South Bunbury - Bunbury

South Bunbury - Bunbury has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, South Bunbury - Bunbury's population is around 13,485 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 725 people (5.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,760 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,439 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,198 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, South Bunbury - Bunbury has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.8% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the Rest of WA. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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). Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth for national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,976 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 14.3% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within South Bunbury - Bunbury when compared nationally

South Bunbury - Bunbury has averaged around 48 new dwelling approvals annually, with 244 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 50 so far in FY-26. At an average of 2.1 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $262,000. Additionally, $57.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to the rest of WA, South Bunbury - Bunbury has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 47th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. New development consists of 97.0% standalone homes and 3.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (66.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 372 people per dwelling approval, South Bunbury - Bunbury shows a developed market.

Population forecasts indicate South Bunbury - Bunbury will gain 1,930 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping a reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 30 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Bunbury Regional Hospital Redevelopment, Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront, the Bunbury Ocean Pool, and the Prinsep Street Streetscape, 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.

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 South Bunbury - Bunbury demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

South Bunbury - Bunbury features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and 5.7% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,500 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional WA's 67.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 6.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.4% versus the regional average of 9.3%. The ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates substantial local employment opportunities.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 5.7% while the labour force increased by 5.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. This compares to Regional WA, where employment grew by 1.0%, the labour force expanded by 1.4%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within South Bunbury - Bunbury. 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 South Bunbury - Bunbury's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the South Bunbury - Bunbury SA2's median income among taxpayers is $60,984, with an average of $78,606. This is very high nationally, and compares to Regional WA's median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $66,851 (median) and $86,168 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 55th percentile ($830 weekly), while household income sits at the 35th percentile. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 28.9% of locals (3,897 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region 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 5th decile.

South Bunbury - Bunbury displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within South Bunbury - Bunbury, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 66.0% houses and 34.0% 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 South Bunbury - Bunbury was higher than that of Regional WA, at 36.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.9%) or rented (33.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional WA average at $1,625, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $310, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, South Bunbury - Bunbury's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

South Bunbury - Bunbury features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 60.3% of all households, comprising 20.7% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.7%, with lone person households at 36.3% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

South Bunbury - Bunbury shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (25.3% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA3 area average of 15.6% and that of Rest of WA (17.6%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (28.2%).

A substantial 24.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.5% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 124 active transport stops operating within South Bunbury - Bunbury, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 21 individual routes, collectively providing 2,412 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 203 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 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 344 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health outcomes in South Bunbury - Bunbury are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in South Bunbury - Bunbury, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~7,875 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.2% and 8.9% of residents, respectively, while 65.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 21.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,839 people), which is higher than the 19.2% in Regional WA, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

South Bunbury - Bunbury was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.8% of its population being citizens, 77.5% born in Australia, and 91.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in South Bunbury - Bunbury is Christianity, which makes up 48.8% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was 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 South Bunbury - Bunbury are English, comprising 33.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 25.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.8% of South Bunbury - Bunbury (vs 0.6% regionally), Polish at 1.0% (vs 0.5%) and Italian at 5.1% (vs 3.0%).

South Bunbury - Bunbury hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

At 45 years, South Bunbury - Bunbury's median age is significantly above the Regional WA average of 40 and similarly considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (15.7%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (9.5%) than in Regional WA. Since 2021, the area has become younger, with the median age dropping 1.3 years from 46 to 45. Key changes show the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.4% to 15.7% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.3% and the 85+ group dropped from 4.3% to 2.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for South Bunbury - Bunbury. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 43%, adding 910 residents to reach 3,033. On the other hand, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.