Busselton - West

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

As of November 2025, Busselton - West's population is approximately 21,788. This figure represents a growth of 2,496 people, marking a 12.9% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,292. The estimated resident population from the ABS in June 2024 was 21,253, with an additional 1,229 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 190 persons per square kilometer. Busselton - West's population growth exceeded the national average of 8.9% between the 2021 Census and June 2024, demonstrating its status as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 82.5% of overall population gains during this period.

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, growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are utilized to estimate post-2032 growth and growth across all areas. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Busselton - West is projected to increase by 3,561 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 13.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Busselton - West has averaged approximately 182 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 912 homes were approved, with an additional 117 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling has resulted in around 2.2 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand which should support property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is $278,000. This financial year, $6.0 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of WA, Busselton - West has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 76th percentile nationally in terms of new dwelling approvals.

The majority of new developments consist of standalone homes at 97.0%, with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 3.0%, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 156 people per dwelling approval, Busselton - West shows characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 3,022 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Busselton - West has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Busselton Water Supply Improvement, Vasse Estate, Halcyon Vasse, and another Vasse Estate project. The following list details those likely to be 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 in Busselton - West shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Busselton West has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent.

As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.5%. Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 6.2%. There are 11,070 residents employed, with a participation rate of 57.4%, compared to the Rest of WA's 59.4% and unemployment rate of 3.3%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

The area specializes in accommodation & food employment, at 1.6 times the regional level, but has lower representation in agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.2% vs. 9.3%). Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 6.2%, labour force grew by 5.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, May-25 project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Busselton West's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median income in Busselton - West SA2 was $48,090 in financial year 2022, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data. This figure is below the national average. The average income for this area during the same period was $63,511, compared to Rest of WA's figures of $57,323 and $71,163 respectively. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 14.2%, median income is estimated at approximately $54,919, and average income at around $72,530. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Busselton - West rank between the 24th and 28th percentiles. The data shows that 6,209 individuals (28.5% of the population) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which aligns with metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Busselton - West, with only 82.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 22nd percentile.

Busselton - West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Busselton - West, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro WA's 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Busselton - West was at 36.8%, with the rest either mortgaged (37.3%) or rented (25.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, aligning with Non-Metro WA's average. The median weekly rent figure was $350, compared to Non-Metro WA's $360. Nationally, Busselton - West's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Busselton - West has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.2% of all households, including 27.3% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 10.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 27.3% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Busselton - West fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Busselton-West has 144 active public transport stops. These are served by three bus routes that collectively offer 170 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to transport is rated good, with an average distance of 356 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes is 24 trips per day, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Busselton - West is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Busselton - West faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 51%, covering around 11,155 people, which is slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.2% and 8.6% of residents respectively. About 65.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in Rest of WA. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 22.3% (4,858 people), compared to the 20.0% in Rest of WA.

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

Busselton-West had a cultural diversity index below average, with 80.8% of its population born in Australia, 89.4% being citizens, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.6% of people in Busselton-West. Buddhism was overrepresented compared to Rest of WA, with 1.0% vs 1.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (36.0%), Australian (29.6%), and Irish (7.6%). Dutch (1.7% vs 1.7%) and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.7%) had notable representation similar to regional averages, while New Zealand was slightly underrepresented at 0.9% vs 1.0%.

Busselton - West hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Busselton - West's median age is 44 years, which is higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group makes up 7.4% of its population compared to the Rest of WA, while the 25-34 cohort comprises 10.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.3%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 12.4% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 12.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that Busselton - West's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 48%, adding 1,059 residents to reach a total of 3,256. However, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 15 to 24 cohorts.