6%), and French ancestry stands at 0.8% (vs 0.4%).

Busselton Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age of 43 in Busselton Surrounds is slightly above the Regional WA average of 40 and also well above the Australian median age of 38. Compared to Regional WA, the 65 - 74 age bracket is overrepresented at 12.3% locally, while the 25 - 34 cohort is underrepresented at 9.8%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket grew from 7.7% to 9.8% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 14.8% to 12.8% and the 65 to 74 group fell from 13.3% to 12.3%. Projections for 2041 suggest notable shifts, with the 25 to 34 age bracket expected to grow by 584 people (42%) from 1,388 to 1,973, while the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decrease by 29 people.