Dunsborough (WA)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses confirmed by Districts following the Census, the suburb of Dunsborough has a population projected to be close to 7,938 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 1,525 people (23.8%) since the 2021 Census, which counted a population of 6,413 people. The adjustment is calculated from the resident population of 7,841, calculated by Districts through analysis of the most recent ERP statistics from the ABS (June 2025) and a further 393 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population translates to a density ratio of 493 persons per square kilometer, leaving substantial room for each resident and potential space for subsequent expansion. The 23.8% growth in the suburb of Dunsborough since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%), as well as the Rest of WA, establishing it as a leader in regional growth. Population expansion in the area was chiefly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly of total population additions in recent times, though all components including overseas migration and natural growth made positive contributions.

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The locality contains a highly educated workforce, with the tourism and hospitality sectors heavily represented, an unemployment rate of only 1.2%, and 1.8% in estimated job expansion over the previous year, according to Districts compilations of statistical zone data. As of March 2026, 4,389 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% below the rate in Regional WA of 3.5%, and labor force participation is close to normal (70.5% compared to Regional WA's 65.6%). According to Census surveys, a moderate 14.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 quarantine measures should be taken into account.

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The income level in the locality is exceptionally high on a national scale according to the latest ATO records compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. The median income of taxpayers in the locality is $51,386 and the average income is $77,207, which contrasts with Regional WA benchmarks of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Factoring in a Wage Price Index expansion of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current calculations place these figures at approximately $57,002 (median) and $85,646 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and individual incomes in the locality sit around the 56th percentile nationally. Examining the income brackets, the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common, accounting for 35.2% of residents (2,794 people), which is similar to regional proportions where 31.1% are in this category. Financial pressure from housing costs is significant, with only of income left over, placing the area in the th percentile, while its SEIFA income score falls into the th decile.

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The mix of housing types in the locality, as measured in the most recent Census, consisted of 90.2% houses and 9.8% other options (duplexes, townhouses, apartments, 'other' residences), compared to Regional WA's distribution of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other options. At the same time, the rate of home ownership in the locality matched that of Regional WA at 34.7%, while the remaining properties were either under mortgage (43.7%) or occupied by renters (21.6%). The median monthly home loan payment in the area was significantly higher than the Regional WA average at $1,885, while the median weekly lease cost was recorded at $450, compared to Regional WA figures of $1,560 and $265. Across the country, mortgage costs in the locality exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and lease costs are substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 75.3%, consisting of 33.5% couples with offspring, 31.8% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent households. Non-family households represent the remaining 24.7% of homes, with single person households accounting for 21.2% and share houses making up 3.6% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.6 individuals is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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Academic achievement in the locality is significantly higher than broader regional markers, with 28.6% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees compared to 17.6% in Rest of WA and 18.0% in the SA4 region. This high level of education positions the locality well to benefit from knowledge-based industries. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational and technical training is also highly represented, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (14.4%) and certificates (28.1%).

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Public transit assessment indicates there are 62 active passenger stops operating within the locality, consisting of a combination of buses. These stops are served by 2 distinct routes, which together provide 126 passenger journeys each week. Transit availability is classified as good, with residents generally living 227 meters away from the closest transit stop. Because it is mainly a residential community, most employed residents travel outside the area for work, and the car remains the primary mode of travel at 90%. Household car ownership averages 1.5 per home. Roughly 14.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Public health records show exceptional outcomes throughout the locality, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates, which reveal very low rates of common illnesses across all age groups, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is very high at roughly 58% of the total population (~4,592 people).

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The locality is below the average level of cultural variation, with citizens making up 85.9% of the population, 76.8% of residents born locally in Australia, and 93.4% using only English at home. The predominant faith in the locality was Christianity, which is practiced by 39.2% of local residents. The most noticeable disproportion, however, was in Judaism, which makes up 0.1% of the local population compared to none across Regional WA.

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Having a median age of 41, the suburb of Dunsborough is very close to the Regional WA median of 40 and slightly older than the national benchmark of 38. The 35 - 44 age cohort is highly represented at 16.9% relative to Regional WA, while the 55 - 64 demographic is less common at 9.9%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has expanded from 7.6% to 9.9% of the population. On the other hand, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 15.9% to 14.0% and the 65 to 74 group fell from 11.9% to 10.8%. Demographic modeling indicates the age structure of the suburb of Dunsborough will experience major shifts by . Steering this transition, the to age group is projected to expand by ( people), rising to from . In contrast, the population in the to age range is expected to decrease by .

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Dunsborough currently has an estimated 468 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 249 children aged 0-2 and 165 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 20% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 36% by 2041 (to approximately 636 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 812. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 8.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.