East Bunbury - Glen Iris

An assessment of population growth drivers in East Bunbury - Glen Iris reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

According to investigations by AreaSearch, the population of East Bunbury - Glen Iris stands at approximately 7,993 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 798 people (11.1%) from the 2021 Census, when 7,195 people were recorded. This population shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 7,991 as of June 2025 alongside 39 validated new addresses registered since the Census date. With this population level, the density ratio is 348 persons per square kilometer, which offers residents substantial space and indicates capacity for future growth. The 11.1% expansion rate of East Bunbury - Glen Iris since the 2021 census outpaced the national figure of 9.3%, as well as the broader SA3 area, positioning it as a regional growth leader. The gains were driven heavily by overseas migration, which made up roughly 54.7% of the total population rise during recent times, though natural increase and interstate migration also registered positive contributions.

AreaSearch implements projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 localities, using 2022 as a baseline year as published in 2024. For SA2 areas where these specific figures are unavailable, and to calculate growth trajectories beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the latest Greater Capital Region projections published by the ABS in 2023 using 2022 statistics. Based on these anticipated demographic transformations, the area is set to experience population growth above the median for non-metropolitan Australia, with projections indicating an expansion of 1,413 persons to 2041 relative to the latest annual ERP statistics, which equates to a 17.6% overall increase across the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within East Bunbury - Glen Iris when compared nationally

East Bunbury - Glen Iris averages approximately 27 home building approvals annually, with 139 residential properties approved throughout the last 5 financial years (spanning FY-21 to FY-25) and 21 recorded during FY-26 so far. Because approximately 5.1 people moved to the locality for every new residence constructed during the last 5 financial years (spanning FY-21 to FY-25), demand is outstripping supply by a wide margin, which typically intensifies buyer competition and exerts upward pressure on prices, even as new builds average a construction value of $233,000—a figure below regional benchmarks—suggesting relatively affordable options for purchasers. Additionally, commercial development appears steady, supported by $11.3 million in commercial approvals during the current financial year.

Construction activity per person in East Bunbury - Glen Iris is roughly 63% of the level seen in Rest of WA, placing the locality in the 43rd percentile of evaluated areas nationwide, which limits choice for buyers and sustains interest in existing homes. Detached houses comprise 83.0% of new construction projects while attached dwellings account for 17.0%, preserving the low-density profile of the neighborhood and focusing on spacious properties suitable for families. A low-intensity building landscape is highlighted by an estimated ratio of 414 people for every single residential approval in the area.

According to the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch, East Bunbury - Glen Iris is projected to add 1,411 residents by 2041. If current construction rates do not accelerate, residential supply may fail to keep pace with population growth, likely resulting in heightened buyer rivalry and supporting upward price movements.

East Bunbury - Glen Iris has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 3rdth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives are major factors in shaping an area's direction. AreaSearch has tracked 27 projects expected to influence the community. Key developments include Glen Iris Village, Frank Buswell Foreshore Redevelopment, Withers Renewal Program, and Glen Iris Village, with the list below highlighting the most significant undertakings.

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.

Employment conditions in East Bunbury - Glen Iris remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

The local workforce in East Bunbury - Glen Iris is evenly divided between professional and trade roles, with industrial and manufacturing fields highly visible, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and consistent employment patterns over the past year. In March 2026, 4,117 local residents held jobs, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.9% higher than the Regional WA average of 3.5%, while the participation rate matched the Regional WA benchmark of 65.6%. Census records indicate that a minimal 4.0% of the working population performed their jobs from home, although this figure may be influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The community exhibits a strong specialization in manufacturing, where the employment proportion is 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented, employing just 1.5% of the local workforce compared to 9.3% in Regional WA. A ratio of 0.7 workers per resident at the time of the Census indicates a higher-than-average availability of local jobs.

AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics indicate that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the employed population expanded by 0.5% while the total labor force grew by 0.9%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional WA recorded a 0.1% drop in employment alongside a 0.3% increase in the labor force, which also yielded a 0.4 percentage point rise. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context regarding future demand trends within East Bunbury - Glen Iris. These five and ten-year forecasts have been correlated with the local industry profile to estimate potential growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sector growth rates vary widely. Applying these sectoral growth estimates to the local workforce composition in East Bunbury - Glen Iris suggests employment could grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (note that this serves as a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to the most recent postcode ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the East Bunbury - Glen Iris SA2 recorded a median taxpayer income of $53,123 and an average of $68,472. This is slightly above the national average, whereas Regional WA registered a median income of $59,973 and an average income of $74,392. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current projections estimate these figures at roughly $58,929 (median) and $75,956 (average) as of March 2026. Census findings show household, family, and individual incomes are modest in East Bunbury - Glen Iris, sitting between the 24th and 32nd percentiles. Income distribution statistics show that 30.8% of the population (2,461 individuals) earn in the $1,500 - 2,999 brackets, which is in line with the broader region where 31.1% of residents fall into this group. Financial strain from housing costs is significant, leaving residents with only 83.7% of their income, which ranks in the 25th percentile.

