The City of Busselton had a preliminary estimated resident population of 31,767 in 2010 according to the ABS, however it is estimated that visitors increase this to over 60,000 on any one day during peak tourism periods and prior booking of accommodation is essential at these times. The City of Busselton's average annual growth rate over the past 20 years has been one of the highest sustained growth rates for a regional area in Australia in excess of 4%. Approximately 67% of the total population is located in the town of Busselton. Read more in our Demography and Planning report (below).

Dunsborough townscapeThe Dunsborough urban area has achieved healthy population growth in recent times and has a permanent population of approximately 4,000. The ratio of unoccupied private dwellings in Dunsborough continues to be significant, at approximately 45% of the total number of private dwellings when the census was taken in August 2006, which is very high in comparison to other areas.

The City of Busselton's current population structure reflects a broadening of the area's economy and increasing employment opportunities with a corresponding reduction in the significance of the area's ‘retirement' function. This is highlighted by the reduction in the percentage of residents aged over 55 from 25.1% in 1996 to 23% in 2001 while the percentage of residents aged 5-54 increased from 67.5% to 69.9% during that time.