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

According to the analysis conducted by AreaSearch, the population of South Bunbury - Bunbury stands at approximately 13,644 as of May 2026. Compared to the 12,760 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, this represents a growth of 884 individuals, or 6.9%. This population shift is calculated utilizing the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population figure of 13,623 alongside 68 validated new addresses registered since the census. The population density reaches 1,212 persons per square kilometer, a level exceeding the typical figure observed across locations analyzed nationally. The post-census growth rate of 6.9% is within 2.4 percentage points of the 9.3% national average, indicating healthy local growth dynamics. This upward population trajectory was almost entirely driven by incoming overseas migration during the most recent intervals.

AreaSearch incorporates projections created by the ABS and Geoscience Australia for each SA2 unit, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 territories lacking this specific coverage, as well as for projecting growth past 2032, AreaSearch applies cohort-specific growth rates from the latest ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Looking at upcoming demographic changes, the location is projected to experience population growth exceeding the median for non-metropolitan areas across the nation, with an estimated rise of 1,780 individuals by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a total increase of 12.9% over a 16 years timeframe.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees South Bunbury - Bunbury recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

South Bunbury - Bunbury has recorded a yearly average of approximately 48 new dwelling approvals, resulting in a total of 244 residential approvals over the last 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional 65 approved during FY-26 to date. Over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, the ratio of new residents to each approved dwelling has averaged 2.1 annually, pointing to steady demand that should bolster real estate values, with new residential projects averaging an estimated construction cost of $262,000. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $57.0 million during the current financial year, indicating a healthy level of investment by local businesses.

Relative to the Rest of WA, the rate of new residential approvals per capita in South Bunbury - Bunbury is approximately two-thirds, placing it in the 47th percentile of all analyzed locations nationwide, which suggests buyers have fewer options while increasing demand for existing housing stock. Separate standalone houses make up 97.0% of the new building activity, while medium and high-density residential structures account for the remaining 3.0%, maintaining the suburban character of the area through a focus on detached homes that appeal to buyers looking for space. Interestingly, builders are focusing more on traditional houses than the proportion recorded during the Census which was 66.0%, indicating that family homes remain highly sought after despite density pressures. With a ratio of approximately 376 people for each dwelling approval, South Bunbury - Bunbury displays a mature market profile.

Demographic projections indicate that South Bunbury - Bunbury will add 1,759 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations by AreaSearch. Residential construction is keeping a moderate pace with this projected growth, though property buyers may experience heightened competition as the local population increases.

South Bunbury - Bunbury has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Developments in local infrastructure, major construction projects, and planning changes have a significant effect on how an area performs. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 28 projects that are expected to influence this locality. Some of the major developments include Transforming Bunbury's Waterfront, Bunbury Ocean Pool, Prinsep Street Streetscape, and Wilman Wadandi Highway (Bunbury Outer Ring Road), with the most relevant ones detailed in the list below.

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 performance in South Bunbury - Bunbury has been broadly consistent with national averages

The workforce of South Bunbury - Bunbury is characterized by a strong presence of skilled workers and essential services personnel, alongside an unemployment rate of just 3.0% and an estimated annual job growth rate of 1.1%. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 7,358, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.5% lower than the Regional WA figure of 3.5%, while the participation rate matched the Regional WA average of 65.6%. Data from the Census indicated that a small proportion of residents, 6.2%, performed their jobs from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

The primary employment sectors for local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The local economy shows a distinct concentration in health care & social assistance, where the employment proportion is 1.5 times the regional rate. In contrast, the agriculture, forestry & fishing sector has a minor footprint, employing only 1.4% of the workforce compared to the regional benchmark of 9.3%. The presence of 0.9 jobs for every resident at the time of the Census indicates a healthy local employment market.

According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics, the 12 months ending March 2026 saw local employment grow by 1.1% and the labor force expand by 0.9%, which reduced the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional WA experienced a 0.1% decline in employment, a 0.3% rise in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Future labor demand trends in South Bunbury - Bunbury can be evaluated using national employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, total employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these growth rates vary by sector. Projecting these industry-specific trends onto the local employment profile indicates that South Bunbury - Bunbury should see employment numbers rise by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a basic weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population changes.

