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's population is around 14,658 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,758 people (23.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,900 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,605 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 570 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 11.9 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Busselton Surrounds's 23.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the Rest of WA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 62.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth for regional areas across the nation is projected, with the area expected to increase by 3,025 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 13.4% in total 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 around 196 residential properties granted approval annually, with 981 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 82 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.1 people moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $425,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $47.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to the Rest of WA, Busselton Surrounds has slightly more development (19.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though construction activity has eased recently. This level is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% detached 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, indicating an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Busselton Surrounds will gain 1,972 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on 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 18thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 40 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Dunsborough Lakes Primary School, Dunsborough Lakes Residential Estate, Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct, and Dunsborough Precinct Structure Plan Amendment 52, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 a well-educated workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.2%, and 5.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 8,072 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (73.5% compared to Regional WA's 67.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise construction, accommodation & food, and health care & social assistance. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. On the other hand, mining is under-represented, with only 6.4% of Busselton Surrounds's workforce compared to 11.7% in Regional WA. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 5.2% alongside labour force increasing by 5.2%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Regional WA experienced employment growth of 1.0% and labour force growth of 1.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Busselton Surrounds. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Busselton Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Busselton Surrounds SA2 is very high nationally, with the median assessed at $52,472 while the average income stands at $77,430. This contrasts with Regional WA's figures of a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $57,520 (median) and $84,879 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Busselton Surrounds cluster around the 59th percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 33.7% of locals (4,939 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.1% similarly occupy this range. After housing, 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 within Busselton Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Busselton Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 40.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.0%) or rented (19.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional WA average at $1,993, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, Busselton Surrounds's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 77.3% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. 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 attainment in Busselton Surrounds significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 29.5% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 17.6% in Rest of WA and 18.0% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 22.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (14.2%) and certificates (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 reveals 94 active transport stops operating within Busselton Surrounds, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 126 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1160 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 18.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Busselton Surrounds, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~8,501 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 7.9% and 6.5% of residents, respectively, while 73.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 19.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,839 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.7% of its population being citizens, 77.8% born in Australia, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Busselton Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 40.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.0% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Busselton Surrounds are English, comprising 35.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Busselton Surrounds (vs 0.9% regionally), South Australian at 0.9% (vs 0.6%) and French at 0.8% (vs 0.4%).

Busselton Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

The 42-year median age in Busselton Surrounds is marginally above Regional WA's average of 40 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional WA, Busselton Surrounds has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (15.5%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (10.7%). Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 7.7% to 9.4% of the population, while the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 9.1% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 12.8% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 13.3% to 12.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Busselton Surrounds's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 36% (566 people), reaching 2,133 from 1,566. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 82 people.