Sub-region (SA3) · Area profile
Augusta - Margaret River - Busselton
3,664 km²
Population growth of 36% since 2011 has rapidly expanded Augusta - Margaret River - Busselton into a larger regional hub. It is a notably older community where the typical resident is 44, well above the national figure. The area is defined by large, detached homes and a high proportion of seniors, with over 21% aged 65 and over. This mix of growing families and retirees creates a relaxed coastal character where people are more likely to volunteer and own their homes outright.
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The area is noticeably older than the rest of the state, with a typical age of 44 and a high proportion of seniors. While the population has grown significantly since 2011, the share of children under 15 has fallen slightly to 19.2%.
English and Australian ancestries are the most common, though the number of people born overseas has risen to 20.3%. This figure remains well below the national average of 27.7%.
English is the dominant language here, with only 5.8% of people using another language at home. This is far below the national figure of 22.3%.
A majority of residents report no religion, at 52.9%. This is far above the national average and represents a significant increase of 22 points since 2011.
About 19.3% of adults hold a bachelor degree or higher, which is well below the national figure. However, more people have completed Year 12 compared to 2011.
Typical weekly household income is $1,477, which is a little below the national figure of $1,746. Despite this, the number of households earning over $3,000 a week rose nearly 10 points since 2011.
Long-term health conditions are reported by 27.7% of people, which is about the same as the national average. Arthritis is the most common reported condition.
Volunteering is very common here, with 21.9% of people helping out, well above the national figure. Many residents also spend significant time on unpaid housework and childcare.
First Nations people make up 1.8% of the population. This community is notably younger than the state average, and 44.7% of First Nations residents have completed Year 12.
Homes tend to be larger, with 2.5 people per household. Over half of all households are couples with children.
The area is dominated by separate houses, which make up 89.5% of dwellings. Home ownership is strong, with 35.6% of homes owned outright, well above the national average.
Cars are essential here, as only 1.2% of people commute using public transport. Very few homes—just 3.0%—have no motor vehicle.
The area is quite dynamic, with 41.5% of residents moving in the last five years. However, recent arrivals from overseas have fallen to 7.9%.
The unemployment rate is very low at 3.0%, among the lowest for similar areas. Many people work in accommodation, food services, or healthcare.
Recent growth has been strong, with the population increasing by 11.8% since the 2021 census, which is higher than the state average.
The region is much cooler and wetter than the state average, with an annual rainfall of 896mm and an average maximum temperature of 22.4 degrees.
The area is mostly car-dependent, as only 25.9% of homes are within a 15-minute walk of essential services. This is far below the state average.
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