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

Based on the most recent postcode level data from the ATO for financial year 2023, the median income of taxpayers in the South Bunbury - Bunbury SA2 is $60,984, with the average income recorded at $78,606. These statistics place the area in a high tier nationally, comparing favorably with the Regional WA median of $59,973 and average of $74,392. Applying the Wage Price Index rise of 10.93% recorded since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of approximately $67,650 for the median and $87,198 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed personal income in the 55th percentile at $830 per week, while household income fell in the 35th percentile. Looking at the income distribution, the largest cohort consists of 28.9% of local residents, or 3,943 people, who earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the metropolitan trend where 31.1% fall into this bracket. Once housing expenses are paid, 85.4% of household income remains available for other purchases, and the SEIFA index for income places the area in the 5th decile.

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

The distribution of housing types in South Bunbury - Bunbury at the time of the last Census consisted of 66.0% detached houses and 34.0% alternative dwellings like apartments and semi-detached properties, contrasting with Regional WA where houses made up 88.5% and alternative options accounted for 11.6%. The rate of outright home ownership stood at 36.5%, which was higher than the regional average, with the remaining residential properties divided between mortgaged homes at 29.9% and rental properties at 33.6%. The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Regional WA average at $1,625, and the median weekly rent was $310, compared to regional figures of $1,560 and $265, respectively. Nationally, the monthly mortgage costs in South Bunbury - Bunbury are notably below the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national level of $375.

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

Families make up 60.3% of all local households, consisting of couples with children at 20.7%, couples without children at 29.2%, and single-parent households at 9.7%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 39.7%, with single-person households representing 36.3% and group households making up 3.5% of the total. The local 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 educational attainment of the local population is strong relative to the wider region, with university degrees held by 25.3% of residents aged 15+, which is higher than the SA3 average of 15.6% and the Rest of WA average of 17.6%, reflecting a local focus on tertiary studies. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 17.3%, followed by postgraduate studies at 4.8% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Technical and trade qualifications are also highly represented, with 39.2% of individuals aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 28.2%.

A significant proportion of the population, 24.6%, is currently enrolled in some form of study. This includes 8.5% of residents attending primary school, 8.1% in high school, and 2.7% enrolled in university or other tertiary programs.

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

Public transport networks in South Bunbury - Bunbury include 124 active transit stops served by bus services. These stops accommodate 21 distinct routes, which generate a combined 2,412 weekly passenger journeys. Access to transport is good, with homes situated an average of 203 meters from the nearest stop. The neighborhood is mostly residential, meaning most workers travel outside the area for employment, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 89%, while 5% of residents walk. Car ownership is 1.2 vehicles per home, which is below the regional average, and a minor 6.2% of residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 circumstances.

Across all transit routes, service frequencies average 344 runs per day, which translates to about 19 weekly runs for each individual stop. The map provided displays the 100 closest stops relative to the central point of the location.

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

According to the evaluation by AreaSearch based on mortality statistics and the incidence of long-term illnesses, health outcomes in South Bunbury - Bunbury are below average, with common medical conditions being slightly more widespread than average across both younger and older cohorts, though the proportion of residents with private health insurance is very high at approximately 58% of the population, which is about 7,968 people.

The most prevalent health conditions recorded locally were arthritis, affecting 10.2% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 8.9% of the population, while 65.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. Health statuses for working-age residents are generally typical. The population includes 22.7% of residents who are aged 65 and over, totaling 3,093 people, which is higher than the Regional WA average of 19.2%, with national positions matching those of the broader community.

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

In terms of cultural diversity, South Bunbury - Bunbury aligns closely with regional averages, with citizens making up 86.8% of the population, Australian-born residents accounting for 77.5%, and English-only speakers at home representing 91.0%. Christianity is the primary religion in the area, practiced by 48.8% of the population. The most distinct divergence from regional patterns is in Judaism, which is practiced by 0.1% of residents compared to 0.0% across Regional WA.

Looking at parent birthplaces, the three most common ancestries in South Bunbury - Bunbury are English at 33.8%, Australian at 25.2%, and Irish at 8.6%. There are also specific differences in other ethnic backgrounds, with Welsh ancestry overrepresented at 0.8% compared to 0.6% regionally, Polish at 1.0% compared to 0.5% regionally, and Italian ancestry at 5.1% compared to 3.0% regionally.

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

The median age in South Bunbury - Bunbury is 45 years, which is higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and older than the national median of 38 years. The age distribution shows a high concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 at 14.1%, while the 5 - 14 group is relatively small at 9.9% compared to Regional WA. Since 2021, the proportion of residents in the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 11.4% to 14.1%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has shrunk from 4.3% to 2.9%, and the 55 to 64 group has declined from 13.9% to 12.6%. Projections for the year 2041 suggest notable demographic shifts for South Bunbury - Bunbury, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 42%, adding 814 people to reach 2,741, while the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to decrease.