East Bunbury - Glen Iris is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Data from the latest Census shows the housing profile of East Bunbury - Glen Iris consists of 84.3% separate houses and 15.7% other types of dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 88.5% separate houses and 11.6% other dwellings in Regional WA. Home ownership rates in East Bunbury - Glen Iris slightly trail the regional average at 32.3%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (37.3%) or tenants renting (30.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was lower than the Regional WA average at $1,506, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $300, compared to regional averages of $1,560 and $265. On a national level, mortgage repayments in East Bunbury - Glen Iris are considerably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national median of $375.

East Bunbury - Glen Iris has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Families make up the majority of local households at 67.5%, consisting of couples with children at 24.0%, couples without children at 29.0%, and single parent households at 12.9%. The remaining 32.5% are non-family households, which are mostly lone persons at 29.1% and group living arrangements at 3.5%. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

East Bunbury - Glen Iris faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The region presents low levels of tertiary education, with university qualification rates of 13.2% trailing far behind the national benchmark of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for focused educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor qualifications are most common at 10.1%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.6% and postgraduate degrees at 1.5%. Vocational qualifications are prominent, with 42.4% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 33.6%.

A high rate of educational enrollment is observed locally, with 25.0% of the population currently engaged in study. This group includes 9.7% of residents attending primary school, 7.4% in high school, and 1.9% enrolled in higher education courses.

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

An assessment of public transit reveals 62 active bus stops servicing East Bunbury - Glen Iris. These stops accommodate 5 distinct routes that provide a total of 387 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is favorable, with residents living an average of 204 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the locality, most workers commute out of the area, and private vehicles are the primary mode of travel at 90%. Average car ownership is 1.4 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively small 4.0% of the population works from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Transit service frequency averages 55 journeys daily across all available routes, which translates to roughly 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in East Bunbury - Glen Iris is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

The local population in East Bunbury - Glen Iris exhibits favorable health outcomes based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality figures and chronic disease incidence, with common conditions showing low prevalence among residents and remaining near the national average for older, vulnerable demographics. The rate of private health insurance coverage is slightly above the SA2 average at roughly 53% of the population (~4,260 people), compared to 56.4% across Regional WA.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues in the area, each affecting 9.1% of the population, while 66.0% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Working-age individuals exhibit higher than average rates of chronic health issues. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 19.0% of the population (1,516 people). The health profiles for these seniors are above average, though they rank lower nationally than the general local population.

In terms of cultural diversity, East Bunbury - Glen Iris records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cultural diversity metrics in East Bunbury - Glen Iris are comparable to regional averages, with 79.3% of residents born in Australia, 87.7% holding citizenship, and 89.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion in East Bunbury - Glen Iris, adhered to by 46.2% of the local population. The most notable religious difference is in the Other category, which comprises 1.1% of the population compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

In terms of parent country of birth, the three most common ancestral backgrounds in East Bunbury - Glen Iris are English at 32.1%, Australian at 27.4%, and Scottish at 6.8%. There are also distinct variations in the proportions of other ethnic ancestries: Italian background is notably overrepresented at 6.1% of East Bunbury - Glen Iris (vs 3.0% regionally), while Maori is at 1.0% (vs 1.0%) and New Zealand is at 0.9% (vs 0.9%).

East Bunbury - Glen Iris's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age of residents in East Bunbury - Glen Iris is 40 years, matching the Regional WA average of 40 and slightly exceeding the national median of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of individuals aged 25 - 34 years (15.5%), whereas the 45 - 54 age group is smaller (10.8%) than in Regional WA. Since 2021, the cohort aged 25 to 34 expanded from 13.8% to 15.5% of the population, and the group aged 35 to 44 rose from 11.9% to 13.1%. In contrast, the cohort aged 45 to 54 decreased from 12.3% to 10.8%, and children aged 5 to 14 declined from 12.2% to 11.1%. Demographic projections for 2041 point to significant changes in the age profile, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 484 people (39%) from 1,241 to 1,726, while the group aged 75 to 84 is projected to decrease by 12 residents.