East Bunbury (WA)

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Based on research into ABS population updates for the broader region and new locations validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of East Bunbury has a population estimated at around 4,576 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 557 people (13.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which registered a population of 4,019 people. The difference is calculated from the resident population of 4,575, estimated by Districts using the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 1,300 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average observed across national locations evaluated by Districts. The suburb of East Bunbury's 13.9% growth since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%), as well as the SA3 area, making it a regional growth leader. Population growth in the area was mostly fueled by overseas migration, which made up roughly of total population increases over recent periods, though all factors including natural growth and interstate migration were positive contributors.

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East Bunbury has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and 1.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,323 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.6% above Regional WA's rate of 3.5%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (61.2% compared to Regional WA's 65.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of East Bunbury's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The suburb of East Bunbury's median income among taxpayers is $47,826 and the average income stands at $61,477, which compares to figures for Regional WA's of $59,973 and $74,392 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,053 (median) and $68,196 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in East Bunbury all fall between the 12th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 28.7% of residents (1,313 people), diverging from regional levels where the - category predominates at . Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile.

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Dwelling structure within East Bunbury, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 77.6% houses and 22.5% 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 East Bunbury was well beyond that of Regional WA, at 37.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (30.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional WA average at $1,470, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional WA's $1,560 and $265. Nationally, East Bunbury's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 61.7% of all households, comprising 19.0% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.3%, with lone person households at 35.0% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (33.9%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 30 active transport stops operating within East Bunbury comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 333 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 208 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 4.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in East Bunbury, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~2,361 people). This compares to 56.4% across Regional WA.

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East Bunbury was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 80.1% of its population born in Australia, 88.6% being citizens, and 91.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in East Bunbury was found to be Christianity, which makes up 48.9% of people in East Bunbury. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.2% of the population, compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

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With a median age of 46, East Bunbury is materially older than the Regional WA figure of 40 and also well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 75 - 84 year-olds are particularly prominent (8.9%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (8.6%) than in Regional WA. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.8% to 13.4% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.9% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 11.3% and the to group dropped from to . Looking ahead to demographic projections reveal significant shifts in East Bunbury's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the to group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Conversely, population declines are projected for the to and to cohorts.

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East Bunbury currently has an estimated 247 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 172 children aged 0-2 and 114 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 34% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 34% by 2041 (to approximately 331 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 405. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.8 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.