Busselton - West
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of Nov 2025, Busselton - West's population is approximately 21,788. This figure represents a growth of 2,496 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,292. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates: 21,253 in June 2024 and an additional 1,229 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 190 persons per square kilometer. Busselton - West's growth rate of 12.9% since the 2021 Census surpasses both national (8.9%) and non-metro averages, indicating significant population expansion. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 82.5% of recent population gains in the area.

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 employs growth rates by age cohort from the ABS's latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) to estimate post-2032 growth. Future population trends suggest an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas. Based on current numbers, Busselton - West is projected to increase by 3,561 persons to reach a total of approximately 25,349 by 2041, marking a 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 averaged approximately 182 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25912 homes were approved, with an additional 101 approved in FY-26 as of the current date. Each dwelling has attracted an average of 2.2 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $278,000. This year alone, $6.0 million worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded. 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.

The area's development consists predominantly of standalone homes at 97.0%, with medium and high-density housing making up the remaining 3.0%. This low density nature attracts space-seeking buyers. With approximately 156 people per dwelling approval, Busselton - West exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts project an increase of 3,022 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting further growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Busselton Water Supply Improvement, Broadwater Bayside Estate, Vasse Estate, and Halcyon Vasse. 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.

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, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% as of June 2021.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 5.7%. By June 2025, 10,934 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, below Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. The workforce participation rate was 57.4%, lower than the regional average of 59.4%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Accommodation & food has a higher share of employment at 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is lower at 3.2% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally based on Census data comparisons. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.7% and labour force grew by 5.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1%, labour force grow by 0.5%, and unemployment fall by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Busselton-West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Busselton-West's median income among taxpayers was $48,090 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $63,511 during the same period. For comparison, Rest of WA had a median income of $57,323 and an average income of $71,163. By September 2025, estimated median income in Busselton-West would be approximately $54,919, with an average income of around $72,530, based on a 14.2% growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Busselton-West rank modestly, between the 24th and 29th percentiles. In this region, 28.5% of the population (6,209 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Busselton-West, with only 82.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 23rd percentile.

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

The 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). In comparison, Non-Metro WA had 89.8% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Busselton - West stood at 36.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 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 at $1,733 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less at $350 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 29.8%, with lone person households at 27.3% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. 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 has lower university qualification rates at 16.7% compared to Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 12.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 31.6%. Educational participation is high, with 26.9% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.3%), secondary (9.2%), and tertiary (1.9%).

Busselton - West operates 8 schools educating approximately 5,244 students, serving typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 995) with balanced opportunities. The school mix includes 3 primary, 2 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 24.5 places per 100 residents versus the regional average of 16.5, indicating it serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together offer 170 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living within 356 meters of the nearest stop.

On average, there are 24 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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% of the total population, which consists of around 11,155 people, slightly lagging behind the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.2 and 8.6% of residents respectively. However, 65.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.5% across Rest of WA. The area has 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 4,858 people, which is higher than 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 low cultural diversity, with 80.8% of its population born in Australia and 89.4% being citizens. Most residents spoke English only at home, at 94.8%. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 44.6% of the population.

Buddhism, however, was overrepresented compared to the rest of WA, making up 1.0% versus 1.1%. The top three ancestry groups were English (36.0%), Australian (29.6%), and Irish (7.6%). Dutch, Welsh, and New Zealand ethnicities showed notable representation: Dutch at 1.7%, Welsh at 0.7%, and New Zealand at 0.9%.

Busselton - West hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Busselton - West's median age is 44 years, which is considerably higher than the Rest of WA average of 40 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age group of 75-84 years shows strong representation at 7.4%, compared to the Rest of WA's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent in Busselton - West at 10.1%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.3%, while the 35 to 44 age group increased from 12.4% to 13.5%. However, the 65 to 74 age cohort has declined from 13.3% to 12.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Busselton - West's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow strongly at a rate of 48%, adding 1,059 residents to reach a total of 3,256. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 15 to 24 age cohorts.