South Bunbury (WA)

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South Bunbury's population is estimated at approximately 9,204 as of May 2026, according to Districts evaluations of ABS population figures for the surrounding region and new address points confirmed since the Census. Compared to the 2021 Census population of 8,810 people, this represents an addition of 394 people (4.5%). The update is calculated from a resident population of 9,190, which Districts estimated using the ABS release of ERP figures in June 2025 alongside an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level means a density ratio of 1,424 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average across national locations evaluated by Districts. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains, acting as virtually the sole source of growth in recent times.

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South Bunbury features a qualified workforce with a strong presence in essential services, an unemployment rate of only 3.0%, and a minor 0.6% rise in estimated employment over the last year, compiled from statistical area data by Districts. In March 2026, 4,871 residents were employed, and the local unemployment rate was 0.5% below the Regional WA average of 3.5%. Participation in the workforce matched the Regional WA level of 65.6%. According to Census records, a low 5.9% of residents worked from home, though this figure may have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions.

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The median income for taxpayers in the suburb of South Bunbury is $55,714, with an average income of $71,617, according to the latest postcode-level ATO data released for the 2023 financial year. This exceeds the national average and compares to a median of $59,973 and an average of $74,392 in Regional WA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would stand at approximately $61,804 (median) and $79,445 (average) as of March 2026. Census figures from 2021 rank personal income at the 47th percentile ($791 weekly) and household income at the 31st percentile. Income distribution shows the largest cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 brackets, containing 28.6% of residents (2,632 people), which aligns with the regional trend of in this category. Residents retain of their income for non-housing expenses, and the area ranks in the th decile for SEIFA income.

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According to the latest Census, the housing stock in South Bunbury consisted of 73.9% houses and 26.1% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative options), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings in Regional WA. Home ownership in South Bunbury stood at 36.2%, which is higher than the rate in Regional WA, while mortgaged properties accounted for 32.2% and rental properties made up 31.6%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,600, which is higher than the Regional WA median of $1,560, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to $265 in Regional WA. Nationally, mortgage repayments in South Bunbury are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also below the national average of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 62.0%, consisting of couples with children at 22.3%, couples without children at 28.4%, and single-parent households at 10.6%. The remaining 38.0% consists of non-family households, with single-person households representing 35.0% and group households making up 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment levels in South Bunbury are lower than regional benchmarks, with 22.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference suggests opportunities exist for educational growth and training. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 15.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Technical and trade skills are prominent, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (30.2%).

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An analysis of public transport reveals 82 transit stops in South Bunbury, which are serviced by a mix of buses. There are 8 different routes operating across these stops, providing a total of 696 passenger trips per week. Transport access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 165 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a residential suburb, the majority of workers travel outside the area for employment, and cars are the primary method of travel for 91% of commuters. Households own an average of 1.3 vehicles, which is lower than the regional average. A low 5.9% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 measures.

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Health indicators in South Bunbury are close to national averages, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic illness prevalence, showing typical rates of common medical conditions across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 56% of the population (~5,120 people) holding a policy.

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South Bunbury showed lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with 79.5% of residents born in Australia, 88.2% holding citizenship, and 91.8% using English solely at home. Christianity accounted for 49.1% of the population in South Bunbury as the dominant faith. Judaism stood out as the most notably overrepresented religion, making up 0.1% of locals, whereas it represented no residents in Regional WA.

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The median age of 43 in South Bunbury is slightly higher than the Regional WA average of 40 and noticeably above the national median of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket is overrepresented locally at 14.2% compared to the Regional WA average, while children aged 5 - 14 are underrepresented at 11.2%. The 25 to 34 age group increased from 11.4% to 14.2% of the population since the 2021 Census, while the 85+ cohort fell from 4.2% to 2.7% and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 12.9% to 11.7%. Population projections for 2041 indicate notable demographic shifts for South Bunbury, with the to cohort expected to grow by people () from to while the to and to cohorts are projected to contract.

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South Bunbury currently has an estimated 515 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 272 children aged 0-2 and 181 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 15% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 38% by 2041 (to approximately 712 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 727. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 8.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.